The tariffs imposed by Brussels on China are (unintentionally) accelerating the development of increasingly efficient and accessible hybrid models
And while the tariffs on Chinese electric cars imposed by the European Commission seem increasingly far from their goal (slowing the entry of vehicles from Beijing into Europe), it is China that is increasingly driving the automotive green transition — even in Europe. Yes, exactly. Following the missteps (and subsequent second thoughts) of Trump on protectionist measures for cars built outside the US, Brussels is also having second thoughts. Or at least it should be, given that… According to the ACI 2025 Statistical Yearbook, in 2024 the average age of passenger cars in Italy stands at 13 years (2 months more than in 2023), while Euro 0–3 vehicles — at least 19 years old — account for just under 1 in 4 (approximately 24 per cent of the total), with serious consequences in terms of safety and environmental impact.
Because the automotive green transition is not only about electric vehicles. And so Chinese manufacturers such as Omoda&Jaecoo (one of the brands within the Chinese Chery group, the world's top exporter) are seizing the opportunity, directing an increasing number of hybrid cars towards Europe — plug-in ones, too, like the Omoda 9 Super Hybrid. Cars that, as the word "Super" aptly suggests, are not only highly efficient, as we shall see shortly, but are also affordable — one of the key pillars (economic accessibility, that is) that Europe seems to have forgotten.
And while the European Commission is grappling with an unforeseen side effect — namely the surge in imports from China of hybrid models with combustion engines — Chinese manufacturers are celebrating with strongly rising numbers, as shown by a study published by Open. And with increasingly innovative models, unaffected by Brussels's tariffs. The latest example? It's called the Omoda 9 Super Hybrid, it's a plug-in hybrid SUV, generously sized, with all-wheel drive, European-level trim and features, and a starting price of €51,900.
A very attractive offer when you consider the rich standard equipment, not always matched by comparable plug-in hybrid models from brands such as Volkswagen, Kia, Skoda and Hyundai. The Omoda 9 Super Hybrid's hybrid system consists of a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 143 horsepower, paired with 3 electric motors and an automatic gearbox, complemented by a 34.46 kWh battery and an extra-large (for a hybrid) 70-litre fuel tank — which explains the overall range figure.
Tape measure in hand, let's take its dimensions: length, 4.77 metres, width 1.92 metres, height 1.67 metres; so far we're looking at the (decidedly non-urban) dimensions of a family SUV. A large SUV weighing over 2 tonnes, and we have spoken out more than once about the risks of automotive gigantism (including in electric vehicles). Here, however, innovation comes to physics's rescue: a complex and efficient hybrid system delivers a declared electric-only range of 145 kilometres, rising to 181 in city driving only; science fiction?
Not at all — imagine around a hundred kilometres in electric-only mode and you'll get the real-world figure. Add to that an "estimated total range of over 1,100 kilometres," as the manufacturer states, with CO2 emissions ranging from 38 to 158 g/km depending on whether the battery is charged or not (we will never tire of reminding readers that the battery should be kept as charged as possible — ideally using renewable energy — overcoming the laziness of having to find a socket or a charging point nearby).
On the subject of charging: the battery supports a maximum charging power of 70 kW on direct current — a good figure for a hybrid — translating into a wait of around 25 minutes at a fast charger, or, from a home socket (in this case the on-board charger is rated at 6.6 kW), a full charge takes approximately 5 hours.
On styling, as always, we leave the judgement to you. We'll simply note the similarities with another model, the Omoda 7 hybrid, with a sleeker rear end and good aerodynamic efficiency (translating into lower fuel consumption). The plug-in hybrid system is also very similar, though further refined, with an overall power output that impresses: 537 horsepower.
Performance follows accordingly, although, as we shall see shortly, on the Omoda 9 it is comfort that prevails (the electromagnetic suspension is highly effective even on rough surfaces), along with quietness (thanks in part to double-glazed windows and highly efficient tyres), and driving pleasure (spacious, ventilated and "massaging" seats).
Of the 6 driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Mud, Snow and Off-road), we tested only some of them, with one overriding impression: despite the enormous power on tap, the Omoda 9 seems to have been designed more for comfort than for outright performance. Performance we prefer to translate as efficiency — with that total range (over 1,000 kilometres) that banishes any range anxiety and, indeed, allows long journeys to be completed using electric traction, with the petrol engine often "silent" and easily forgotten about entirely.
If you're still among those who think Chinese cars don't meet European quality standards, well, hop in the Omoda 9 with us. Leather interior (a sore point, given the resources available to automotive companies and the growing attention among new designers to the sustainable development of materials), a panoramic roof with electric opening, instrumentation and infotainment displayed on a striking dual 12-inch screen. And while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is almost a given, less so are the 540-degree see-through camera (excellent for manoeuvring), autonomous parking, and over 20 ADAS systems, including driver fatigue detection.
This helps you avoid getting distracted by your phone (in fact, all it takes is glancing away from the road and you're promptly warned by audio and visual alerts), forgetting a child on board, or — one of the most frequent causes of accidents in urban areas — opening a door just as a cyclist comes along. And speaking of "fake news" about Chinese cars: "Sure, but what about the warranty, servicing, spare parts…?" Let's take it one step at a time: the Omoda 9 comes with a 7-year warranty or 150,000 kilometres, which extends to 8 years for electrical components such as the battery and electric motors. By the end of the year, Omoda will have 100 dealerships and service centres spread across the country — no small feat for a brand that has only been present in Italy since 2024.