Chery-owned Chinese car maker Omoda has launched its first offering in the UK, the Omoda 5 SUV, priced from £25,235. The 5 is positioned as a more affordable alternative to the British-made Nissan Qashqai. Alongside the 5, Omoda has also introduced the electric E5, with prices starting from £33,055. These models mark Omoda’s entry into the UK market and are part of the company’s plans to rapidly expand its presence in the country. Omoda aims to bring three more models to the UK and double its number of dealerships to 130 by the end of next year.
The Omoda 5 SUV is powered exclusively by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, generating 183 bhp through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Meanwhile, the electric E5 features a slightly different interior design and a more aerodynamically friendly front end. It draws power from a 61kWh ‘blade’ battery and offers a WLTP range of 257 miles. The E5 is equipped with a single 204bhp motor and can charge at speeds of up to 80kW, allowing for a 129-mile range to be added in just 28 minutes.
Omoda emphasizes its level of standard equipment as one of its key selling points in the UK market. Even the entry-level Comfort trim includes LED lamps, 18-inch alloys, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, a Sony speaker system, and faux-leather coverings. The top-end Noble trim, priced at £27,035 for the Omoda 5 and £35,355 for the E5, adds additional features such as 19-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, and heated seats.
Both the Omoda 5 and E5 are manufactured at Chery’s factory in Wuhu, China. Omoda has ambitious plans for the UK market, with the launch of several more models in the coming years. The mid-sized premium SUV, the Omoda 9, and the smaller Omoda 3 are expected to be available in the UK later in 2025. In 2026, Omoda will introduce the sleek Omoda 7. Additionally, sibling brand Jaecoo is planning to enter the UK market with the launch of the Jaecoo 7, a more rugged version of the Omoda 5.
Omoda’s entry into the UK market is expected to offer consumers a more affordable alternative to established brands like Nissan. With the company’s focus on stylish designs and generous standard equipment, it aims to attract buyers looking for value for money. The expansion of Omoda’s dealership network will also make it more accessible to UK customers. As the brand continues to introduce new models, it will be interesting to see how Omoda competes in the highly competitive UK SUV market.
