Mat’s Car of the Day: the Omoda 9 can rival the Audi Q5 in terms of tech and luxury, but it costs a lot less
Car changing is a big deal
The Omoda 9 is a big hybrid SUV from China with a posh cabin and plenty of interior space. Here’s why Mat Watson thinks you should consider this car over an Audi Q5.
This is the Omoda 9, and it’s a car which should have German manufacturers a bit worried. I was seriously impressed with the amount of tech you get for the money, and the interior feels properly posh.
Here are three reasons I think you should consider buying this car, as well as some tips on how to get the best deal.
Three reasons to buy the Omoda 9
1. The interior is lovely
It feels like some German brands are going downhill in terms of interior quality. The new Audi Q5 feels cheaper in places than it should, and in some ways the Omoda 9 feels more luxurious. Every surface you see and touch is covered in soft-touch leatherette, and the switchgear is all really nicely-damped.
2. There’s loads of space inside
Rear legroom in the Omoda 9 is almost palatial, and the back seats can recline as well to make it even more relaxing. The 660-litre boot is also bigger than the Audi Q5’s, but the car costs about the same as the smaller Audi Q3.
3. Powerful plug-in hybrid engine with massive EV range
The Omoda 9 has a whopping 449hp, and it’ll do 0-60mph in a hot hatch-beating 4.9 seconds. It’s not just ballistically fast either, because it’ll also over 90 miles on electric power alone to keep the running costs down.
Omoda 9 prices and deals
You could consider the Omoda 9 as an alternative to the Audi Q5 based on its size, but with prices starting from £45,000 it costs roughly the same as a plug-in hybrid Audi Q3. That’s great value when you consider how much you get as standard.
There’s only one trim level to choose from, and it gets heated and ventilated front and rear seats, adaptive cruise control, a massive panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control and a 14-speaker Sony sound system.
You can also save an average of £3,600 on a new Omoda 9, making it look even more appealing compared to the £58,000 Audi Q5 e-hybrid.
Three annoying things about the Omoda 9
Not everything about the Omoda 9 is perfect. Here are three annoying things to consider before buying one.
1. It’s not great to drive
The Omoda 9 doesn’t feel quite as refined as an Audi Q5 thanks to the numb steering, and the semi-autonomous driver aids aren’t great either. The lane-keeping assist tugs at the wheel quite violently, and the car beeps constantly for one reason or another.
2. The infotainment system is confusing
During a six-month stint with the Omoda 9, we found the infotainment system to be pretty laggy and confusing. Turning on the heated seats requires multiple screen prods, but at least there are physical dials for the rest of the climate control.
3. Poor rear visibility
The sporty sloping roofline may make the Omoda 9 look cool, but it does mean you have pretty much no visibility over your shoulder. Parking is made easier by the standard 360-degree camera, but pulling out at oblique junctions can be tricky.
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.
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