A new Chinese brand, Omoda, is gearing itself up to make waves across the UK car market as its sophisticated range arrives in dealerships next month.
The brand will offer a range of electric and petrol crossover SUVs when its cars reach dealers in April, with its headline model – the Omoda 5, main image – offering an all-electric powertrain option and value pricing, as well as impressive levels of technology and standard equipment.
Omoda says it will merge cutting-edge technology with a future-facing eco-conscious approach and the highest levels of quality, safety and design.
It will focus exclusively on urban crossover SUVs, and a commitment to supporting the drive to net zero carbon emissions, offering the latest technology at a responsible price.
Spotlight on the Omoda 5 and E5 crossover SUV
The headline model at launch will be the Omoda E5 crossover SUV, which combines futuristic design with intelligent connectivity.
The Omoda E5 has a 61kWh battery and a 204hp electric motor powering the front wheels, with a quoted range of around 260 miles on a full charge. The battery also accepts 80kW (DC) rapid charging and can charge from 30 to 80 per cent in as little as 30 minutes.
The battery is a latest-tech lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit, which comes with an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
The Omoda E5 will be available alongside a 1.6-litre petrol model, which will appeal to buyers not yet ready to switch to electric.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Two trim levels will be offered – Comfort and Noble – with features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus wireless mobile phone charging and a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
The premium Noble adds 360-degree 3D camera technology to enhance driver awareness plus features such as heated seats, power tailgate and sunroof.
What’s more, the Omoda 5 also has a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating.
Competitive pricing – and an extra brand to come
While pricing for all models has yet to be announced, Omoda says the 1.6-litre petrol variant will cost £23,995 when it arrives early summer.
That figure will buy the Comfort model, which is well-equipped and has a 187hp, turbocharged engine and seven-speed dual clutch transmission, with CO2 emissions of 169g/km and a quoted combined fuel economy figure of 34.5mpg.
Further Omoda models are set to follow, including a smaller and a larger crossover SUV, while Omoda’s parent company Chery is planning to launch the premium Jaecoo brand in the UK later this year.
It is also exploring the idea of a UK manufacturing facility to supply Omoda and Jaecoo across Europe. “We're currently in the initial stages of exploring a dedicated plant in the UK, given its significant market potential," says Omoda and Jaecoo UK country manager Victor Zhang.
To find out more about Omoda visit linkedin.com/company/omoda-uk