OMODA 5 Test Drive: Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese SUV Challenging the Giants

The automotive market in Spain has welcomed a new offering from the Chinese giant Chery, under its Omoda brand, with its model OMODA 5. This compact SUV has made a strong entry into our country, already accumulating more than 1,500 units sold in just a few months. Worldwide, the figures are even more impressive, with more than 200,000 units sold. But what is it about this SUV that is generating so much interest? Let’s find out in this road test.

A competitive SUV at a sharp price

The OMODA 5 arrives with a starting price of 27,900 euros, which can be reduced if you opt for financing. It also offers an attractive 7-year or 150,000-kilometre warranty, which can dispel doubts about the reliability of a vehicle of Chinese origin. Added to this is the brand’s clear intention to carve out a place in the European market, beginning with a high-profile presentation at the Palacio de Cristal in Cibeles, Madrid, and the announcement that the former Nissan facilities in Barcelona will be used to produce its vehicles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLZgWYGtPD0&t=88s

However, the most interesting model on the horizon is the fully electric version of the OMODA 5, which will feature a 150 kW (204 CV) motor, a 61.05 kWh battery and a homologated range of 430 km. With a price of €37,900 before incentives, it will be an option to consider in the competitive electric car market.

Modern and attractive design

The OMODA 5 stands out for its modern and eye-catching design. At the front, we find a diamond grille accompanied by LED lights and a distinctive light signature. At the rear, the “290T” nomenclature indicates the torque (290 Nm) and the presence of the turbocharger. The 18-inch alloy wheels add a sporty touch, especially on the trim levels that feature red details.

Technological and functional interior

The interior of the OMODA 5 impresses with its technology level. A 20.5-inch dual screen dominates the dashboard, split between the instrument cluster and the multimedia system, both 10.25 inches. In addition, the car includes a 50 W wireless charger with dedicated cooling, which is useful when the sun heats the area too much. It also stands out for its wireless compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

As for the voice command system, simply saying “Hello OMODA” can control functions such as opening the sunroof, lowering the windows or changing the radio. It is a practical solution, although we have noticed the system still has room for improvement, as it can occasionally interrupt CarPlay use.

The cabin is well finished, although there are areas for improvement. The dashboard, for example, uses materials that look attractive but are not always pleasant to the touch, and the centre console uses too much plastic. However, the bucket-type sports seats are comfortable and upholstered in perforated synthetic leather, with ventilation and electric adjustment.

While the space is not excessive, four adults of 1.80 metres can travel comfortably. The boot, with 360 litres of capacity, is somewhat smaller than that of rivals such as the Mazda CX-30 or the Hyundai Kona, but its attractive coupé-style design makes up for this limitation.

More than enough engine

The OMODA 5 is equipped with a turbocharged petrol engine of 186 CV and 1.6 litres, with 290 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, made by G-TRAC. The transmission is smooth, although it may feel a little slow if you demand more performance in manual mode.

The car has three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. Eco mode is ideal for urban driving, as it helps reduce fuel consumption by avoiding abrupt acceleration. In Sport mode, the engine shows its full potential and the steering becomes firmer, improving the sporty driving experience, although it does not stand out for agility in corners due to a somewhat soft and bouncy suspension.

The performance is remarkable, going from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, which places it on a par with competitors such as the Hyundai Kona with 198 CV, and ahead of the Mazda CX-30 with similar power. However, at high speeds on the motorway, greater engine and aerodynamic noise insulation is missing.

Full equipment at a competitive price

One of the OMODA 5’s strong points is its standard equipment. It features 13 ADAS systems, including lane keeping and emergency braking, which work discreetly, without being intrusive or annoying with constant warnings. In addition, it has heated and ventilated seats, as well as multiple customisation options for steering and driving.

Verdict: OMODA 5

• Gearbox: The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, made by G-TRAC, is not the quickest on the market, but it is very smooth in automatic mode. In manual mode, it allows sequential shifting with the lever, although it lacks paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

• Exceptional equipment for the price: No other vehicle in this price range offers as much standard equipment.

• Comfortable driving: The driver assistance systems are unobtrusive; they do not generate excessive noise or sudden steering jerks with lane keeping.

• Steering could be improved: The steering could be more precise, especially at the first turn of the wheel, where a lack of agility is noticeable. However, it can be adjusted from the multimedia screen, and the firmer mode slightly improves the feel.

• Voice recognition: It works well overall, but when used alongside CarPlay it sometimes interrupts the navigation app, a software detail that needs refining.

• Acoustic insulation: On the motorway, at high speed, more engine and aerodynamic noise is perceived than expected.

• Soft suspension: The suspension is somewhat soft, which causes a degree of bounce. This makes it less agile in corners, but it offers comfortable driving overall. The tested unit, with Michelin tyres, grips the tarmac well.

• Gear changes: In relaxed driving, the shifting is pleasant, but when more performance is demanded, it feels a little sluggish in its responses.

• Attractive financing: To access financing, an initial deposit of €7,673.24 and a final instalment of €14,264.98 are required, with a monthly payment of €190.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverOmoda 56 versions · from 27,900 €