OMODA 5 ELECTRIC ESTATE 150KW Noble 61kWh 5dr Auto

The Omoda E5 is a small electric family crossover claiming to offer a lot. Can it deliver? Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Chinese brand Omoda's initial foray into the UK market depends largely on this car, the Omoda E5. This all-electric compact family hatch crossover enters a tough segment but brings value and fashionable design for those prepared to try something a little different.

Background

After years of promising to flood our market with electric vehicles, China finally has, with all manner of new EVs from unfamiliar brands arriving to take on the established makers. Here's another, the Omoda E5, a Chery automotive group product that sells alongside the conventional petrol version of this car that was launched just before it. As with other Chinese EVs from brands like the BYD, MG, GWM Ora and Leapmotor, this one primarily sells on value, technology and design. You probably aren't yet familiar with this Omoda E5; it's a lower-mid-sized family hatch / crossover model aimed right at the heart of the compact part of the family market, with appeal somewhere between family hatch (think something like a Vauxhall Astra Electric) and small SUV/Crossover (think something like a Hyundai Kona Electric). So why might you choose this Omoda over established players like those?

Driving Experience

This E5 electric model offers 201bhp from its front-mounted e-motor. Which means that 62mph can be dispatched in 7.2s en route to 107mph, the kind of performance you'd be very unwise to exercise if you wanted to get anywhere close to the claimed 257 mile range figure from the blade-style 61kWh battery pack. This of course would require near-permanent progress in the most frugal of the three drive modes - 'Eco' - and possibly even selection of the 'limp home'-style 'extreme energy-saving mode' that's also provided. You'd also need to be frequently selecting the fiercest of the three provided Energy Recovery Level brake regen settings - choose between low, medium or high, the latter strong but some way off a 'one-pedal-style' feel in terms of the way that speed is scrubbed off when you release the throttle. Unfortunately, there are no brake regen steering wheel paddles - you have to fiddly about in screen menus to alter the effect. In a curious - but potentially irritating - touch, a breathy female voice articulates the drive mode chosen as you select it. There's slightly jerky driveability with the petrol model. Omoda's gone all out to ensure that there's none of that with this E5, building in two brake-related features; Brake Pitch Control supposedly smoothes out stopping; and a Brake Sensitivity Mode provides two options for adjusting brake pedal feel sensation - comfort or sport. Overkill? We thought so too. It'd be easier if smoothness was just built in at source. Still, the end effect is much more of a mature driving experience than with the petrol model, with dynamics that seem to be helped rather than hindered by this EV variant's extra 250kgs of kerb weight. The ride's slightly on the firm side, but that does at least mean that body roll's well controlled at speed through the turns, though the syrupy steering feel won't encourage you to put that to the test. Omoda says that the suspension, steering and anti-roll bars have all been re-tuned over the Chinese market model to cater for differing European tastes.

Design and Build

Compared to the petrol Omoda 5, this EV version has, according to manufacturer Chery, been 'optimised for aerodynamics'. Which means a unique rear spoiler, a bespoke front grille and modified front side wings. Omoda is determined that fashionable design should be a major selling point of its models, which is why you'd be unlikely to mistake this car for anything else. Certainly not the two cars this 4-metre-long compact family EV crossover is primarily pitched against, the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Niro EV (both of which are a little shorter). The main visual talking point is a huge grille which is almost completely flush with the front bumper. The rear gets a full-width light bar and and an aggressive roof spoiler. All models have a rakish profile with blanked-out C-pillar. Inside, where everything is of surprisingly high quality for a mainstream brand, there's a high-mounted 10.25-inch infotainment screen. And a digital instrument cluster of the same size built into a single wide panel mounted on top of the dashboard. You're going to need to like smudge-worthy gloss black-trimmed panelling, but everything is decently screwed together and the things you interact with regularly are soft to the touch. Plus there's adjustable ambient lighting that varies itself with the selected drive mode. Despite the gently sloping rear roofline, there's plenty of headroom in the back, even with a sunroof fitted. And decent leg room for six-footers too. Out back, there's a 380-litre boot. The trunk area lacks bag hooks but gets a low loading lip, so it's easier to slide heavy items in.

Market and Model

Unlike its Chinese counterpart BYD, Omoda isn't immediately trying to match prices against the established players in this segment. The Omoda E5 model in base 'Comfort' form costs around £33,000, with a further £1,500 required for the plusher 'Noble' version. For perspective, the conventional 1.6-litre petrol model is priced from just over £25,000. You might expect a new largely-EV brand to be selling online, with agency models and subscription services. But no: Omoda will be selling its cars here via traditional dealerships, with 50 open at launch and double that number by the end of 2024. They cover most major UK centres and you can find your nearest one by going to omodauk.com. The brand has lent heavily on advice from its partner Jaguar Land Rover for its launch into the UK; Omoda parent company Chery handles local Chinese production of the Evoque, the Discovery Sport and Jaguar's XF and XE models for that Far Eastern market. As you'd hope, there's lots of equipment included as standard. Like powerful LED headlights with T-shaped daytime running lights. And matrix taillights with 3D-effect illumination. Inside, the sporty front seats can be heated and ventilated and feature a variety of electrical adjustments. As you'd want, there's a full suite of intelligent ADAS systems for driver assistance. The portfolio includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping and automatic low/high beam switching.

Cost of Ownership

As we said in our 'Driving' section, the top 61.4kWh model's battery (60.4kWh usable) has a claimed range of around 257 miles - think around 228 miles in the real world. Energy efficiency is rated at 4.0mpkWh. It only charges at up to 80kW but will replenish itself from a DC public charger from 10 to 80% in about 40 minutes. There's no 22kW charging option (unlike the rival Nissan Ariya), so buyers will be restricted with 11kW AC charging. If you're AC charging from home using a conventional 7.4kW garage wallbox, a full charge from empty will require around 11 hours. The car will charge at up to 11kW and if you're able to do that via an 11kW wallbox from a three-phase supply, the charging time will improve to around 8 hours. Most new brands offer comprehensive warranties and this one is no different. Omoda includes a 7 year/100,000 mile warranty with all its cars. Servicing needs are quite frequent; for both powertrains, garage visits are needed every year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. Affordable servicing plans are available though, at point of purchase and servicing turnround times will be aided by a UK parts warehouse established in cooperation with DHL. There's 24/7 RAC roadside assistance too, which renews with each service up to the end of the warranty. Insurance groupings start from group 34D and for the E5 'Noble', it's group 35D.

Summary

You can't imagine that Omoda is going to sell too many conventional petrol-powered Omoda 5 models here, but we'd expect a brighter sales future for this EV version. If you're already switching into the unknown with an EV, then also switching to an unknown brand might not seem too much of a further step. Especially as this electric Omoda is either significantly better value or larger than many of its direct competitors - or both. Of course you're going to need to like the divisive looks. And you'll need to be within reach of one of the relatively small number of UK Omoda dealers. Still, if you're OK on both those counts, there's potentially a lot to like here.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Heated washer nozzles

Heated rear windshield

Front and rear electric windows with anti pinch and one touch operation

Heated front windshield

Transparent and sound insulation glass

Front and rear frameless wiper

Auto speed adjust front wiper

Windows opening via remote

Brakes

Electronic brake force distribution

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Red Brake caliper

Front ventilated disc brakes

Traction Control System

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

HDC - Hill descent control

EBA

Hill start assist control (HAC)

Advanced emergency braking system

BAS (Brake Assist System)

Rear cross traffic braking

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Multi collision brake system

Disc brakes in rear

Brake override system (BOS)

Autohold

Chassis/Suspension

Independent rear suspension

McPherson strut front suspension

Multilink rear suspension

Communication

Voice control system

E-call

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Bluetooth

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control

Lane keep assist

Speed limiter

Front and rear parking sensors

Emergency stop signalling system

Traffic sign recognition

Rear collision warning

Electronic Power Steering (EPS)

Rear crossing traffic warning

Lane departure prevention

Lane departure warning

Front collision warning

Speed limit warning

3 driving modes Normal/Eco/Sport

Lane change assist

Blind spot detection

ICA - integrated cruise assist

360 degree HD camera

Different modes(welcoming mode, pet mode, cooling mode, camping mode and more)

Front car moving alert

Smart limit control (SLC)

DAI Forward Departure System

Driver Convenience

Power tailgate

Remote engine start

Remote HVAC start

Column shifter

Driving recorder interface

Driver Information

Driver monitoring system

Traffic jam assist

Connected navigation

Mobile phone wireless charging pad

Emergency lane keep assist

Slush molding instrument panel

Door/hood/boot unlock warning

12.25" LCD cluster

Live functions

12.25" central LCD display

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Body colour door mirrors with integral indicators

Electric adjustable/heated/auto power folding door mirrors

Floor lamp on the rear mirror

Embellishment Trims

Dark colour interior

Entertainment

DAB audio

2x USB sockets in front

1x USB rear

Sony 8 speaker

FOTA system

USB charging port in rear view mirror

Exterior Body Features

Roof rails

Body colour door handles

Power sunroof

Shark fin antenna

Engine cover

Rear side wing doors

Single layer roof spoiler

Exterior Lights

High level brake light

Headlamp levelling

LED daytime running lights

LED rear lights

LED front fog lights

Automatic high/low beam

Follow me home headlight function

Sequential indicators

Automatic LED headlights

LED centre high mounted stop light

Rear fog light

Logo projection

Headlight Ceremony Display (On lock and Unlock)

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

2 zone automatic air conditioning

PM2.5 air filter

Interior Features

Leather steering wheel

Multi function steering wheel

Coat hooks

Heated steering wheel

12V socket in luggage compartment

12v power outlet - front

Gear shift indicator

Synthetic leather upholstery

Rear outlet

4 way adjustable steering column

12V power outlet - Boot

2nd row centre armrest with cupholder

PVC cover door panel

Foldable grab handle with damping

Glove box with damping

Type C fast charging port

Front armrest with cooling ventilation storage

Interior Lights

Rear reading lights

Front reading light

Trunk light

Luggage compartment light

Multi colour ambient lighting

Safety

Warning triangle

Front side airbags

Front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters

Rear outer seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters

Door open warning

Height adjustable front seatbelt anchors

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Side curtain airbags

RSC - Roll stability control

Seatbelt reminder for driver/front passenger and rear seats

Dual airbags for driver and front passenger

Front centre airbag

Mechanical child safety lock

3 point seatbelt in rear middle seat

Outer rear seatbelts

Front passenger airbag enable switch

Intelligent escape system (IES)

Seats

Heated front seats

Heated rear seats

60/40 split folding rear seat back

Front sports seats

4 way power adjust front passenger seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

6 way power adjustable driver seat

Isofix child seat anchor points

Single front passenger seat

Front integrated headrests

Manual 2 way adjustable headrests for second row seats

Security

Engine immobiliser

Anti theft system

Central locking

Automatic door locking

Keyless entry and push button start system

PEPS (passive entry and passive start)

Remote key

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/passenger sunvisors + illuminated vanity mirrors (drivers with ticket holder)

Vehicle Charging

Vehicle to load charging

DC charge module (around 110kw to 120kw)

11kw AC charge module

2.8kw home charger

Different color signals for DC charging and AC charging in the charging plug

Wheels

Aluminium rim

Wheels - Alloy

18" Alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Full size spare wheel

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 480

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 240

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 30-80

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 28

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 80

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 30-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 61.1

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 414

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 16.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.8

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 257

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Front

Usable Battery Capacity: 61.1

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 80

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Noble

Coin Description: 150KW 61kWh

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 7

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 35D

Service Interval Mileage: 10000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 68

NCAP Safety Assist %: 88

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 204

Badge Engine CC: 0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.2

Top Speed: 107

Engine Power - BHP: 204

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 150

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 251

Engine Torque - NM: 340

Engine Torque - MKG: 34.7

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 215/55 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 215/55 R18

Tyre Size Spare: FULL SIZE

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4424

Width: 1830

Wheelbase: 2630

Width (including mirrors): 2101

Height: 1588

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1710

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2246

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 450

Max. Loading Weight: 536

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 380

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1075

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 5.45

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Bi-tone Metallic paint

Bi-tone solid paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Garnet red

Metallic - Cobalt blue

Metallic - Obsidian black

Metallic - Jade green

Metallic - Tourmaline grey

Metallic - Selenite white

Paint - Solid

Solid - Galena silver

Paint - Two Tone

Solid Bi-tone - Galena silver/black

Metallic Bi-tone - Jade green/black

Metallic Bi-tone - Selenite white/black

Trim - Leather

Synthetic leather - Black