Omoda E5 99kW Review: A High Baseline

What we like:

Standard features are generous

Relatively quick on its feet

What we dislike:

Average ride comfort

Interior materials feel a bit cheap

Omoda’s parent company, Chery, may be infamous for the QQ many years back, but it’s high time to shed that image. The E5 may very well be the encapsulation of the statement that ‘no new car is a bad car’.

Even though it is one of the most affordable EVs one can buy today, its equipment list is nigh on comprehensive. A clue that everything but the kitchen sink has been thrown in is that the Cat A model as tested here is equipped exactly the same as the Cat B model. Just a flavour of what to expect: MacPherson front struts, multi-link rear suspension, High Beam Assist, 8-speaker Sony sound system, ventilated and powered front driver and passenger seats, 540-degree panoramic camera and a long list of driver assistance systems. The 61 kWh battery is exactly what you’d find on both models, too.

The only difference between the two cars is its power output (even the torque figure of 340 Nm stays the same). Still, 99 kW (136 bhp) in the Cat A model feels sufficient enough to warrant the savings you’d get over the Cat B model.

So far, so good. The E5 ticks many boxes. However, the car feels its price in some ways. The interior still feels low-rent in some parts, even though it looks premium from afar. I didn’t really get comfortable with the angle of the steering column, which felt like it was set a bit too upright.

On the road, ride and handling is what you’d expect but nothing more, lacking some sophistication. The brake regeneration was also awkward at times; it might not work as consistently nor as predictably as you’d hope. I find the volume for the turn signal a tad too soft as well.

On the drive, I experienced something peculiar. While loading up the boot full of stuff, I didn’t think twice to check whether the tailgate would shut after I activated auto-close, and drove off. Some moments later, I noticed hearing unusually high ambient noise. I realised the boot didn’t close! Somehow, the car didn’t warn me about it while I was driving. Thankfully, I didn’t lose anything, but it was a little unnerving. Most cars would incessantly sound an alarm if the boot isn't secure. When reached for comment, Omoda says the car was using an old software which has now been updated to alert the driver if the tailgate is open, or if any doors are ajar. Phew.

Teething issues aside, the E5 holds much promise for the future. It is not meant to be a luxury SUV. It’s offering bang for your buck and has raised the baseline to a high level. That in itself is breathtaking progress to behold.

Photos by James Wong

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