Electric/hybrid, Luxury, Motoring, Omoda

Omoda 9: Luxury meets performance

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Omoda 9 SHS PHEV

By Bill McCarthy

The arrival of Chinese brands continues so rapidly that a brand like Omoda already feels established, despite launching only in the summer of 2024. Now, its new flagship, the all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid Omoda 9, is challenging the premium market.

It arrives as a single, comprehensively equipped model, with all its hi-tech bells and whistles and premium features as standard.

A high end alternative

Clearly a high-end offering, it boasts sharp design, is packed with technology, and is powered by what’s described as a Super Hybrid System (SHS). It delivers blistering pace and a claimed mammoth range of over 700 miles.

Priced from £44,990, it comes with a seven-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and an eight-year battery warranty.

Developed by parent company Chery International, this plug-in hybrid has a claimed electric-only range of 93 miles – impressive for covering most commutes with zero tailpipe emissions, meaning exemption from congestion charges and lower benefit-in-kind taxation.

Design and styling
It looks good, with what the brand describes as an ‘Art in Motion’ design philosophy, featuring a sleek SUV silhouette and attractive matte finish paintwork.

It features a large signature grille, striking LED light signatures, and pop-out door handles. There are full-width light bars at both ends and standard 20-inch alloy wheels.

Classy hi-tech nterior
The high-tech interior is dominated by a single, curved 25-inch display that acts as a dual control screen –one for infotainment and connectivity, the other for real-time driver information. The main screen features a 14-speaker Sony sound system, smartphone connectivity, and navigation.

While the graphics are top-notch, the menu system isn’t entirely intuitive, though the three rotary controls for climate and drive selection are easy to use.

The cabin features soft-touch materials, leather-trimmed seats, and brushed metal accents. Both the front and outer rear seats are fully electrically adjustable, with heating and ventilation.

The space is light and spacious, aided by a huge electric panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and USB ports for all passengers.

Performance and handling
Power comes from a 1.5-litre, 157 PS petrol engine mated with two electric motors (one on each axle), producing a combined 499 PS and a huge 700 Nm of torque. The driver can select from six settings: Normal, ECO, Sport, Snow, Mud, and Off-Road.

On the road, it hits 60 mph in under five seconds. While very rapid, it’s designed more for comfort, excelling as a motorway cruiser. There’s definitely body roll in corners, but the suspension smooths out most bumps. The hybrid engine is refined and excellent soundproofing keeps wind and road noise to a minimum.

Practicality and Safety
As an SUV, it’s practical, with 600 litres of stowage space, expanding to 1,783 litres with the 60/40 split seats folded. There is also a deep central console and generous door bins.

Safety is comprehensive, featuring Safety is top-tier, contributing to a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Standard kit includes:

  • Driver Fatigue Alerts
  • Parking Assist with a 360-degree camera
  • Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian/cyclist detection
  • Lane Support System
  • Eight airbags
  • Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Verdict
The Omoda 9 represents an attractive package with its blistering performance, premium tech-filled cabin, and impressive electric-only range. While its infotainment system requires some familiarisation and its ride prioritises comfort over sporty handling, it presents itself as a quality all-rounder in the competitive premium SUV segment.

The true test for the Omoda 9 will be how it stands up to long-term ownership. But for buyers seeking a well-equipped, technologically advanced plug-in hybrid SUV with exceptional performance comprehensive warranty protection, the Omoda 9 deserves serious consideration.

Factfile

  • OMODA 9 PHEV
  • Price: £44,990
  • Mechanical: Combined 499 PS via a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and twin electric motors driving all wheels via an automatic transmission
  • Max Speed: 124 mph
  • 0-62 mph: 4.9 seconds
  • Economy: 43.6 miles WLTP (201 miles full state of charge)
  • Insurance Group: TBC
  • CO2 emissions: 38g/km
  • BiK rating: 6%
  • Warranty: Seven years/unlimited miles

SUV, SUV/4X4, Suzuki

Revamped Vitara Hybrid still makes a statement

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Suzuki Vitara Hybrid

By Bill McCarthy

Suzuki’s smart SUV has always been a popular model, commanding customer loyalty with its keen pricing and reputation for reliability. Ahead of the launch of the all-electric e-Vitara this year, the hybrid model has received a comprehensive facelift. 

It now features two model names – Motion and the range-topping Ultra – bringing it in line with the rest of the Suzuki brand. Both grades feature a digital media display, smartphone connectivity  and keyless entry.

Sharper style cues

Externally, the Vitara sports a redesigned front grille and bumper, a new upper spoiler, fresh 17-inch alloy wheel designs, and new colour options. The metallic blue on the model we saw was particularly striking.

Hi-tech improved cabin

Inside, the cabin is not exactly a riot of leather luxury, offering an altogether more practical environment.

The driving position is commanding, with a chunky, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel.

It benefits from more soft-touch finishes on the dashboard and door cards, alongside uprated trims that lift the ambience. 

The cabin is dominated by the latest nine-inch screen, which controls major functions like infotainment, navigation, and smartphone connectivity. 

The menu system is intuitive, but the screen’s resolution isn’t class-leading.

Unusually for a modern car, it retains a standard USB-A connection instead of offering a USB-C port, a curious but perhaps pragmatic choice. 

The Ultra grade tested here adds a panoramic sunroof, suede/leather seats with contrast stitching, and front/rear parking sensors.

Performance and efficiency

The model range is offered with a choice of two hybrid powertrains as standard.

 A 1.4-litre mild hybrid is paired with a manual transmission, while a 1.5-litre full hybrid uses an AGS automatic gearbox. This automated manual system can occasionally be felt during low-speed gear changes, but it prioritises efficiency.

 Both drivetrains are available with optional 4WD, a unique feature in the small SUV sector.
These new systems deliver improved efficiency, with fuel economy up to 56.4 mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 113g/km.

All-wheel-drive capability

This Ultra model features Suzuki’s excellent ALLGRIP four-wheel-drive system with four drive modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock. 

The system prioritises fuel economy in Auto mode, sending power primarily to the front wheels until slip is detected.

 Lock mode helps free the car from challenging conditions like snow, mud, or sand by using a limited-slip differential to brake any slipping wheel and transfer torque to those with grip.
Suzuki’s all-wheel-drive capability is well-documented; a recent, challenging off-road outing with the Vitara’s sister model, the Jimny, clearly demonstrated its strength.

Practicality

Practical and off-road capable, this SUV is also a comfortable family vehicle. It offers generous head and legroom, fully adjustable and comfortable seats, and a commanding driving position.

Boot space is a decent 642 litres with the rear seats folded, aided by a removable floor that creates a useful, configurable two-level storage area.

Safety and assistance

Safety measures have been significantly improved. 

The Vitara now comes with Suzuki’s latest dual-sensor brake support system as standard.
The comprehensive list includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and high-beam assist.

This Ultra grade model adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, providing a 360-degree safety net for both city driving and motorway journeys.

Verdict

The Vitara is a versatile and smart choice, balancing urban practicality with genuine all-weather and off-road capability. 

The brand has a loyal following and the Vitara offers a rare option of 4WD in this class.  It remains a thoroughly contemporary and cost-effective family utility vehicle, offering a package few direct rivals can match.

Factfile

Suzuki Vitara Hybrid manual

  • Price: £30,799
  • Mechanical: 109PS, 1,463cc, 4cyl mild hybrid petrol engine driving all wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
  • Max speed: 111mph
  • 0-62mph: 12.2 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 52.3
  • Insurance group: 16E
  • CO2 emissions: 132g/km
  • BiK rating: 31%
  • Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 mile

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