Omoda 4 SUV squares up to Kia EV3 with electric drivetrain and sci-fi styling
Omoda has unveiled its Omoda 4 compact SUV, which is aiming to compete with the likes of the Kia EV3, the Renault 4, and the Volvo EX30.
The Omoda 4's launch took place at the Chery User Summit at the brand's headquarters in Wuhu, China. In a typically understated affair, the event was held in an industrial complex with sci-fi characters in attendance, along with cocktail mixologists and a body-art booth. Scheduled go on sale in the UK some time in 2026, the Omoda 4's exact arrival date has yet to be made public.
However, the Chinese carmaker[1] did confirm that it will be available with an internal combustion engine (ICE) and as an EV. 
While no technical details have been officially announced, speculation suggests that Omoda's B-segment SUV will sit on the T1X platform, which underpins the larger Omoda 5[2].
In EV guise, the Omoda 5 comes with a front axle-mounted electric motor and a 61kWh battery returning a 267-mile range. The Omoda[3] 4 ushers in a new design language, which brand design director, Richard Koo, describes as "Cyber Mecha". Elements of the Cyber Mecha philosophy include sharp geometrics, metallic finishes, and details inspired by robotics and science fiction.
For reference, a mecha is a large walking armoured robot or machine piloted by a human sat inside it. They are prevalent in sci-fi and Japanese anime and manga. 
Overall, the Omoda 4's blocky design isn't dissimilar to that of the Lotus Eletre[4] and the Lamborghini Urus. Inside, Omoda says that the 4 comes with a "sci-fi and e-sports-themed interior" - a 2.5K Snapdragon infotainment screen dominates the centre of the dashboard, while the driver gets a slim digital read out. In a further nod to Lamborghini, the Omoda 4's bold interior aesthetic is continued via an engine start button positioned beneath a red, pilot-style cage.
On either side, a set of diamond-shaped vehicle control buttons sit atop what looks to be a faux carbon fibre-finished centre console.
When the Omoda 4 arrives in the UK next year, pricing has yet to be confirmed.
However, it is expected to hover around the ?25,000 mark, which would make it cheaper than the Omoda 5 by some ?8,000.
References
- ^ the Chinese carmaker (evpowered.co.uk)
- ^ Omoda 5 (evpowered.co.uk)
- ^ Omoda (omodaauto.co.uk)
- ^ Lotus Eletre (evpowered.co.uk)