Get ready to rethink your SUV choices because the Omoda 7 is about to shake things up—and it’s arriving in the New Year with a starting price under £30k. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many brands are going all-in on electric, Omoda is giving buyers the freedom to choose between a pure petrol engine and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Is this a smart move or a missed opportunity? Let’s dive in.
First unveiled back in April, the Omoda 7 is positioned as a mid-size SUV, slotting neatly between the compact Omoda 5 and the flagship Omoda 9. Starting at £29,915, it offers two distinct powertrain options. The petrol variant features a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, while the hybrid model—priced from £32k—pairs a 1.5-litre turbo engine with an electric motor and an 18.3kWh battery. And this is the part most people miss: the hybrid version boasts a jaw-dropping WLTP range of over 700 miles, including 56 miles of electric-only driving. But here’s the catch: the battery charges from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes with 40kW fast charging. Why start at 30%? It’s a quirky detail that might make you pause—or simply stick to home charging for peace of mind.
For UK buyers, two trims are available, both ‘optimised’ for the local market and packed with generous features. The base Knight trim includes 19-inch alloys, a 10.25-inch digital display, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone air conditioning, a six-speaker Sony audio system, wireless smartphone pairing, 50W cooled charging, and a 540-degree camera. Stepping up to the Noble trim adds 20-inch alloys, a 1.45-meter panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated gaming-inspired seats with six-way electric adjustment, an aircon fragrance system, four-zone voice control, a 12-speaker Sony system, and a power tailgate.
All variants come with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, while the hybrid model includes an additional eight-year battery warranty and RAC Home Start for the warranty’s lifetime. But here’s the real question: Can the Omoda 7 compete with rivals like the Jaecoo 7, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai, and MG HS? With its blend of affordability, tech, and versatility, it’s certainly a strong contender.
What do you think? Is the Omoda 7’s hybrid option a game-changer, or should brands focus solely on electric? Let us know in the comments below!
