Omoda, half of a dual-brand approach to entering the UK market from Chinese firm Chery (alongside Jaecoo), has proved how serious it is with the launch of its second model – the flagship of its range, the Omoda 9. This car will be sold alongside the Omoda 5/E5 models.
The Omoda 9 is another SUV, this time in the D-segment, where the brand is aiming at the premium end of the sector, with key rivals such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and the Range Rover Velar.
Design and interior
In fact, we’re sure any similarities between the Omoda 9 and the Audi and Range Rover’s profile aren’t a coincidence. Outside, this Omoda is an SUV more in the style of the Jaecoo 7. At the front, the curvy front design features a clamshell bonnet, and colour-coded diamond-design family grille. The most distinctive part of the 9’s front design must be the X-shaped daytime running lights. Inspired by sci-fi and starships, they are made up of a total of 134 LEDs.
The side design is slippery, resulting in a 0.308 Cd figure, but conventional in its execution, with its high shoulder line, lower cutout, and sharp wheel arches. Besides this, there are power pop-out door handles, a curvy, coupe-like roofline, andd a large rear roof spoiler inspired by delta wing fighter jets. Plus, 20in alloy wheels and a raised ride height.
The rear highlight is a high-set LED light bar, plus quad exhaust tips that are modelled on aircraft jet engines, and a chunky rear diffuser.
Inside, the Omoda 9’s interior design feels modern, European and luxurious, with more soft covered finishes, like the EV version of the Omoda 5, rather than the disappointing ICE version’s many hard and textured plastics. The dashboard design is dominated by the high-set centre console, the welcome metal-look rotary controls for the ventilation and driving modes, and the 24.6in curved display that combines the driver module with the central screen, dominating the slim design, on the top.
There is a decent amount of interior space in the front, and the front seats are comfortable and supportive. Space is also ample in the back, although that sloping roofline means tall passengers’ heads will be touching the roof lining. Boot space at 660 litre is a good size, but rivals such as the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008 have a more useable area.
Overall, the 9’s interior is a big step over the lacklustre Omoda 5, but standard ADAS still intrude too much, with too many noises. The chrome-trimmed stalks have a lot of features and feel insubstantial, and the infotainment screen is fiddly to operate.
Performance and drive
The Omoda 9 will only be available as a plug-in hybrid, called the SHS (Super Hybrid System), which is most relevant to fleets. The SHS combines a 1.5-litre TDGI petrol engine with a hybrid transmission, four-wheel drive, and high-performance lithium-ion battery pack. The result is an ample 443hp, 516lb ft of torque, and 93 miles of EV-only range.
Where the Omoda’s SHS powertrain differs from the previously driven Jaecoo 7 is that it gets a different transmission, in the form of a three-speed, multi-clutch unit. As a result, should you need full throttle, the 1.5-litre engine can drive the front wheels directly. Otherwise, the engine functions as a generator for charging the 34.46kWh LFP battery, with the wheels driven by one or both electric motors.
The four-wheel drive system works with the front wheels powered by petrol and electric power, with the rear wheels powered by the electric motor only. The electric motor never fully depletes either, with at least 20% always, to help boost fuel efficiency, which followed the claimed figure on the short test route.
It doesn’t look it, but Omoda is also making great claims about the model’s off-road ability. The Omoda 9 has drive modes including off-road, snow, and sand. Plus, 600mm wading depth, and a ground clearance of 200mm.
On the road, with such a high EV range, this Omoda 9 effectively drives like one. However, it never feels 400hp fast, even in ‘Sport’ mode, as its 4.9 second 0-62mph figure suggests. Refinement is good, with the swaps between petrol and electric power mostly well-masked. In fact, you’re only aware of the engine when accelerating hard – when it does get quite loud.
The Omoda 9 has standard electromagnetic suspension, including adjustable steering weight and throttle response. Although, apart from the previously mentioned ‘Sport’ mode, it was hard to tell the difference. As an aside, there’s also a menu to turn off all or parts of the ADAS safety features.
The light, precise steering is a surprise. However, the ride is stiff at low speeds. This improves at speed, if you don’t select the over-stiff ‘Sport’ mode. The standard 20in alloy wheels probably don’t help here, either.
The Omoda 9 appeals again because of its affordability, long warranty, and high equipment levels. However, although a much better car than the Omoda 5, it’s still hard to recommend compared to established rivals available at a similar price.
Positive: Competitive pricing, well-equipped, comfortable, spacious, efficient.
Negative: Hard low speed ride, annoying ADAS systems, boot not as practical as rivals.
Standard equipment: 20in alloy wheels, LED headlights, daytime running lights and rear lights, synthetic leather-trimmed steering wheel and interior trim, 14-speaker audio system, wireless mobile charging, 24.6in curved display combining driver module and infotainment, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, panoramic view camera, keyless start, power tailgate, Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, adaptive cruise control.
Engines: Plug-in hybrid: 433hp
Equipment grades: Noble
Transmission: Three-speed automatic
| Model | Omoda 9 1.5 TDGI Noble AWD |
| P11D | £44,825 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | £6,650 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Fuel consumption | 43.6mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 38g/km (6%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £44/£89 |
| Luggage capacity | 660 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,499cc/443hp |
| Score | 7/10 |
