If you’re looking for the perfect blend of scenic drives, indulgent experiences, and cutting-edge automotive design, our recent day with the brand-new Omoda 9 was exactly that – a trip worth recommending to anyone who loves cars and curated adventures.

We set off from the Pullman Hotel, greeted by the Omoda team and the promise of keyless ease. No buttons. No fuss. Just step in, seatbelt on, then press the brake. That's when the Omoda 9 – launched just last week – comes to life. The drive ahead – tight turns through Bobbin Head, sun-dappled stretches across Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – paired well with the SUV’s responsive handling; the kind of power you wouldn’t expect from a hybrid, making the journey as rewarding as the destination.

Arriving at the “House of Omoda,” we were welcomed with sparkling mocktails and the soft swell of a live opera performance. A manicured garden and a tennis court all culminated in a sense of quiet luxury and elegant ease. Conversations flowed over a lavish buffet lunch, led by the CEO of Omoda Australia, who shared the story behind the brand's design philosophy.

Then, an unexpected delight – a fragrance workshop, echoing the car’s in-built triple scent diffuser. Tailored, adjustable, and mood-aware – a sensorial signature unique to Omoda.

The day was infused with the stillness usually reserved for weekends away: lush interiors, a panoramic sunroof flooding the cabin with natural light, and soft-touch finishes that feel considered, never overdone. Even the Sony sound system, built right into the driver’s headrest, turned the ride home into a private concert.

With its Super Hybrid powertrain offering up to 150 km of pure EV driving and a combined range of 1,100 km, the Omoda 9 merges sustainability with distance-defying practicality. And did I mention 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds?

It’s rare to find a car that feels this tuned to the senses – from fragrance and acoustics to ease and elegance. But then again, the Omoda 9 isn’t trying to be ordinary.