WORDS
Ella Kirby
There are the stalwarts of car manufacturers and then there are the disrupters. Omoda is in the latter camp. Celebrating its UK launch at the end of last month at a London event, the Chinese brand comes bearing gifts in the form of two new models: the petrol-powered Omoda 5 and all-electric Omoda E5 crossover SUV. Offering sleek, futuristic designs, tech-laden interiors and impressive performance, these all-new vehicles are setting the benchmark for a new era in accessible luxury.
Emerging onto the scene as a new name under Chery International – China’s leading vehicle exporter – Omoda’s customer-ready cars arrive on British shores in conscientious style via one of the world’s largest and greenest shipping vessels, spotlighting the brand’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Chen Chun Qing, executive vice president at Chery International, highlighted the brand’s mission: ‘Omoda is at the forefront of a new era of intelligent and new energy technology products and is already making an impact across Europe, even outselling established brands in some markets.’
With prices starting at a remarkably modest £25,235, the Omoda 5 impresses with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 187bhp and a 0-62mile-per-hour sprint in just 7.8 seconds. For those looking to go electric, the E5 model boasts a 257-mile range and rapid charging capabilities, allowing for a 30-80 per cent boost in just 28 minutes.
And things are just as state of the art inside, where luxury is found at every turn. Expect dual touchscreens, a high-end Sony audio system and effortless voice control functions, outfitted with contemporary sporting leather accents and always-welcome six-way power-adjusted seating. The E5 also features advanced connectivity, including 4G and over-the-air updates, ensuring your ride is always miles ahead of the curve.
With a choice of three driving modes – eco, comfort and sport – your new runaround can be tailored for an on-road experience as unique as the driver behind the wheel. Those who opt for these variants will benefit from a 360-degree-view camera, heated front seats, a powered tailgate and PM2.5 particulate filter to remove any lingering particulates from inside the cabin. It’s this exquisite attention to detail alongside covetable good looks and cutting-edge tech that poises Omoda in prime position to really shake up the UK SUV market.
Omoda 5 crossover SUV is priced from just £25,235, and the all-electric E5 on sale from £33,055; find more information here.