Omoda 5: what the Chinese SUV ready for its Italian debut looks like: dimensions, engine and prices

Conquering Europe. Omoda, a brand of the Chinese Chery group, recently debuted in the Italian market (the first in the Old Continent) with the aim of establishing solid foundations in the global automotive scene. The first model in the range is Omoda 5, a crossover designed for the needs and tastes of young people. The car is already available in Italy at a list price of 27,900 Euro.

In Omoda 5, the Chinese designers wanted to embody the concept of 'Art in Motion', giving shape to the aesthetic preferences of younger consumers who are always looking for balance. The basis is the T1X platform of the Chinese Chery group. The dimensions of the Omoda 5 are generous but not overly so: 4.4 metres long, 1.83 metres wide and 1.59 metres high. The distinguishing feature of the front end is undoubtedly the large matrix radiator grille integrated into the front end, which gives the vehicle a sense of depth and grandeur. Added to this are the subtly folded duck-tail spoiler, the racy beltline and the dynamic fastback profile that form a golden curve along the sides of the vehicle. The road presence is emphasised by the black 18-inch wheels.

Omoda 5 shows a clear technological advancement compared to the first offerings from Chinese brands. There are two trims (Comfort and Premium) and both come standard with a dual 10.25-inch screen with Android Auto and Apple Car Play protocols, multi-colour textured illuminated climate control panel, 64-colour ambient lighting, eight-speaker Sony audio system and sports seats. The Omoda 5 adopts a carbon black interior that enhances the elegant, sporty feel of the cabin. The driver can benefit from a wealth of driver assistance systems (adas) with 16 systems including Adaptive Cruise Control (Acc) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Aeb) that enhance active safety and simplify driving for greater comfort.

The Omoda 5 is equipped with a 4-cylinder 1.6 Tgdi turbo petrol engine that delivers maximum power of 108 kW (147 hp) and maximum torque of 278 Nm mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. This configuration allows the vehicle to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7 seconds. There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport, which adapt to different driving conditions, from urban environments to rough terrain, ensuring the best traction on all surfaces.In terms of safety, the Omoda 5 has been awarded the prestigious European five-star safety certification. The body structure is composed of 78% high-strength steel to effectively protect the occupants.The electric variant of Omoda 5, the E5, is also expected to arrive by the end of the year. Omoda: strategy and objectives Omoda vehicles are the result of the '457' technology development strategy, a number that stands for four vehicle propulsion platforms, five general sub-systems and seven core technologies. This approach makes it possible to create vehicles covering all market segments: from segment A, B and C saloons and all segment B, C and D SUVs, exploring various powertrain solutions: pure electric, hybrid, electric with range extender and even hydrogen fuel cell.It is on this basis that the brand wants to build its European strategy. The debut on the markets of the Old Continent is dictated by the desire to contribute with its environmentally friendly cars to the revolution that is affecting the entire mobility sector. The intention is to actively participate in the fight against climate change and the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2050.After the Omoda 5 crossover, over the next three years, the brand will offer a complete range of vehicles equipped with different propulsion technologies in order to best meet the mobility needs of all European motorists.