Last month I was invited to a sneak peek of the Omoda E5 EV, (more details on that another time). While there, I discovered that they also had their ICE-powered C5 available to test, so I immediately put my hand up.
You can be forgiven for not knowing who or what Omoda is, so let me explain. Omoda as a vehicle marque only debuted in 2022, however, it falls under the Chinese giant Chery’s umbrella, which began in 1997. According to Sheldon Humphries (Country Manager, Omoda and Jaecoo New Zealand), the O in Omoda relates to ‘oxygen’, while Moda means ‘modern’, and when it comes to their vehicles, Omoda is out to be a low/no-emission brand that targets the fashion conscience. So now you know.
As noted earlier, the Omoda C5 comes with a ‘conventional’ petrol-fuelled engine, which just happens to be a 1.5L Turbo (108kW/210Nm) mated to a CVT transmission that drives the front wheels. It runs on 91 octane which is better for the wallet and claims 6.9L/100km fuel efficiency, however, although its emissions are better than some, its 164g/km will undoubtedly be offset with sales of their E5 EV.
Final specs and prices have yet to be revealed for NZ, however, Sheldon says that they are looking to have two models on offer, a base level version and a VERY well kitted out, top of the range, ‘EX’ C5, the one I was given.
When it comes to dimensions, the C5’s 4.4m length, 1.83m width and 1.59m height will happily fit in most garages, it’s also got a 360L-1075L luggage space that’s more than enough for most shopping trips. What’s more, the tailgate opens automatically, (stand close then step back) so you won’t have to struggle when laden with shoe boxes.
Its looks are hard to miss, with a grille that’s both expansive, latticed and loaded with chrome gems, and the LED head and DRL lights are slim and T-shaped. Seriously, you will not lose the Omoda C5 at the mall.
My model came with 18-inch alloys with striking red accents, which matched the red stripe that ran under its nose, along the protected sills and up near the roofline spoiler. The roof itself is ‘floating’ and has a large sunroof, while the rear comes with a full width lightbar and ‘welcome’ lights. It’s a chic looker, that’s for sure.
The treats continue inside, with a red-piped theme that runs along the synthetic leather seats and onto the dash. The cabin is ‘moda’, so modern and well laid out, with buttons for driving modes (eco or sport), and seat heating, and a dial for the stereo volume. Plus it has two wireless charging points, so you’ll never miss a call from your agent (or run out of juice for posting on socials).
The large digital screen takes up most of the dashboard with 10.25-inches allocated to the infotainment/instrument clusters, and I have to say the images are clean and clear, with particular note of the 3D/360-degree parking views. It’s got a myriad of apps and plenty of ADAS driving and safety help.
While on the matter of safety, The Omoda C5 has received a 5-Star ANCAP safety rating in Australia (under the Chery name), so there is just a bit of paperwork that needs to be done for NZ.
My few days with the C5 was spent locally, running errands and heading to the seafront for some fresh air and solo driving. I’m led to believe that the Omoda SUV will be priced ‘competitively’ which had me thinking that it would perform more Hallensteins than Barkers, but I was incorrect. On the road, the C5’s ride is smooth and confident, and boy does it grab attention.
The engine picks up well (even with a CVT) and there’s plenty of nudge when you head up above the 5,000 rpm mark. To me the steering was a bit ‘playstation-ish’ but the heated steering wheel was a nice touch. It held the corner speed with FWD assurity (and the sporty seats cosset well) and when mooching around the mall, the aforementioned views made things very easy.
I did a few gripes though, on the highway, I found enabling the adaptive cruise control a little less intuitive than I’d have liked (probably my old brain) and quick three-point turns had me revving the engine in neutral – must come to a full and complete stop. Lastly, the rear view mirror offered up an unconventional image – or maybe I’d had too much champers the night before.
On a more positive note, the software switches well between screens and the information your are delivered is really well laid out, and personalisable too. There is also a nice driving feel switch between eco and sport, but I’m sure you know that most of my time was spent in the latter.
Omoda may be new to NZ but they’ve already got 13 dealers confirmed thus far with another two that are busy coming online and expressions of interest for the outer/smaller townships. Their vehicles also come with roadside assistance and warranty for seven years too.
We’ll let you know pricing as soon as we know.
