Review
The Omoda 5 is the UK's first car from China's vehicle manufacturing group Chery, and a combination of keen pricing and compelling product features are giving Omoda dealers faith that it will be a sales success.
Omoda has bold sales ambitions for the UK new car market and, although it's a brand that's an unknown for most UK motorists, its rapid programme of dealership openings - often beside or replacing an existing mainstream franchise as Ford and Stellantis rationalise their dealer netorks - is set to tackle that.
Partnering well established dealer groups, plus providing a seven year warranty on its cars, are solid steps to build confidence in prospective buyers, but Omoda's cars must deliver too, of course. By the end of 2024 it wants 2,000 to 3,000 sales, rising to 30,000 in 2025.
And the Omoda 5 SUV does deliver - to an extent. It is well built, well equipped and felt comfortably composed and at home on the A-roads and B-roads of Cambridgeshire when Automotive Management took it out for a road test.
But on the road fuel efficiency might be a sticking point for some potential buyers unless they're low mileage motorists.
One of the Omoda 5’s strongest selling points is its pricing. Starting at under £24,000, it undercuts many rivals while offering a generous equipment list as standard. And currently buyers can put down a £4,550 deposit to sign up for a £299 per month PCP on 5.9% APR, which puts it very competitively up against rivals such as the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai.
Higher trims add premium features like a panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate yet remain competitively priced - a fully loaded Omoda won't even near the £30k mark.
With a solid 7-year/100,000-mile warranty included, the Omoda 5 provides peace of mind, enhancing its appeal for budget-conscious buyers.
The Omoda 5 is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 186PS. It’s paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive shifts.
The SUV accelerates fairly briskly, with a 0-62 mph time of around 8 seconds which puts it on par with more expensive competitors.
The poor fuel economy might put some buyers off this car. A WLTP average of 31mpg looks inadequate by today's standards, albeit one shouldn't forget this is a petrol, automatic family car. Still, for these customers there is the choice of a frugal pure electric alternative, the Omoda E5, for about a £4k premium.
Having achieved a five star Euro NCAP safety rating, the £23,995 Omoda 5 Comfort comes with a suite of ADAS technology, a duplex screen for infotainment and driving information, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera
For a £1,800 premium the higher spec Omoda 5 Noble adds heating for the front seats and steering wheel, a 360-degree camera and dual zone climate control, plus a sunroof, powered tailgate, 19in alloys and an optional two-tone roof.
The tech-filled cabin has plenty of thoughful touches, including a ventilated rapid wireless smartphone charger, and customisable ambient lighting that can be made to pulse in time with the stereo.
Soft-touch plastics and leather accents elevate the ambience further. A useful voice control system, activated by saying "hello Omoda", allows the driver to access the technology easily and even lower the windows without taking a hand off the steering wheel.
Inside the cabin, there is ample room for four adults, five at a bit of a squeeze.
Boot space is adequate, offering 378 litres, expandable to 1,075 litres with the rear seats folded. While it’s not class-leading, it’s practical enough for everyday family needs.
Outside, the Omoda 5 has a sleek silhouette is sleek, with sharp creases and a coupe-like roofline that enhances its sporty appeal.
It is the pricing that will ensure this car doesn't become another 'me too' SUV in a crowded market, and while it has its weaknesses this car is certainly a promising start for Omoda in the UK.
An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.
Factsheet
Price: £23,995-£25,395
Engine: 1.6 turbocharged petrol engine, 186PS, with seven-speed auto transmission
Performance: 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds, top speed 128mph
Efficiency: 169g/km CO2, 31mpg
