I need to brush up on my stylish crossover knowledge. The other day I pointed out a new Sportage only to realise that it was a Haval. And to add to this confusion, let me introduce you to the new Omoda C9.
You should know: Omoda is the premium division of Chinese automotive brand Chery, and the Chinese aren’t coming, they’re already here. The luxurious Omoda badge was created in 2022 and we apparently got their first offering, the C5 and C5 GT, not even a year later in April 2023.
More info: The fairly successful Omoda 5 / C5 shares its platform with the equally popular Tiggo 5 and 7, as well as its other Asian sibling, the freaky Jaecoo J7. This Omoda C9 actually starts life as the medium SUV-sized Exeed Yaoguang, which offers better space, features and fire power than the more compact Omoda 5 range.
What else? Our market gets a FWD (Inspire trim) and 4WD (Explore spec) model, both powered by 2-litre turbo-petrol 4-cylinder churning out a mighty impressive 192kW or 400Nm, hence the apt “400T” badge. I’m also delighted to report that this vehicle has a fairly normal and responsive Aisin 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Omoda doesn’t publish performance figures, but we do. Our best of four 0-100km/h attempts was an acceptable 7.81 seconds; with the ¼ mile mark passing in 15.85 seconds at 89.69mph. A single brake test from 100km/h took just 2.78 seconds and 40.63m – all of which are perfectly acceptable for a 1,785kg crossover.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBRn9IXtR28
Why you shouldn’t: My biggest gripes are directed at the collective new vehicle interiors (yes, including established stuff) because they’ve replaced permanent buttons with multi-level touch-screens. On top of which, this car will reprimand you to pay attention while you’re trying to sift out a setting; or normal information you used to get from physical dials.
Also, today’s ego-centric high-bum coupé lines necessitate at least a reverse camera (our test car had surround cameras) and those cool Range-Rover / S-Class door handles didn’t always work for me… once even setting off the car alarm while trying to enter. Oh, and we couldn’t find any way to dim the super bright dual cockpit displays at night!
Why you should: The Omoda C9 is not just delicious to look at, it’s also got a surprisingly spacious and comfy interior with plenty of high-end features and quality materials. Its ride is also top class, no thanks to expensive Michelin rubber, while driving response and fuel consumption are also well within modern SUV standards.
Prices are currently between R785,900 (for this 2WD Inspire) and R885,900 (4WD Explore) and the mere fact that I had to go spec-list hunting to determine which one we had – the lower one – tells you that this car with its dual glass roofs and rear seat heaters not only offers superb value for money, but an exceptional level of standard features too.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 1,998cc i-4 turbo-petrol |
| Transmission: | 8-speed Auto, FWD |
| Max. Power: | 192kW @ 5,500rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 400Nm @ 1,750rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | 9.8L/100km (claimed 8.5) |
| 0-100km/h: | 7.81 seconds (no claim) |
| Top Speed: | No claim |
| List Price: | R785,900 |