Popular in the Russian market, the Omoda C5 crossover tries on a new design and switches to electric traction
Another novelty that made its official debut at the Shanghai Motor Show was the Omoda 5 EV electric crossover, built on the basis of the Chery Omoda 5 petrol model (in the Russian market it is known as Omoda C5). Improvements have affected not only the technique, but also the appearance of the crossover – and Omoda has undergone a slight update both outside and inside.
The electric car has retained the image of the original model, but has acquired new details. The main and most indicative external difference was the absence of a radiator grille – in its place there was a hatch for the charging connector and a decorative plug with the name of the sub-brand.
LED optics are only slightly retouched: the main headlight units are still located under the squinted running lights. At the stern, there are even fewer differences: the lights have not changed much (except that the name of the division has disappeared from the central isthmus), and the chrome bar with imitation exhaust pipes has been removed, exposing a simple plastic bumper, devoid of imitation diffuser. There are also no bright red contrasting accents on the body.
The interior has retained its former architecture, but has changed externally: not only did the finishing materials of the electric car turn out to be better (the plastic became more pleasant to the touch, and not only the seats, but also the front panel were upholstered with high-quality leatherette), it was also decorated with light inserts with eco-leather and elements “under the tree”. Touch buttons appeared on the two-color steering wheel with a truncated rim, the center console was redesigned: a compartment for small items appeared in place of the transmission selector, and the wireless charging pad was hidden. The metal grids of the speakers are a nice bonus.
On the technical side, there are no details yet: according to preliminary information, the Omoda 5 EV will receive an electric motor on the front axle, which will produce 204 hp. and 350 Nm. The battery capacity has not yet been disclosed by the company, but rumors that the range will be 550 km are doubtful – it will not be easy for an electric car built on the basis of a conventional 4400 mm long gasoline crossover to achieve such indicators (at least in the WLTP cycle). .
Serial production of Omoda electric crossovers in China will start towards the end of the year. It is possible that these electric vehicles will also appear in the Russian lineup. Until then, in our market, the range will consist of gasoline models: the C5 crossover and the S5 sedan.
