Omoda 5 (2024): Crossing China at a deeply discounted price

The Chinese car company Chery is a relatively young company. The manufacturer, which as a local joint venture partner of Jaguar Land Rover also supplies British brand cars to the Chinese market, was founded in 1997. In addition to the Tiggo and Arrizo series under the Chery brand, brand name cars, namely along with Jetour and Karry, are also sold in the domestic market. Chery is also one of the founders of the Qoros company, which started with great ambitions. In 2017, the Chinese appeared for the first time at the IAA in Frankfurt, where they presented SUV models from the Exeed brand. The planned start of sales is still awaited today. New types of electricity are currently being developed.

Before that, another brand from the Chery Group is entering the scene: Omoda is meant to appeal to younger buyers. Not only in China, but also in Europe. The launch of the first model is scheduled for 2024. The Omoda 5 is a 4.40-meter-long crossover SUV, so its compact format matches established competitors such as the Hyundai Kona and Toyota C-HR.

As a combustion engineer and electrician

The design of Omoda 5 looks modern, the front is dominated by a large radiator grille. This also has a function, because in the first step the new model starts as a combustion engine. The 1.6-liter turbo-petrol engine produces 197 hp. The maximum torque of 290 Newton meters is between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. A two-part two-speed transmission from German specialist Getrag takes care of the correct ratio. This means it can go from zero to one hundred in 7.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 220 km/h. Omoda currently says that combined fuel consumption is less than 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers.

Alternatively, the Omoda 5 is also coming to Germany as an electric-only model. The electric motor on the front axle produces 150 kW and has a maximum torque of 340 Nm. Omoda 5 will be available with two battery sizes. The 41 kWh energy storage unit promises a range of up to 300 km, while the 62 kWh version has a range of up to 450 km. The cells are from CATL. The batteries should be able to charge up to 80 percent capacity within 35 minutes using a fast charger. Maximum charging power is not specified. In terms of design, the Omoda 5 EV is based on a closed front mask with new LED headlights.

Chery has also announced a plug-in hybrid version of Omoda 5. It is not known if he will also come to us. The technical details of the (partially) indoor pollution-free designs have not yet been revealed.

Certainly in the sense of work and only

In its 5 Series model specification, Omoda lists 16 driving aids, most of which are based on cruise control. The Chinese electric crossover also seems to have a very crash-proof body. This is supported by the five-star rating it received last year in the EuroNCAP crash test (see the video after the first paragraph), which confirms that the Omoda 5 has very good all-round qualities in terms of passive safety.

Behind the cockpit with two 10.25-inch, optically connected and customizable screens with adjustable brightness in 64 colors, the SUV should offer plenty of space for the driver and passengers. Smartphones can be connected to the Omoda 5 via Apple Carplay and Android Auto and charge wirelessly in the selected tray. In the first row there are sports seats with integrated headrests, which, according to the manufacturer, are covered with environmentally friendly leather and are ventilated. A keyless entry and start system is also standard. Information on the volume of the trunk is a little surprising: 380 liters are stated in the data sheet.

From 2024 for around 26,000 euros

Omoda 5 will be sold in Europe from the first half of 2024. And therefore also in Germany, where it will be one of the cheapest SUVs after its arrival. The Chinese offer a total price of around 26,000 euros for the basic model with a petrol engine. The two equipment lines are called “Comfort” and “Noble”, the latter being of higher quality and offering, among other things, a heated steering wheel, an electric sunroof, a 360-degree camera system and alloy wheels. 18 inches.

The electric variant has a very high price tag. Here the Chinese are quoting a base price of around 37,000 euros.

Moreover, the Chery subsidiary brand already offers a vision of a model family. Additional Omoda models were announced with the numbers 3 and 7. At the same time, SUVs with a rustic-looking design reminiscent of regular street cars were announced under the name Jaecoo (5, 7 and 9).