Omoda 5 Review: The New Family SUV on the Block

speaker1

Welcome, everyone, to our latest episode of 'The Car Review Show'! I'm your host, [Name], and today we're diving deep into the new Omoda 5, a family SUV that's making waves in the UK market. Joining me is the incredibly insightful [Co-Host Name]. [Co-Host Name], what do you think about the Omoda 5 so far?

speaker2

Thanks, [Name]! I’m really excited about this one. It’s a new name in the market, but Omoda is making a bold entry with the 5. It’s a compact SUV that’s really catching people’s attention. What do you think are the key points we should cover today?

speaker1

Absolutely, let’s start with the basics. The Omoda 5 is a competitively priced family SUV that’s made by a Chinese brand, Omoda, which is a subsidiary of Chery. It’s designed to take on some of the best-selling SUVs in the UK, like the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai. One of the first things that stands out is its price point. It starts at around £25,235, which is quite attractive for the features it offers. What do you think about that, [Co-Host Name]?

speaker2

Yeah, that’s a pretty compelling price point. It’s definitely in the sweet spot for a lot of families looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much on quality. But, the price is just one factor. What about the driving experience? How does it handle on the road?

speaker1

Good question. The Omoda 5 is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 183 horsepower. On paper, it’s a solid performer with a 0-62 mph time of 7.9 seconds. However, in real-world driving, the engine can be a bit coarse and needs to be worked hard to get the best performance. The seven-speed automatic gearbox is smooth once you’re up and running, but it can be a bit sluggish off the line. What do you think about the ride quality and handling?

speaker2

The ride quality is a mixed bag. It does a decent job of absorbing small bumps, but it tends to get a bit fidgety over harsher imperfections. It’s not as smooth as the Kia Sportage, which is known for its comfortable ride. The steering is quite light, which is great for maneuvering in town, but it doesn’t provide much feedback, making it a bit less engaging on twisty roads. So, it’s a good everyday driver but not a sports SUV by any means.

speaker1

Exactly. Moving on to the interior, the Omoda 5 has a smart and modern design. The dual 10.25-inch screens give it a premium look, and the material quality is impressive, especially for the price. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, but the rear seats can be a bit cramped, especially for taller passengers. The rear headroom is limited due to the sloping roofline, and the boot space is only 307 liters, which is smaller compared to its competitors. What do you think about the interior design, [Co-Host Name]?

speaker2

I agree, the interior is visually appealing, but it does have its drawbacks. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with quick touchscreen response, but the graphics could be sharper. The climate controls are touch-sensitive, which is a bit fiddly and not as intuitive as physical buttons. However, the overall build quality is solid, and the standard equipment list is generous, even in the base model. It’s a good balance of style and practicality.

speaker1

Absolutely. When it comes to buying and owning, the Omoda 5 comes with a long list of standard features, including adaptive cruise control, part-leather upholstery, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The standout feature is the seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty, which is one of the best in the business. However, the running costs can be higher due to the thirsty petrol engine, which averages around 31.4 mpg. For company car drivers, the CO2 emissions of 170 g/km are on the higher side. What do you think about the value proposition, [Co-Host Name]?

speaker2

The value proposition is strong, especially with the long warranty and generous standard equipment. But, the higher running costs and limited fuel efficiency might be a downside for some buyers. It’s a good option for families looking for a well-equipped SUV at a competitive price, but it might not be the best choice for those prioritizing running costs. What about its safety features? How does it fare in that department?

speaker1

Safety is a crucial factor, and the Omoda 5 doesn’t disappoint. It has achieved a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP, which is excellent. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a driver monitoring system, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. The road-sign recognition can be a bit inaccurate at times, but overall, it’s a very safe vehicle. What do you think about the technology and infotainment system, [Co-Host Name]?

speaker2

The technology is quite impressive, especially for the price. The infotainment system is responsive and user-friendly, and the wireless connectivity options are a big plus. However, as I mentioned earlier, the touch-sensitive climate controls can be a bit fiddly while driving. The digital driver’s display is simple but effective, and the reversing camera is a big help for parking. It’s a solid package, but there’s always room for improvement.

speaker1

Absolutely. Lastly, let’s talk about fuel efficiency and running costs. As I mentioned, the 1.6-liter petrol engine is not the most fuel-efficient, averaging around 31.4 mpg. This is lower than some of its competitors, like the Citroën C5 Aircross and MG HS. For those concerned about running costs, the fully electric Omoda E5 or a plug-in hybrid version might be a better option. What are your final thoughts, [Co-Host Name]?

speaker2

Overall, the Omoda 5 is a solid choice for families looking for a well-equipped and affordable SUV. It offers a lot of value for the price, with a long warranty and a modern interior. However, it falls short in some areas, like fuel efficiency and rear space. It’s a good all-rounder, but it might not be the best choice for everyone. It’s definitely worth considering, especially if you’re on a budget and don’t mind the trade-offs.

speaker1

Thanks, [Co-Host Name]! It’s been a great discussion. The Omoda 5 is certainly a contender in the family SUV market, and it’s exciting to see what Omoda has to offer. Thanks for tuning in, everyone! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out. Until next time, stay safe and drive smart!