WHATCAR
Omoda 9
Does this new Chinese plug-in hybrid SUV have what it takes to steal sales from established brands? Let’s see what some of our readers make of it
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readertestteam@whatcar.comCheck out other plug-in hybrids in our buyer’s guide on p106
Photography: John Bradshaw
OMODA IS A RELATIVE newcomer to the UK, arriving only late last year, but it (along with its Jaecoo sister brand) has been created by Chinese conglomerate Chery for the European market. It has already appointed 73 dealers and plans to grow this number to 100 by the end of this year.
The petrol-powered Omoda 5 SUV and its E5 electric equivalent were the brand’s first UK models, but they’re about to be joined by the larger Omoda 9. This flagship plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV aims to tempt buyers away from established brands with its affordability, high specification and promised fuel efficiency.
Power is supplied by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and a relatively large, 34.5kWh battery. Combined outputs of 443bhp and 516lb ft of torque promise muscular performance (0-62mph takes just 4.9sec).
Officially, the Omoda 9 can travel for up to 93 miles on electric power alone – farther than most other PHEVs can manage – and it has a combined range of 700 miles.
First deliveries are expected in June, and there’s just one trim level, priced at £44,990. Its long list of standard equipment includes heated and ventilated front and outer rear seats, a 14-speaker Sony surround sound audio system and a panoramic glass roof.