Are you in the market for an affordable new Crossover SUV? Hoh boy, do you have a problem…
You should know: 132. That’s how many Crossovers, SUV’s, SAV’s, hatchback-based wannabe-SUV’s and MPV’s with extra ride height I quickly counted in our South/ern African market. Excluding sporty or electric iterations of the same model series, so the problem I was referring to is the first-world problem of choice!
More info: It truly is a first-world issue because – and this is just my opinion – almost all of them have cool designs, ranging from freaky modernity to crease-laden crouches. This Omoda C5 X, especially when coated in Bloodstone Red Metallic with matching pin-cushion radiator grill accents, has quite a lot of delicious details to drink in.
What else? You get the choice of two “normal” C5 models, the 1.5 (non-turbo) Street or 1.5T Style ranging in price from R329,900 to R364,900, while the “X” models include this 1.5T Lux at R425,900 or the range-topping 1.5T Elegance for R465,900. Go for the lesser Street or Style models to save costs, but be aware that they both use a CVT gearbox.
All C5 X models shift their power to the front wheels via a 6-speed DCT (dual clutch automated gearbox) and use the 1.5L turbo-petrol motor with 115kW or my favourite torque output in the industry, 230Nm. Why? Because, unlike every modern German automobile, that means the number on the boot lid (230T) actually stands for something.
Why you shouldn’t: My personal opinion of DCT’s is fairly low, because I strongly dislike their pull-away and slow-speed behaviour, and sadly this gleaming red beauty was no exception. Now add in some draconian driver slash safety aids and this C5 X Lux became frustrating and jerky to drive in city traffic.
For the record, some of that jerkiness can be down to gearbox user adaptation (and clutch wear) so I strongly recommend you get yourself behind the wheel of a brand-new or demo unit to form your own opinion of the drive train response. And get a full tour of the cabin tech while you’re there, because it will take a while.
Why you should: Have I mentioned the good looks yet? Or the 442L boot, extendable to 1,150L? How about the 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, sunroof, wireless charging, dual climate control, power front seats, ambient lighting, three drive modes, various lane and collision assistants, 360° camera, Isofix anchors and the power tailgate?
Of course, there are other options out there – 131, to be precise – but less than half of those will offer the same value proposition. Or look this good in red! Each new Omoda C5 X is sold with a 5-year/150,000km warranty, 5-year/70,000km service plan and 10-year/1-million km engine warranty.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 1,498cc i-4 turbo-petrol |
| Transmission: | 6-speed DCT, FWD |
| Max. Power: | 115kW @ 5,500rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 230Nm @ 1,750rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | (claimed 6.9L/100km) |
| 0-100km/h: | 8.98 seconds (2023 test, claimed 9) |
| Top Speed: | No claim |
| List Price: | R425,900 |