Get ready for the Omoda 7, a game-changer in the automotive world! This mid-size SUV is set to make a splash when it hits the market in the New Year, and it's an exciting prospect for car enthusiasts and eco-conscious buyers alike. But here's where it gets controversial: the Omoda 7 is priced from just under £30k, which is a real eye-opener in the SUV segment.
Omoda has revealed that their 7 series, positioned between the compact 5 and the flagship 9, will offer a choice of pure petrol or plug-in hybrid powertrains. The hybrid option, known as the Super Hybrid System, starts at £32k and combines a 1.5-litre turbo engine with an electric motor and a 18.3kWh battery. This setup delivers an impressive 201bhp and 269lb ft of torque, resulting in a sprightly 0-62mph time of 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 112mph. But the real standout feature is the claimed WLTP range of over 700 miles, including 56 miles of pure electric driving.
The battery can be charged from 30 to 80 percent in just 20 minutes, with support for up to 40kW fast charging. However, it's worth noting that most competitors measure their charging times from 10 percent, so a little extra patience might be required here. Or, as the saying goes, if you want convenience and cost-effectiveness, home charging is the way to go!
UK buyers will have two trim levels to choose from, both of which have been 'optimised' for the British market. Following the trend set by other Chinese brands, Omoda is pulling out all the stops to attract customers with generous equipment levels.
The base Knight trim comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch digital display, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone air conditioning, a six-speaker SONY audio system, wireless smartphone pairing, cooled 50W charging, and a 540-degree camera.
Stepping up to the Noble trim, you'll find 20-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated gaming-inspired seats with electric adjustment for both the driver and front passenger, an aircon fragrance system, four-zone voice control, a 12-speaker Sony audio setup, and a power tailgate.
All variants of the Omoda 7 come with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, and the hybrid model gets an additional eight-year battery warranty, along with RAC Home Start coverage for the lifetime of the warranty.
In terms of competition, the Omoda 7 goes head-to-head with the likes of the Jaecoo 7, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai, and MG HS. So, are you tempted by this new offering from Omoda?
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