Omoda has completely overhauled the 5 and E5... after less than a year on sale

“The Omoda’s engine and gearbox aren’t on speaking terms,” we said in our recent megatest of all of the Chinese cars on sale in the UK. And now, Omoda wants to do something about that, because after less than a year on sale it has already overhauled its 5 and E5 crossovers.

Yep, despite selling more than 11,000 cars, Omoda has made some pretty major changes in response to media reviews. So, here goes.

The petrol-powered 5 gets higher quality materials inside and new, larger 12.25in screens for both the dial display and the infotainment. It also gets a repositioned gear selector, further seat adjustment options, a new steering wheel and a ‘safer location’ for the wireless phone charging pad.

But it’s not just interior upgrades, because the 1.6-litre petrol engine now makes less power – 145bhp – which reduces emissions to 170g/km. There’s also revised front suspension geometry, a new electric steering setup, new front wheel hubs, new bearings and refreshed brake lines. A proper overhaul. The full-size spare wheel has also been removed from the boot, so luggage space is up to 430 litres.

The electric E5 has similar hardware changes, plus a new 61kWh battery with ‘improved energy density’ for a WLTP estimated range of 267 miles. There’s now faster charging too at 130kW and there’s a heat pump on the top spec Noble trim.

Prices for the E5 start at £33,065 for the entry level Knight trim, while the petrol-powered 5 kicks off at £23,990.