Omoda 9 Interior Review: A Mix of innovation and Oddities
The Omoda 9 boasts a feature-rich interior with a focus on comfort and technology, though it’s not without it’s quirks.
A notable comfort feature is the massage function integrated into the air conditioning menu, allowing adjustment of intensity and program. While potentially beneficial for passengers on long journeys,the driver may not find it suitable. Headroom is somewhat limited, but a 1.4-meter long, electrically-opening panoramic sunroof helps mitigate this. The audio experience is impressive thanks to a standard Sony premium system with 14 speakers, including those embedded in the driver’s seat headrest.
The Omoda 9 improves upon the smaller Omoda 5’s fully touchscreen-controlled climate system by incorporating three mechanical rotary controls alongside buttons for quick access to functions like windshield demisting and rear heating. Surprisingly, the left rotary dial controls temperature. However, this is where a design flaw emerges: while the air conditioning is two-zone, only one physical temperature controller exists. This controller adjusts airflow speed, meaning the passenger must adjust their temperature exclusively via the touchscreen - though conveniently, this can be done from the default layout without navigating sub-menus. The temperature can also be unified, allowing control of both zones with the single wheel.
Rear passengers benefit from a generous 2,800mm wheelbase providing ample legroom, though headroom remains average. The rear doors feature seat-shaped controls for independent backrest inclination adjustment. Interestingly, a portion of the switch is non-functional, as the rear bench is not longitudinally adjustable. While this inclination adjustment is a welcome feature, similar functionality was offered in older vehicles like the ford Scorpio and Renault Safrane, often with a wider range and sliding seats. Despite this, the system is unique in its class. Rear passengers can also control the front passenger seat using buttons on the outer side of the backrest, a feature commonly found in luxury vehicles like those from Hyundai.
The interior door handles are uniquely designed as an extension of the armrest, similar to the new Volkswagen T-Roc. While this design was previously criticized (as seen in the Fiat Regata), it’s less problematic in the age of electronic controls.Rear door child locks are controlled electrically, but regrettably operate together with a single button.
Source: auto.cz/David Rajdl.
