Experiencing the inaugural journey in the Omoda 7: A potential mid-size SUV contender for Europe, dubbed as 'Cherry'.
In the ever-evolving world of automotive manufacturing, Chinese automaker Chery is making waves with its latest offering, the Omoda 7. This plug-in hybrid SUV, available only with hybrid powertrains, is set to shake up the European market with its unique blend of mainstream technology, local adaptation, and advanced hybrid powertrains.
Chery's strategy for European expansion is multifaceted. The company is planning to open multiple factories in Europe, including a new plant in Spain and considering one in the UK, to bolster market presence, avoid trade barriers, and reduce logistics costs. This move aligns with other Chinese automakers also investing heavily in European manufacturing to compete with incumbents.
The Omoda 7, Chery’s flagship export model, is a testament to this strategy. Designed with European tastes and standards in mind, the SUV features a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine paired with twin electric motors, delivering around 330kW and 700Nm. The car includes modern technology such as advanced LED lighting, a tripartite automatic transmission, and a battery pack supplied by the major Chinese battery supplier CATL with a 70kW DC charging capacity.
The plug-in hybrid version of the Omoda 7 offers an electric range of nearly 100 kilometers and a total range of over 1,000 kilometers. It can complete the standard sprint in 8.5 seconds and boasts a buffer battery with BYD Blade cells of 18.3 kWh. The car's design is relatively understated during the day but becomes more noticeable at night.
The interior of the Omoda 7 is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of room in both rows. The ambiance is tech-nuanced, similar to most Chinese models of its class. The interior features a touchscreen that can be moved half a meter to the right for easier use. However, there are a few exceptions to the touch-only controls, with two dials and two rockers on the steering wheel for important functions.
The Omoda 7 is roughly the size of a Kia Sportage or a Toyota RAV-4. It comes equipped with a 360-degree camera, climate-controlled seats, and wireless charging for phone's battery and SIM card. The plug-in hybrid version can be charged with direct current, increasing its electric range.
Chery's CEO, Zhu Shaodong, is focusing on the brands Jaecoo and Omoda for Europe. A plug-in hybrid version of the Omoda 7, with a combined system power of 265 kW and 530 Nm, is likely to be available in the second half of the 30,000 euro price range. The Omoda 7 plug-in hybrid version seamlessly switches between operating modes, focusing on electric driving whenever possible.
The Omoda 7 is initially offered with a 1.6-liter engine producing around 110 kW and 275 Nm, combined with a dual-clutch transmission. CEO Zhu Shaodong believes that focusing on mainstream technology can aid sales, citing German and Korean automakers as role models. The Omoda 7 is expected to arrive after the summer holidays.
With its strategic approach, advanced technology, and competitive pricing, Chery's Omoda 7 is poised to make a significant impact in the European market, potentially outpacing some legacy automakers in speed of development and new product rollout.
- Chery is planning to open multiple factories in Europe, such as a new plant in Spain and a potential one in the UK, as part of its multifaceted strategy for European expansion.
- The Omoda 7, Chery's flagship export model, is designed with European tastes and standards, and it features a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine paired with twin electric motors, delivering approximately 330kW and 700Nm.
- The Omoda 7 plug-in hybrid version is priced around the mid-30,000 euro range and offers an electric range of almost 100 kilometers, making it a competitor in the automotive industry's finance sector.
- The Omoda 7 is equipped with modern technology like advanced LED lighting, a 360-degree camera, climate-controlled seats, wireless charging for phones, and a battery pack supplied by CATL with a 70kW DC charging capacity, positioning it in the intersection of transportation and lifestyle, especially in the electric-vehicles segment.
