THE arrival of Chinese brands continues so rapidly that a brand like Omoda already feels established, despite launching only in the summer of 2024.

Now, its new flagship, the all-wheel drive Omoda 9, is challenging the premium market.

It arrives as a single, comprehensively equipped model, with all its high-tech bells and whistles and premium features as standard.

Clearly a high-end offering, it boasts sharp design, is packed with technology, and is powered by what parent company Chery International describes as a Super Hybrid System (SHS), delivering blistering pace and a claimed mammoth range of over 700 miles.

Priced from £44,990, it comes with a seven-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and an eight-year battery warranty.

This plug-in hybrid has a claimed electric-only range of 93 miles - impressive for covering most commutes with zero tailpipe emissions, exemption from congestion charges and lower benefit-in-kind taxation.

It looks good, with what the brand describes as an ‘Art in Motion' design philosophy, with a sleek, SUV silhouette and attractive matte finish paintwork.

It features a large signature grille, striking LED light signatures, and pop-out door handles. There are full-width light bars at both ends and standard 20-inch alloy wheels.

The high-tech interior is dominated by a single, curved 25-inch display that acts as a dual control screen - one for infotainment and connectivity, the other for real-time driver information. The main screen features a 14-speaker Sony sound system, smartphone connectivity, and navigation.

While the graphics are top-notch, the menu system isn't entirely intuitive, though the three rotary controls for climate and drive selection are easy to use.

The cabin features soft-touch materials, leather-trimmed seats, and brushed metal accents. Both the front and outer rear seats are electrically adjustable, with heating and ventilation.

The space is light and spacious, aided by a huge electric panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and USB ports for all passengers.

Power comes from a 1.5-litre, 157ps petrol engine mated with two electric motors (one on each axle), producing a combined 499ps and huge 700 Nm of torque. The driver can select from six settings: Normal, ECO, Sport, Snow, Mud, and Off-Road.

On the road, it hits 60 mph in under five seconds. While very rapid, it's more designed more for comfort, excelling as a motorway cruiser.

It can roll a bit on corners, but the suspension smooths out most bumps. The hybrid engine is refined and excellent soundproofing keeps wind and road noise to a minimum.

As an SUV, it's practical, with 600 litres of stowage space, expanding to 1,783 litres with the 60/40 split seats folded. There is also a deep central console and generous door bins.

Safety is comprehensive, featuring parking assist, a 360-degree camera, eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, a lane support system, and fatigue alerts.

It also has rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring, all contributing to a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

The Omoda 9 makes a strong first impression with its blistering performance, premium tech-filled cabin, and impressive electric-only range.

While its infotainment isn't the most straightforward and its ride favours comfort over sportiness, it looks a quality all-rounder.

However, unlike its established rivals, its long-term reliability, durability, and resale value remain unproven.

A test drive reveals an attractive package, but a true verdict on its overall quality will become apparent over time.

£44,990 Combined 499ps via a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and twin electric motors driving all wheels via an automatic transmission 124 mph 4.9 seconds 43.6 miles (201 miles full state of charge with engine)4738g/km6%7yrs/unlimited miles