The Chinese automaker Omoda will introduce its 7 SUV model to the United Kingdom in January, positioning it as a direct competitor in the crowded family SUV segment. Priced from £29,915, the vehicle is designed to undercut established rivals while offering a comparable feature set.
Market Positioning and Pricing
The Omoda 7 will slot into the brand’s UK lineup between the smaller Omoda 5 and the flagship Omoda 9. Its aggressive pricing strategy is central to the vehicle’s appeal, aiming to capture budget-conscious buyers who seek value without compromising on modern amenities.
Mechanical Specifications
The Omoda 7 will offer two powertrain options: a 145bhp 1.6-liter petrol engine and a 201bhp plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The PHEV, marketed as the SHS, pairs the 1.5-liter petrol engine with an 18.3kWh battery, offering an electric range of 56 miles. This range exceeds that of some pricier PHEV competitors, such as the Range Rover Evoque and Kia Sportage PHEV.
Shared Platform with Jaecoo 7
The Omoda 7 shares its platform with the Jaecoo 7, which has rapidly gained traction in the UK market, outselling established models like the Nissan Qashqai in recent months. The success of the Jaecoo 7 suggests a strong appetite for the shared mechanical components and design language.
Standard and Premium Features
The base model of the Omoda 7 comes standard with a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone mirroring, dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, and a six-speaker Sony audio system. The higher-spec Noble trim adds ventilated ‘gaming-style’ seats, a panoramic roof, a powered tailgate, and a more powerful 12-speaker audio system.
Competitive Landscape
The Omoda 7 enters a highly competitive segment dominated by established brands. However, its aggressive pricing and feature set may appeal to buyers seeking a value-driven alternative. The shared platform with the popular Jaecoo 7 also provides a degree of brand recognition and market validation.
The launch of the Omoda 7 demonstrates the growing ambition of Chinese automakers in the UK market. By offering competitive pricing and modern features, the brand seeks to disrupt the established order and capture a significant share of the family SUV segment
