Here’s a brand new rival to the Nissan Qashqai - the ‘5’ SUV from Chinese manufacturer OMODA.
You’ve probably never heard of OMODA before, but it’s a brand that means business, and it’s not mucking about when it comes to making in-roads into the UK market.
OMODA is actually a new marque launched by automotive heavyweights Chery, which is the ninth largest car manufacturer in China.
The OMODA badge will be handed exclusively to ‘desirable urban crossover SUVs’.
What’s unique about the incoming OMODA 5 - which launches properly early next year - is that it’ll be available with both a traditional petrol engine or a modern electric powertrain.
And that means it’ll be a tempting proposition for anyone still not quite ready to make the jump to electric, while being offered at what OMODA calls a ‘responsible price’.
So, what do you need to know about the OMODA 5?
Firstly, the looks are bold to say the least - as that front end is pretty much ALL grille. Those red accents are also reminiscent of the old Nissan Juke ‘Nismo’ models while the stance hints at the Renault Arkana hybrid.
The traditionally-fuelled OMODA 5 will get a 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine with power of 197 hp and 290 Nm of torque. An EV variant, the OMODA 5 EV will also be available at launch - though we don’t yet know what power or range it’ll have.
As is the case with most Chinese manufacturers, the list of kit fitted as standard is extensive - including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist and hi-lo beam assist.
The OMODA 5 has been crash-tested by industry safety assessors Euro NCAP, who awarded it the full five stars, so there’s peace of mind there, too.
Meanwhile OMODA also wants to create an online hub for fellow OMODA drivers - called the ‘O-CLUB’ - which creates a ‘global network of like-minded individuals’.
Whether you buy into that social environment or not is up to you, but there’s no getting away from the fact that the OMODA 5 should challenge some of the market’s biggest hitters - including the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson - while being affordable to boot.
We’re excited to see it in the flesh - and we’ll update you when we get to drive one.
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