Omoda, for a few weeks turned into an independent brand of Chireycontinues to expand in the Mexican market and introduces the O5 2024, a sedan that participates in the C segment and that has the difficult mission of becoming what its compatriots have not been able to fully achieve. To be a real purchase alternative against very well positioned rivals.
Although its launch had already been previously advanced, Omoda finally made the official presentation of the O5 2024 in the Mexican market. In the specific case of Autocosmos, we were able to be part of a driving route that started from Santa Fe, in Mexico City, heading to Valle de Bravo.
In total we drove around 250 kilometers, which may not be many, but we got a good idea of the product. Here are our first impressions.
Omoda O5 2024: Style in and out
Design is most subjective in a car, but frankly, the O5 sports a stylish image. Unlike other Chinese cars, there are no exaggerated lines here, but on the contrary, elegant and not fancy solutions are used. Personally, what I liked the most is the grill whose rhomboid pattern is reminiscent of the C5, but having chrome inserts, it gives a fashionista and elegant feeling. The name of the brand, is read in large just above.
The translucent skulls also have their touch of elegance. But if you get a little closer, you will find the Arrizo legend, which is also present in other areas of the vehicle such as the rear air vents and horns. And no, it’s not a brand new lighting or sound. Since, in reality, this is the legacy of the Arrizo 6, the car that serves as the starting point for the O5.
Since we talk about the interior, the atmosphere that receives us is in sight and touch one of the main strengths and letters of introduction of this sedan. Considering the price range and segment, we have correct materials. Seats, steering wheel and armrests covered in synthetic leather, a material of which we also find inserts on the dashboard and doors. The aluminum of the center console gives it a nice touch.
Piano black cannot be missing from the dashboard and perhaps what is least liked is the quality of the plastic on the doors. They are hard, and they don’t match the rest of the vehicle. At the rear, the air vents are framed by an aluminum frame. Not to exaggerate, but I think that, from the outset, it is one of the best Chinese sedans in the segment in terms of perceived interior quality.
Omoda O5 2024: Technology and security
Now in terms of technology, we have a very interesting list, where a 10.25-inch screen stands out, as well as a digital cluster of the same size. Connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is guaranteed, while a wireless charger is part of the equipment. It has 2 USB ports in the front and only one in the back. By the way, in a car with the Unlimited trim, so the sound system consisted of 6 speakers. In the Life access version, it is four.
Other highlights are the aforementioned electric air conditioning with output for the second row, engine start button, driver’s seats with 6-way adjustment, the 3-way power sunroof or the 17-inch aluminum wheels.
In terms of safety, as standard, it has a frontal, side airbag for the driver, passenger and curtain type, brakes with ABS and EBD, electronic parking brake, electronic stability control, ISOFIX child seat anchorage system, tire pressure monitoring.
However, for the Unlimited version, the following are added:
- over speed alarm
- Lane Departure Warning
- forward collision alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- integrated cruise assistance
- lane change assist
- lane keep assist
- Heavy traffic attendant
- Automatic high and low beam control
- adaptive cruise control
- Intelligent high beam control
- blind spot detector
- Autonomous emergency braking
Omoda O5 2024: Handling
Under the chest, andThe Omoda O5 is powered by the well-known 1.5-liter four-cylinder used in most of the models marketed by Omoda and Chirey in our country.. For this occasion, it delivers a power of 146 Hp and 169 lb-ft of torque, which is coupled to a CVT automatic transmission. The steering is electric.
During this first contact, we had a bittersweet taste with this car. Since in general, the answer of the set is adequate for practical purposes, but could be polished. The engine has good potential, which, I think, is not fully exploited by the CVT box, it comes to punish the performance of an over-assisted engine. Its action is similar to that of the first continuously variable transmissions, so when overtaking, the performance is closer to that of an atmospheric car than a turbocharged one.
Now, with respect to handling, we have that, in the city, the smooth ride quality absorbs road imperfections well and is undoubtedly where it feels best. Passengers will travel comfortable. Now as for the road, the stability behind the wheel is compliant, since, at high speeds, it tends to bounce a little more than expected. But really, nothing serious. It is clear to us that it is a family sedan and as such perfectly fulfills its function of taking comfortable and calm members on a quiet trip. If you require enthusiastic, and speedy, handling, it’s best to look elsewhere. In fact, in general, its handling is very reminiscent of the Toyota Corolla, which is supposed to be the benchmark when developing this car.
What about fuel consumption? The brand announces up to 18.03 km/l in the combined cycle.
Omoda O5 2024: Market positioning
The Omoda O5 2024 reaches the Mexican market in two versions Life ($399,900 pesos) and Unlimited ($455,900 pesos), the latter the one we were able to handle in this first contact. Its main strengths lie in an attractive design, good interior materials and a good dose of technology for comfort, connectivity and safety. All at a correct price. The area of opportunity is in the mechanical set-up, where although there are very important advances, they have not yet been fully found.
Among its main rivals are JAC J7 and MG GT, but we must also add other truly consolidated examples such as Volkswagen Jetta, Nissan Sentra, KIA Forte and Toyota Corolla itself, among others. If you are looking for a car that rides well, but without much pretension, that also has a lot of equipment to share and show off, you should take a look at this car.
