This was 1 year in the making, and it’s all worth the wait. After what seemed like a very challenging 2024, Chinese carmakers Omoda & Jaecoo are finally, officially in the Philippine automotive scene this 2025.
To make it special, Omoda & Jaecoo Philippines mobilized 2 weeks ahead of their official launch by taking a handful of motoring media people to an exclusive test drive experience at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC) in Rosario Batangas. I was fortunate to be able to represent Autocar & Wheels Philippines.
Now let’s clear up something first. I’m not physically capable of driving as I’m a person with a disability or PWD. I’m visually impaired. I can see but only with my left eye, and it’s not deemed sharp enough for operating a motor vehicle, so this feature is in my point of view as a shotgun rider. With me was my fellow journalist Randy Peregrino who took Omoda & Jaecoo’s models for a spin around (and beyond) BRC. With this out of the way, let’s get it on!
Upon arrival at BRC, we were greeted by Omoda & Jaecoo’s lineup of models, namely the Omoda C5, Omoda E5, and the Jaecoo EJ6.
Powered by a gasoline-fed turbocharged 1.5L motor, the flagship model Omoda C5 sports a stylish design cue which Omoda calls the “Cross F Future,” a wordplay with two meanings: Cross From Future (Futuristic Crossover) and Cross For Future (Crossover aimed for the Future). The Omoda E5, on the other hand, is the brand’s first full electric vehicle (EV) model, featuring a 201hp electric motor with a pulling power of 340 Nm, and a range of 430 kms. And then there’s the Jaecoo EJ6, a small 4×4 EV SUV with 279 hp/385 Nm on tap that’ll last about 421 km of usable range.
Omoda & Jaecoo laid out some challenges for us to face, all designed to showcase the capabilities of the cars. But the weather wasn’t all that good at the time. Intermittent rain drizzles made the track a tad slippery. In a way, though, that’s okay as the first challenge for us was the “Slalom”, a challenge wherein the driver has to zig-zag across a set path, all while avoiding pylons, putting the car’s handling to the test.
Randy and I, along with an instructor, strapped ourselves onboard the Omoda E5 for the “Slalom” challenge. Things quickly got a little tense for me, in a good way, as the car bolted out of the line without a moment to lose. I was jolted back as the sudden force of acceleration took over. The instructor told me that the reason for that surge of acceleration is the Omoda E5’s “EVness” (I may or may not have invented that word, just now). That instant 340 Nm of torque from the electric motor that drives the front wheels is the key. And the handling. It was spot on. Despite the unfavorable road condition we had, Randy didn’t struggle with the car as he avoided the pylons.
Of course being the backseat shotgun rider, I felt the physics of it all even more. Although I was shaken and trying my best to hold on to my phone while taking pictures, the Omoda E5’s stability helped a lot to make it a little easier for me.
We went on to face our next challenge; the “Brake & Evade”, essentially a Moose Test wherein the driver would suddenly step on the brakes and execute an evasive maneuver to avoid an obstacle. This time, we were in the Omoda C5. Having already experienced how the Omoda E5 behaves, I’m not surprised when I felt the same stability in the Omoda C5. Emphasizing the braking part, the Omoda C5 was able to provide Randy with the stability, braking power, and the control he needed to save the poor pylons from a hard hit.
To me, the ride feel of the Omoda C5 is similar to the Omoda E5, with only the EVness of the latter being its unique factor, attributing to that instant acceleration, which the former didn’t have.
For our third challenge, we were ushered outside the racetrack to the venue’s off-road course. There, we were greeted by the brawny Jaecoo EJ6 4×4 EV SUV. Now, I’m used to EV city cars, but not 4×4 EV SUVs engineered for off-road fun. So this was my first time, and what a first time this was.
The off-road course was a mix of dry and muddy surfaces, high elevations and dips, wide and narrow corners. Randy told me that he’s into enjoying off-road these days, so this was an extra thrill for him – and it showed. Guided by the instructor, Randy took command of the Jaecoo EJ6, bringing out its potential as an all-terrain master. Due to its EVness and the 4×4 system, the Jaecoo EJ6 came out on top of the off-road course with ease. I only had a vague idea of what’s happening technically, but we’ve been running and sliding on the mud, and climbing our way to each hurdle as if the Jaecoo EJ6 has 4-wheel steering. Unfortunately, it does not have that tech, but the small frame made me feel like it’s running on rails. There were instances when I felt like we’re bottoming out, but I was assured that we’re good.
Seeing the formation of dark clouds, a strong heavy rain was looming. This in mind, we were quickly ushered back on the circuit for one more challenge, and this is my most favorite one – the “Lapping”. This is where we experience BRC the way it should be experienced – running laps around it.
For this final activity, we were given the liberty to re-experience all the Omoda & Jaecoo models we’ve tested. Randy and I took our time driving around BRC onboard the Omoda C5, Omoda E5, and the Jaecoo EJ6. I must say I’ve opened a new appreciation for EVs. Instant torque and acceleration fun. I was even surprised that the Jaecoo EJ6, a small 4×4 EV SUV, exhibited sedan-like grace and stability around BRC’s corners and chicanes.
All in all, the Omoda & Jaecoo BRC track Day Experience was one for the books for me. My only wish is the brand’s good future in this hotly-contested local EV market. Competition is tough, and it won’t be easy nowadays to rise to the top. But seeing all these in a positive light, everything will be alright. Welcome to the Philippines, Omoda & Jaecoo.
