Is Now The Right Time To Buy A Budget-Priced Chinese Car?

Motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby drive the feature-packed Omoda 9.

Car Review: Omoda 9

JT: Last year the UK overtook Germany as Europe’s biggest market for electric vehicles (EVs). Coming to swamp that market is a flood of Chinese brands, and among the biggest is Omoda.

JT-P: And our Omoda 9 plug-in hybrid is one of the best?

It is for around £45,000 – that’s some £12,000 cheaper than better-know competitors like the Audi Q5, or other SUVs from Mercedes and BMW. The Omoda 9 is absolutely packed with kit, boasts plenty of space and is backed up by a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.

It certainly looks good but people are usually wary of brands they know so little about. Would they choose an Omoda over something better known, even if it costs less?

That’s what the Chinese are banking on. And who wouldn’t be tempted by heated and ventilated seats front and rear, a huge electric-only range of 90 miles and a rather posh interior?

For such a big car the engine is tiny – just 1.5-litres. However, when combined with the battery pack the Omoda has a real turn of speed.

It’s just a shame the smooth drive is let down by soft suspension, making the car wallow on uneven British roads. Some of the trim is a bit cheap on closer examination too, while the infotainment system can be baffling.

So, should Country & Town House readers buy one?

If you want value for money, the Omoda 9 is hard to beat. In fact, it’s probably the best Chinese car I’ve driven. However, don’t expect VW levels of refinement. You get what you pay for!

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Chinese Car Marques To Watch

BYD

The Atto 3 mid-size SUV has modest looks but is surprisingly comfortable and refined. It’s fun, too: expect guitar string door pockets you can twang, a rotating information screen and a reverse power pack to charge accessories on camping trips. Other BYD models include the Dolphin hatchback and the brilliant but pricier Seal saloon.

Jaecoo

The Jaecoo 7 is a premium-looking SUV that really turns heads. A budget rival to the Range Rover Evoque, in hybrid petrol-electric form the two-wheel drive version costs around £35,000. While the styling is eye-catching, I found the 7 a bit too firm over bumps and even less exciting on a twisty A-road. 

XPeng

Often described as the Chinese Tesla, Xpeng’s top model is the G6. An on-trend coupe-SUV, the G6 packs AI technology the company claims can make it safer and more intuitive. Priced from £40,000, this sleek car can deliver up to 354 miles on one charge, while costing around £20,000 less than some Tesla Model Y models. 

GWM

Do the Chinese struggle with car names? It might explain why GWM’s first model in the UK changed from the odd but memorable Ora Funky Cat to the bland but safe Ora 3. Either way, this four-door city EV is packed with equipment, looks relatively interesting and still costs from just £25,000. 

MG

An MG by name only, this revitalised marque is one of the biggest Chinese brands in the UK. With 11 models to choose from, buyers are snapping up a range of budget-friendly models of all shapes and sizes. The MG3 Hybrid+ is a class-leading supermini for under £19,000.

Zeekr

Not all Chinese cars are aimed at cost-conscious buyers. Zeekr builds premium electric cars already popular in Asia. The company aims to launch in the UK this year with a range of models, including a stylish shooting brake called the 001 that dashed from 0-60mph in just 3.8 seconds.