There may have been a lot of buzz about these new entrants to the Philippine automotive market — Chinese car brands, Omoda and Jaecoo — yet few have had actual on-hand experience with them. That was quickly resolved when they recently invited us to a track experience event, allowing us to familiarize ourselves with their introductory models and test their performance.
The overcast sky set the mood for an exciting day at the Batangas Racing Circuit, with a light drizzle keeping the track damp. While conditions were less than ideal, they provided an excellent opportunity to evaluate three distinct vehicles: the turbocharged Omoda C5 crossover, its electric counterpart, the Omoda E5, and its cousin, the Jaecoo EJ6 4x4 EV.
With the unpredictability of the track surface, we had the chance to assess each vehicle's handling, braking, and overall performance. The event featured a sequence of controlled track exercises: a short slalom course for the E5, full braking tests and brake-and-evade maneuvers for the C5 to familiarize ourselves with stopping distances and overall agility, culminating in hot laps around the short track layout with the C5 and EJ6. We also shifted gears from tarmac to muddy terrain, taking the Jaecoo EJ6 onto a muddy course to test its traction on standard road tires.
Omoda C5
The Omoda C5 compact crossover, equipped with its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, was the first to undergo braking tests. With 156-PS and 230-Nm of torque, accelerating to 70 km/h was effortless. When it came to braking, the C5 displayed composure with no drama. During the brake-and-evade maneuver, it demonstrated good body control, though some noticeable body roll was apparent during sudden directional changes. The damp track surface added to the challenge of avoiding cones.
The steering felt slightly too light for my taste, but it was precise enough for accurate navigation through the slalom course. Under braking, the C5 felt stable, with a progressive pedal feel that made it easy to modulate stopping power, further highlighted by the brake-and-evade test, showcasing its front-end responsiveness.
Hot laps
During hot laps, the C5 delivered a balanced performance, with the turbocharged engine providing sufficient power on the straights. The damp surface had minimal impact on traction, although understeer became noticeable while pushing harder into tighter turns. The suspension managed weight shifts effectively, instilling confidence as we navigated the track’s sweeping curves. Meanwhile, the EJ6, despite its larger size and weight, handled the course admirably. Its all-wheel-drive system ensured stable cornering, and the slippery conditions put its grip and stability to the test. While not as agile as the C5, the aluminum-bodied EJ6 proved to be a composed and capable performer, managing body roll well through corners, benefiting from the low-slung battery for better stability.
Omoda E5
Switching to the Omoda E5, the all-electric counterpart to the C5, I immediately noticed the silent, instant delivery of 204-PS and 400-Nm of torque. The E5 tackled the slalom course with minimal body roll and a stable stance through transitions. The battery's lower center of gravity contributed to its planted feel, allowing for precise navigation of the course. Braking performance was strong, with the regenerative braking system providing additional stopping force. It remained stable during hard braking, although weight transfer was still noticeable. However, the E5 did not participate in the brake-and-evade test, which would have been interesting given its additional weight.
Jaecoo EJ6 4x4 EV
After the circuit exercises, we took the Jaecoo EJ6 onto a muddy track to evaluate its 4x4 traction on standard road tires. Despite its less aggressive tread, the EJ6 maintained forward momentum through the slick terrain. The all-wheel-drive system effectively distributed 275-PS of power and 385-Nm of torque, minimizing slip. The light steering facilitated countersteering, and the instant delivery of torque made it easy to redirect the heavier SUV. One of the session's highlights was experiencing the Whirl mode, designed to enhance maneuverability in tight off-road situations. Engaging this mode allowed the EJ6 to pivot more aggressively than conventional AWD systems, making it easier to navigate narrow, slippery paths. This added control was especially valuable in low-traction conditions, permitting sharper turns without excessive
The track day at BRC showcased the distinct driving dynamics of the Omoda C5, Omoda E5, and Jaecoo EJ6. The C5 proved to be a nimble and capable performer, offering an engaging experience for those who enjoy a responsive crossover. The E5 highlighted the benefits of electrification, with its stable handling and smooth acceleration, though it felt heavier during braking. Meanwhile, the Jaecoo EJ6 showcased its 4x4 capabilities even on road tires, with the Whirl mode adding an extra layer of control for off-road situations.
Overall, each vehicle presented unique strengths, making the event a well-rounded test of performance across various terrains and conditions. It will be interesting to see how these new vehicles fare in the market. While their performance was impressive, we will have to wait and see if these characteristics resonate with Filipino car buyers.