3 days ago
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The latest SUV from Chinese giant Chery's Omoda is not quite as fast as its bold, Lamborghini-ish looks suggest.
Omoda – a sub-brand under Chinese car giant Chery – has revealed a sportier, higher-performance version of its new Omoda 4 small SUV, badged Ultra.
Revealed in China this month, the Ultra is due to enter production for global markets in 2026, but is yet to be confirmed for Australia, much like the regular Omoda 4 SUV.
It is powered by a new 'plug-less' series-parallel hybrid system shared with an electrified version of Australia's Chery C5 that has just gone on sale in Europe.
Overseas reports suggest it combines a 105kW 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a 150kW/310Nm electric motor, for a combined output of 165kW.
A turbocharged version of the 1.5-litre petrol-electric system in the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid sold in Australia, the Omoda 4 Ultra is claimed to be capable of accelerating from zero to 100km/h in about eight seconds.
That makes it only a fraction quicker than a more understated Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid small SUV.
The Ultra takes the Omoda 4's angular styling a step further, with a tailgate-mounted rear spoiler wearing 'OMODA' branding, new 19-inch wheels, and a unique yellow colour.
Images published in overseas media reports point to a similar interior to the regular Omoda 4, though with additional drive modes exclusive to the sportier version.
More details of the 2026 Omoda 4 Ultra are expected as the vehicle eventually goes on sale in overseas markets.
If it is given the green light for Australia, it may not reach local showrooms until the end of next year, given right-hand-drive production of new vehicles often starts later than left-hand-drive builds.
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
