Omoda Omoda 5 History

The Omoda 5 (sold as the Omoda C5 in many markets) was previewed at Auto Guangzhou in November 2021 and entered production in February 2022, making it the first model to wear the new Omoda badge. It was the vehicle that effectively launched the brand: Russia received it first in 2022, followed by Turkey, Indonesia, Australia, and Malaysia in early-to-mid 2023.

Designed around Chery's 'Art in Motion' language with a diamond-matrix grille and sculpted flanks, the five-door crossover targets fashion-conscious younger buyers. Powertrains span a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder, a 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol, a petrol-hybrid, and a fully electric variant (the Omoda E5) with 50.6–61 kWh LFP batteries. The electric version entered the UK market in May 2024 alongside the ICE Omoda 5, Omoda's first European sales.

Safety credentials have been a key sales argument: the Omoda 5 achieved 5-star ratings from Euro NCAP, ANCAP (Australasia), and ASEAN NCAP — an unusual clean sweep for a debut model from a Chinese entrant. A 2025 facelift freshened the exterior for overseas markets, and a further 2026 update followed.