This upgrade could solve the Omoda 9’s biggest problem
Car changing is a big deal
The Omoda 9 has received a handful of updates – some minor, and one major change which could remedy our biggest gripe with the car. News editor Jamie Edkins tells you everything you need to know.
The Omoda 9 is one of those cars which I reckon is so close to being a proper alternative to posh German SUVs. It’s got the interior quality, luxury features and tempting price tag to compete, but it’s always been let down by one thing.
That would be the way it drives. Whenever I’ve gotten behind the wheel I’ve been disappointed by the wallowy suspension and vague steering – it’s just not as refined as an Audi Q3 – but now it’s had some key upgrades which could fix these gripes.
Along with changes to the suspension, Omoda has also tweaked the interior and the hybrid system, so here’s a rundown of all the upgrades.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
New Omoda 9: what’s new?
The biggest upgrade to the new Omoda 9 is one you can’t see, but you should be able to feel from behind the wheel. It now has electronic dampers, which, in theory, will make it much nicer to drive.
It’s the same setup as you get on the Jaecoo 8, and that car handles corners and bumps way better than the current Omoda 9. At present, that car wobbles about over broken surfaces and crashes through potholes, and there’s quite a lot of body roll through the bends as well.
The Jaecoo 8 feels much more composed over rough surfaces and it corners flatter, so if the new Omoda 9 matches that car then it’ll be just as good to drive as something like a Skoda Kodiaq or Hyundai Santa Fe. We’ll have to get behind the wheel to be sure, but early signs are good.
Other changes are less drastic. You now get a suede headliner and massage seats up front, and there’s a new Black Noble version which gets, you guessed it, black wheels and exterior trims.
The 449hp hybrid system is pretty much unchanged, aside from the fact you lose three miles of electric range. It’ll still do 90 miles without the engine though, meaning it’s still one of the longest-range PHEVs you can buy. You also now get vehicle-to-load charging, meaning you can power household appliances using the car’s battery.
New Omoda 9: how much is it?
The updated Omoda 9 will start from £44,995, exactly the same as the current car. You can also save an average of over £3,000 on an Omoda 9 through Carwow at the time of writing.
First deliveries will start in August, and we’ll be driving the car as soon as it lands on UK shores to find out if these improvements have helped make the Omoda 9 a car to worry Audi and Mercedes. It was already so close to beating the Audi Q3 in our twin test, so these upgrades could be enough to push it over the edge.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
Want to see the latest car content first? Add Carwow as a preferred source here. Click here to follow us on Reddit, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos. You can also subscribe to our WhatsApp channel to get the latest news sent straight to your phone.