Omoda 9 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 Omoda 9, is decisively challenging the premium SUV market.

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

Clearly a high-end offering, it boasts sharp design, is packed with technology, and is powered by what Chery describes as a Super Hybrid System (SHS), delivering 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.

That’s impressive for covering most commutes with zero tailpipe emissions, meaning exemption from congestion charges and lower benefit-in-kind (BIK) taxation.

Design and Styling

It looks good, with what the brand describes as an ‘Art in Motion’ design philosophy, with 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.

Interior and Technology

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 Driving Experience

Power comes from a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated with two electric motors (one on each axle), producing a combined 499 PS and 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. It can roll a bit on corners, but the suspension smooths out most bumps. The hybrid engine is refined and excellent soundproofing keeps wind and road noise to a minimum.

Safety

Safety is comprehensive, contributing to a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Key features include:

Parking assist and a 360-degree camera.
Eight airbags.
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
Lane support system.
Fatigue alerts.
Rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.

Verdict

The Omoda 9 makes a strong first impression with its blistering performance, premium tech-filled cabin, and impressive electric-only range. While its infotainment isn’t the most intuitive and its ride favours comfort over sportiness, it looks a quality all-rounder.

However, unlike its established rivals, its long-term reliability, durability, and resale value remain unproven. A short test drive revealed an attractive package, but a true verdict on its overall quality will become apparent over time.

Factfile

OMODA 9 PHEV SHS

Price: £44,990
Mechanical: Combined 499 PS via a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and twin electric motors driving all wheels via three speed 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

It’s not that long ago that a Chinese car brand in the UK was as rare as hen’s teeth. Then established brands like MG and Volvo were taken over by Chinese manufacturers and the rush began.

A bit like waiting for a bus: nothing, and then they all turn up at once, with the likes of BYD, Great Wall, Omoda, JAECOO. and Xpeng.

The latest, Chery, is a name that will become very familiar in the UK. Forget about the puns regarding the cherry on the icing on the cake. The name is derived from the English word ‘cheery’ – apparently a mis-translation, but the company says it represents the philosophy of bringing cheer into its family cars.

This is not some start-up manufacturer, either; it is the second largest in China and it is already in the UK. It owns both Omoda and JAECOO, two brands that are having astonishing success in this country.

The JAECOO was the UK’s best-selling plug-in hybrid in August, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

So Chery, which sells millions worldwide, decided to get a slice of the action with the launch of two models: the oddly named Tiggo 7 and seven-seater Tiggo 8 SUVs, in petrol and plug-in hybrid form.

The brand sees the UK as an important and fertile market after the success of Omoda and JAECOO. It is committed to building an R&D centre here. The plan also includes establishing a large number of dealerships.

The firm says it understands the needs of drivers and that their cars are built with British roads, lifestyles and expectations in mind for years to come.

There are two variations: the entry-level but still well-equipped Aspire, and the Summit, which adds bells and whistles like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and massaging seats, and a premium Sony audio system.

Five are seated in relative comfort in both models, while the 8 actually accommodated a six-footer in one of the rearmost seats reasonably well.

The 7 petrol model starts at £24,995, while the plug-in Hybrid (Super Hybrid) model starts at £29,995. On the seven-seater, the petrol starts at £28,545 and the hybrid from £33,545.

In addition, Chery is offering seven-year warranties together with free RAC membership. ‘Not that you should need it,’ a Chery representative was anxious to point out.

Both offer a choice of turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engines and plug-in hybrid systems that combine a 1.5-litre petrol engine with electric motors driving the front wheels.

The ‘Super Hybrid’ version also offers a substantial range in EV mode, with af 56 miles claimed and a nominal range of 745 miles

Both are stylish-looking motors, featuring high waistlines, dynamic lines and eye-catching diamond-pattern grilles.

The smaller 7 has a sportier profile with dual-L-shaped daytime running lights. The bigger three-row, Tiggo 8, however, also has a striking design, with sharp LED headlamps and a distinctive rear LED light bar.

The interiors are high quality, with soft-touch finishes prevalent both on the dash and door areas, and a logical control layout.

The first thing to strike you is the comfort, something which Chery is keen to emphasise. Seats are comfortable, fully electrically adjustable and supportive.

The brains of the car are twin displays via the 15.6-inch LCD screens, which control high-level infotainment, navigation and smartphone connectivity and, depending on the model, wireless phone charging.

On the road, the tested Tiggo 7 proved itself a more than competent performer in both petrol and hybrid form.

On a challenging route around the twisting roads of south Worcestershire and into Herefordshire, it was put through its paces, demonstrating sharp handling for the type of vehicle and a decent turn of pace.

Both models are equipped with advanced safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, lane assist systems, and 360-degree camera systems for comprehensive visibility.

Targeting the established brands in the UK, Chery is a big player with plenty still to come.

On the road

Tag Archives: Jaecoo

Omoda comfort meets performance