Omoda entered the South African market in 2022 as a modern, technology-focused brand within the Chery Group, aiming for a younger demographic with its C5 compact SUV.
At the time the C5 was the brand’s solitary option for local customers. The larger C9 entered the fray in 2024 and now the C9 PHEV serves as the flagship model in the range, which offers customers an array of options for under R1 million.
If you’re not familiar with the ‘SHS’ in the naming convention, it stands for Super Hybrid System and is used for both Omoda and Jaecoo’s PHEV vehicles.
Full electric vehicles have struggled to gain popularity in South Africa, primarily due to factors like infrastructure concerns and overall pricing, with little in the way of government incentives. As a result, hybrid vehicles serve as the most viable option for most customers, until the landscape changes.
Premium features, affordable price tag
For starters, the C9 PHEV is only available in Explore specification and comes with all the bells and whistles. The standard features inventory includes (but is not limited to) seven airbags, wireless smartphone charging, a 12-speaker Sony sound system, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-change assist, a panoramic sunroof and a surround view camera.
Powering the C9 is a turbocharged 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine along with four electric motors, essentially making it all-wheel drive. The powertrain produces 440kW and 915Nm, and a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) sends power to the road. It is claimed that the SUV can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds!
Omoda claims an average fuel consumption of 1.4-litre/100km with the use of ICE and EV driving, and 6.9-litres when driving just with the engine. The brand claims an electric-only driving range of up to 150km and a combined operating range of 1100 km. In terms of charging, a 30 to 80% DC charge takes between 20 and 25 minutes.
Inside and out
From an exterior point of view, the C9 features distinctive design cues like the Range Rover-style door handles that retract into the body, a prominent gloss black front grille and conceptual-looking 20-inch alloy wheels. Body colours like Moonlight White and Meteorite Grey can be paired with a black roof, while customers can also choose from Cosmic Black or Quantum Grey which don’t have the black roof.
On the inside, the cabin is spacious and decked with Nappa leather on the seats, doors and dashboard. The hub for entertainment and functionality comes from a 12.3-inch digital touchscreen infotainment, which features Apple CarPlay/Android Auto screen mirroring
The finishes and seating comfortability is very plush, precisely what you’d expect of a premium product. Highlighting the tech on offer, the rear seats can be reclined and have heating functionality – the same type of technology you’d find in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, for example. Also, there is a built-in fragrance dispenser which you see in ultra-premium offerings like the BMW 7 Series.
How does it drive?
Chinese automakers have really upped their game over the last decade, and we can confidently say that there are virtually none of those early throttle calibration issues in the C9, which provides a more refined drive.
While the power figures on paper sound like the C9 could be a rocketship on the road, that is not entirely the case because it doesn’t feel that fast. It’s more a case of smooth power delivery as opposed to insanely fast performance. That said, it has more than enough power to go quickly from one robot to the other and overtake when needs be.
An SUV must have a big boot because otherwise what is the purpose, right? Omoda claims a luggage capacity of 660 litres, which can be expanded to 1 783-litres by folding down the rear seatbacks.
Because of its price and what it offers, the C9 PHEV competes against local options like the BMW X3 30e xDrive (priced from R1.2-million) and Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge (priced from R1.3-million). Both of those options are popular amongst local buyers, although when comparing flagship models, the C9 PHEV serves as the hands-down most affordable option.
The C9 is luxury personified and not something you want to drive fast all the time. It pulls attention combined with modern tech and exceptional frugality.
Spec, pricing and aftersales
C9 SHS – R999 000
The range comes standard with a 1 million/10-year engine warranty for the first owner as well as a 200 000km/7-year factory warranty, a 100 000km/7-year service plan and an unlimited km/10-year warranty on the battery.
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In the market for a new or used car? Get it on Gumtree! There are over 50,000 auto listings on Gumtree. Whether you're looking for a small car, family car, vintage car, fancy car, or your next project car; we've got it all!
