OMODA Models C7, C9 And E5 On Their Way To SA
When it comes to making a statement on the road, nothing quite does it like a luxury SUV. That’s exactly what OMODA is bringing to South Africa. For those who are unfamiliar, OMODA is a relatively new luxury brand under the Chery umbrella that made its South African debut in April 2023 with just one crossover, the C5. Since its arrival, the OMODA C5 has been turning heads and earning praise for its great balance of value and flair.
Today, the Chinese brand is building on the success of the C5 with some big plans for the rest of 2024 and onwards. The C7, C9, and E5 are all set to hit the market soon, and there’s a lot of buzz around what these new models will bring to the table. South Africans are definitely paying attention and with good reason.
OMODA E5
Starting with the E5, this model is the all-electric version of the C5 crossover, which, until now, has been the only OMODA available in South Africa. The E5 was designed with electrification from the ground up, so no major modifications were needed to fit its electric drivetrain. It features a front-mounted e-motor delivering 150kW and 340 Nm, a noticeable boost over the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol C5’s 115kW and 230Nm.
Powered by a 61kWh battery, the E5 offers an impressive 450 km range and can recharge to 80% in just 40 minutes. It’s also expected to match its petrol sibling in terms of features, including adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, a sunroof, an electric tailgate, ventilated leather sports seats, ambient lighting, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, a 50W wireless charger, and dual 10.25-inch screens.
OMODA C7
Revealed to the world after the Beijing Motor Show in April 2024, the OMODA C7 slots between the existing C5 and the upcoming C9. With a design that arguably outshines the C5, the C7 is anticipated to arrive in South Africa sometime in 2025.
Comparable in size to the Toyota RAV4, the OMODA C7 boasts a sleeker, more low-slung design that the brand dubs “Stylish 360.” While it shares the C5’s large borderless grille, the C7 stands out with its triangular headlights and hammerhead-style bumper.
Inside, the C7 is loaded with luxury and tech, including a unique 15.6-inch sliding touchscreen that can shift over to the front passenger’s side of the dash. OMODA is keeping the C7’s powertrain details under wraps for now, but they have revealed one intriguing feature: an “extreme energy-saving mode” that could enable the C7 to cover up to 1,200km on a full tank of unleaded and a fully charged battery.
OMODA C9
Also confirmed for the local market is the OMODA C9, a rebadged model from one of Chery’s other sub-brands, Exeed. Sporting a 400T badge, the OMODA C9 packs a punch with its turbocharged 2.0L petrol engine, delivering 197kW and 400 Nm of torque on tap. It feeds an all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The larger C9, OMODA’s flagship in several major export markets, will offer a choice between a full petrol engine and a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, though the PHEV’s arrival is still up in the air. Set to debut in the third quarter of 2024, the C9 is set to be the most luxurious model OMODA has to offer.
Keeping Up With SA Market Surge
Breaking into the tough SA automotive market and convincing loyal buyers to switch brands is no easy task, but OMODA is up for the challenge. As the brand continues to roll out these exciting new models, OMODA is proving they’re more than just a new face on the scene. Stay tuned as we’ll be updating you with more details as they unfold.
We invite you to sign up for our newsletter or visit your nearest Group1 OMODA showroom to get a firsthand look at the luxury, tech, and style that are quickly making OMODA a name to watch.
