Omoda And Jaecoo Test Drive

They say that we are at the crossroad of having the cars of the old (those having the internal combustion engines) and the new ones (the so-called electric vehicles). Many have experienced driving the old ones but only a few have got to try driving the new ones, much less driving them to the extreme.

That’s why when we received an invitation to try the ICEs and the EVs of an incoming Chinese brand, we never blinked twice but to accept it immediately. Global automotive brand Omoda and Jaecoo, which has yet to formally introduce their lineup of cars next week to the local market, is brave enough to let select motoring journalists and bloggers try their hands on their vehicles.

Yes, this car brand is really brave enough to let their vehicles be experienced and tested to their limits in a “controlled environment” in one of the finest car racing tracks in the country, the Batangas Racing Circuit in Rosario, Batangas.

Aptly called the Omoda and Jaecoo Media Track Day, the day-long activities were really very exhilarating and very exciting to all the participants who were lucky enough to try the capabilities of their vehicles such as the flagship model Omoda C5, its first electric vehicle the Omoda E5, and its first all-electric 4WD SUV the Jaecoo EJ6. These vehicles were put through a series of thrilling activities such as slalom courses, brake & evade maneuvers, lapping sessions, and off-road test drives. 

“We’re excited to bring to Filipino drivers a new standard of automotive performance as we officially launch our brand this month. Built on our automotive engineering DNA and powered by cutting-edge technology, our vehicles are designed to deliver unmatched performance, precision, and reliability, as we have demonstrated today. This just marks the beginning of our journey to becoming a key player in the local motoring industry and redefining the driving experience for Filipinos,” said Omoda and Jaecoo Motor Philippines, Inc. Country Manager Marco Chen.

The Omoda C5 exemplifies the brand’s “Art in Motion” design philosophy as it fuses modern style and cutting-edge technology. This makes it perfect for tech-savvy urban pioneers who value style and innovation since the sporty crossover comes equipped with advanced features such as intelligent voice command, dual driving modes, and smart key with remote engine start, making it ideal for both city commutes and long-distance drives. Additionally, with 13 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and six airbags, the Omoda C5 has also earned 5-star ratings from leading global car safety assessment programs such as ENCAP, ANCAP, and ASEAN NCAP. This vehicle is very nimble and very easy drive with full of new driving features packed inside for the driver to choose from.

On the other hand, the Omoda E5 is the first electric vehicle in the lineup designed with the tech-savvy, eco-conscious younger generation in mind, as it offers an innovative and environment-friendly transportation solution. It has a WLTP-rated range of 430 kms but reached a total range of 442.7 kms during its AAP certification. It also boasts fast-charging capabilities, enabling it to charge from 30% to 80% in just 28 minutes, and also a wide range of high-tech innovations, including a driver monitoring system (DMS) and an intelligent voice assistant.

The biggest attraction that day is the Jaecoo EJ6, the brand’s first all-electric 4WD SUV, which is spectacular in handling the off-road testing and very rigid in the high-speed lapping drive. It features a cutting-edge six-in-one motor system, full-time electric power, and crystal knob driving mode selector with nine modes that enable it to tackle any terrain and handle even extreme off-road conditions. It can be quickly charged thanks to its 80 KW fast-charging battery, 30-40 percent in just 30 minutes. The model’s all-aluminum body also reduces its overall weight, helping it reach a 0-100km/h acceleration time in just 6.5 seconds. A 15.6-inch large infotainment system also guarantees a more convenient ride.

I was truly impressed with the way these cars proved their worth at the racing track. How Omoda and Jaecoo will present them in the market is yet to be seen since many are wondering how they will be priced accordingly.

For more details on the brand’s mobility innovations, visit the brand’s official website at www.omodajaecoo.ph and follow the brand’s social media accounts: Facebook (Omoda & Jaecoo Philippines); Instagram (@omoda.philippines and jaecoo.philippines); and TikTok (@omodaph).  – ANDY SEVILLA