Omoda 9 SHS: Making a Name for Yourself

AAccording to a clearly exaggerated press release, Omoda and jeku The car brand recently managed to gain 2.7 per cent of the UK market share – which, if maintained, would put these two newcomers badged into almost the same position as the well-known names seat/cloth combi, or peugeot,

If there were any doubts about the strength of the Chinese “challenge” (the diplomatically preferred term) to the automotive establishment, the succession of remarkable sales successes by other increasingly prominent manufacturers, such as BYD, is an indication of how rapidly the landscape is changing.

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The Omoda 9 SHS I just walked through goes a long way in explaining why. Well, actually, given that it’s plug-in petrol/electric hybrid It has a claimed electric-only range of 93 miles, which I found admirable in my time with the SUV/coupe crossover. A few years ago such a feat was considered impossible; Yet here we are.

Chinese companies are known for their efficiency electric cars – confusing to those who like to portray the country as coal-fired hypocrites – but this edition of the Omoda 9 shows they have all sectors of the market covered, including sophisticated plug-in hybrids. And it goes well.

In case you were wondering, “Omoda” is a term coined a few years ago by the manufacturer, Chinese giant Cherry, for export markets. Apparently: “‘O’ stands for life and vitality, symbolizing oxygen, the essential element of life. ‘Moda’ is derived from modern fashion.”

whatever. It’s supposed to be the mainstream sibling of their premium Jaku range (I’ll explain that complicated nomenclature next time), but the Omoda feels anything but cheap, dare I say. It is extremely well equipped, for example, with advanced laser-based lidar assistance, full connectivity and a classy, ​​well-crafted cabin.

The ride is comfortable, and the seats and steering wheel are fully powered and adjustable – including the seat squab, which I always keep in mind as it really gives the car a special touch. There’s good ambient lighting around the cabin, as well as a “540-degree” panoramic camera system, which I assume means you can see the thing in bird’s-eye mode, it’s not like they’ve re-invented the geometry.

You also get cabin air purification, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats front and rear for four occupants, as well as a 14-speaker Sony surround sound system and a curved 24.6-inch display. Even the rear seats recline – just like a Bentley!

We’ll really only learn with time if it’s all durable and properly built, but, assuming it’s true, this is Mercedes kit at Citroën prices. For now, they’re offering a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, which is on par with a brand that has pioneered such consumer assurance. The boot is decent, 1,783 liters with the seats in place (larger than the Volvo XC60, smaller than the Dacia Bigster).

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The “SHS” in the model designation stands for “Super Hybrid System”, and it is capable of working with the petrol engine to directly drive the wheels where required or act as a generator to boost the battery pack depending on the circumstances. Power can go to all four wheels in different proportions. This is similar to the system used by Honda, and also shows that the Chinese makes are on par with their better established rivals.

Omoda also deploys something called an M3P battery-cell system, which I admit I don’t understand, but which also contributes to its remarkable blend of performance, range, and efficiency. They haven’t made the leap to solid-state cells yet, but it’s certainly cutting edge.

The net result is 700 miles of total range, hot hatch performance and still acceptable fuel consumption. The setup feels a little stressful when pressed into “Sport” mode only.

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I liked Omoda 9, as I’m sure anyone who isn’t a complete snob or Sinophobe would, but there were a few things that kept me from falling in love with it.

The overly styled dash eliminates legroom for taller passengers, and the ADAS (Advanced Driving Assistance Systems) requires one to have a great deal of faith in the omoda, such that even the slightest nervous tug on the steering wheel provokes the system to shut down, almost in petulant protest.

Also, the satnav has a highly Californian accent, as it told me about my planned trip from “Odd-by” (Odby) to “Harl” (Hull), and thinks “st” always means “street”, hence “Street Margaret Way”.

Omoda’s lines are quite smart in their usual fashionable way, but Hyundai Santa Fe Far more beautiful. It’s an incredibly crowded market for fully equipped plug-in hybrids suvPowered by tax breaks for company car users, but it’s worth seeking out. Now you’ve heard about it, that is.