Omoda E5

FIRST DRIVE It's no class leader, but the all-electric E5 proves beyond doubt that Omoda is going to be a brand to watch

- Alex Ingram

REX THERE'S an influx of Chinese car brands entering the UK right now, and naturally we predict that some have a better chance of sticking around than others. Based on our early encounter with Omoda's first attempt to conquer the British market, there's plenty to suggest that it's a name that we might be getting more familiar with.

When we drove a prototype of the petrol Omoda 5, there were strengths, and we found similar promise in its electric twin, the E5.

Measuring 4,424mm in length, the E5 straddles the dimensions of electric alternatives such as the shorter Hyundai Kona and the marginally larger Renault Scenic E-Tech - indeed, it's nearly identical to the petrol and hybrid-powered Nissan Qashqai. Its specs are a mixed bag when measured up against the two EVs; the single motor's output of 183bhp and 340Nm of torque is adequate, but a maximum charging speed of 80kW is behind both the Kona (102kW) and the Scenic (130-150kW, depending on model). A 61.1kWh battery, which gives an official range of 257 miles, is fine, but not mind-blowing given a £33,055 starting price.

That figure will get you the keys to the base Comfort model, which features 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, wireless smartphone charging, a pair of 12.25-inch curved displays and a reversing camera. Spend an extra £1,500 and you can step up to the Noble trim, which adds a 360-degree parking camera, electrically adjustable front seats, a sunroof, a powered tailgate and an eight-speaker Sony audio system (which sounds rather weedy). Still, that's a lot of kit for the money.