The Omoda C9, an unexpected debut at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring two years ago, marked a bold step for Chery’s Omoda brand. At the time, its appearance caught the local automotive media by surprise, making it an intriguing entrant into the South African luxury SUV market.
A Second Encounter
Rebadged from Wuhu’s premium Exeed brand’s Yaoguang, known as the Exeed RX in other markets, the Omoda C9 became a recurring topic in 2024. Following the initial showcase of a Russian-spec left-hand-drive model at Kyalami in January, South Africans were treated to a preview drive of a right-hand-drive prototype in June. By October, the C9 officially launched, with exclusive early drives further heightening anticipation.
Positioned as the most luxurious vehicle in Chery’s lineup, a title that might soon pass to Jaecoo’s six-seat J8, the C9’s pre-launch drives showcased its Inspire variant, a two-wheel-drive model. Later, the flagship all-wheel-drive Explore model, equipped with Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max AWD’s system, made its debut, solidifying the C9’s premium ambitions.
A Triumph in Design
The Omoda C9 stands out with its sleek, coupe-like styling, reminiscent of the Range Rover Velar due to Chery’s collaboration with JLR. However, the C9 confidently asserts its unique aesthetic appeal, arguably making it the most striking Chinese SUV currently available in South Africa. Its 20-inch alloy wheels and dramatic rear overhang further emphasize its stylish design.
Luxury Meets Technology
The C9’s interior is its true centerpiece, blending luxury, technology, and quality. From Nappa-leather seats with integrated headrest speakers and 12-speaker Sony sound systems to a pair of 12.3-inch displays, the cabin reflects sophistication. Rear passengers are treated to heated and electrically adjustable seats, while the generous 660-liter boot expands to 1,783 liters when the rear seats are folded.
Despite these advancements, the infotainment system drew criticism for its overly complex interface and suboptimal user-friendliness. Touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel and a poorly placed volume dial further highlighted ergonomic challenges tailored more for left-hand-drive markets.
Performance and Driveability
The C9 is powered by a 2.0 T-GDI engine producing 192 kW and 400 Nm of torque. However, throttle lag and a column-shift eight-speed automatic transmission dampened the driving experience. While ride quality impressed thanks to Continual Damping Control, overly light steering and subpar brakes left room for improvement.
On the consumption front, the C9 achieved 9.0 L/100 km over 579 km, slightly above the claimed 8.5 L/100 km but acceptable given its luxury positioning.
Omoda C9 Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0 T-GDI producing 192 kW and 400 Nm of torque |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic with column-shift |
| Interior Highlights | Nappa-leather seats, 12-speaker Sony sound system, dual 12.3-inch displays, heated and ventilated front seats |
| Infotainment | Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition system, dual-screen setup |
| Safety Features | Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, 540-degree camera system |
| Cargo Space | 660 liters, expandable to 1,783 liters |
| Ride and Suspension | Continual Damping Control for adaptive ride quality |
| Additional Comfort Features | Panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, electric tailgate, three-scent fragrance dispenser |
Verdict
The Omoda C9 represents a significant leap in Chinese automotive luxury, offering unparalleled value at an asking price of R885,900. Its stylish design, high-tech interior, and extensive features make it a strong contender against European and Japanese rivals. However, the vehicle’s driveability issues and tech usability quirks reveal areas requiring refinement. Should these shortcomings be addressed, the Omoda C9 has the potential to establish itself as a major player in the luxury SUV segment. In summary, the Omoda C9 is an ambitious product that blends style, comfort, and innovation while hinting at the promising future of Chinese luxury vehicles.
Related article: Is the Omoda C9 Affordable to Maintain? A Breakdown of Ownership Costs
