This week, Al Suttie tests the brand-new Omoda 7 SHS-P plug-in hybrid SUV in top-tier Noble trim to see if this value-for-money newcomer can compete with established fleet rivals.

Omoda 7 SHS-P Noble

List price (BiK): £34,835 (10%)  CO2: 23g/km  Economy: 288.3mpg/56 miles  Test efficiency: 47.8mpg/42 miles

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Monday

The arrival of the Omoda 7 SHS-P this morning is somewhat overlooked by the wave of heat emanating from just outside the office door. Last time I felt warmth like this was in a sauna, but luckily the car that has pitched up is in upper-spec Noble trim. A shufty at the online brochure has already cooled my brow by telling me the car has ventilated front seats. Phew.

Tuesday

The vented front seats are working overtime in the Omoda, but they are very welcome and effective. A shame they miss some lumbar comfort, even though this Noble trim comes with electric lumbar adjustment. Try as I might, I simply couldn’t fine-tune the driving position to offer an ideal mix of reach for arms and legs with padding for my back and shoulders.

Wednesday

I was full of praise for the Omoda 5 SHS-H full hybrid (see test here), which I reckon is a bit of a bargain. The 7 SHS-P plug-in hybrid is also keenly pitched at fleet users, but it doesn’t drive with nearly as much refinement or enjoyment built in as its smaller sister. The ride is too fidgety over any imperfection and there’s just too much road noise allowed to hum its way into the cabin at any speed.

Thursday

Take a gander at the list of standard kit you get with the Omoda 7 SHS-P Noble and you’d better have a cup of tea to hand. It’s long and comprehensive, which will certainly get company drivers’ attention. It’s also pleasing to report this Omoda has a much more sorted infotainment set-up that’s easy to work through and clearly displayed. And no irritating assistance systems when not required.

Friday

The proliferation of SUVs today doesn’t stop the Omoda 7 from standing out courtesy of its bold front end. Inside, the design is more restrained and Omoda seems to have focused more on space for people and luggage. There is plenty for both and an electric tailgate is included with the Noble trim to further boost practicality.

Saturday

A couple of times when I’ve got into the Omoda 7, it has blared welcome music at me to the point where I’ve feared it will upset the neighbours. Over the past couple of days, this seems to have ceased of its own accord. I bloomin’ hope so as my ears were beginning to wince at the seeming inability to disable it or turn down the volume.

Sunday

I’ll admit I have not plugged the Omoda 7 into the mains during my week. If I had, fuel economy would be markedly better than the 47.8mpg it’s returned, which included a 450-mile round trip to Liverpool. On the plus side, that still seems very decent to me for this size of car with a 1.5-litre petrol motor. It gives the Omoda 7 SHS-P a very sensible side, though there are still details that need to be ironed out.