Omoda C9 SUV Review: Is This the Perfect Family SUV?

October 17, 2024

Omoda C9 SUV Review: Is This the Perfect Family SUV?

by Phillip S Maboya

Omoda's eagerly awaited C9 SUV has officially launched in South Africa, signaling the brand's commitment to expanding its presence in the local automotive market. In this review, we'll delve into the C9's key features, performance, and value proposition to help you decide if it's the right fit for your needs.

Did you know that the Omoda brand name holds a secret to its innovative spirit? According to Chery, the 'O' in Omoda is inspired by 'oxygen', symbolizing vitality and energy, while 'Moda' means 'modern', reflecting the brand's commitment to cutting-edge design. Now, let's see if the Omoda C9 SUV lives up to its name.

HOW DOES THE OMODA C9 LOOK LIKE?

The Omoda C9's exterior profile is a visual feast, boasting

A diamond pattern front grille
Prominent daytime running lights
Gradually curved roof-line giving the C9 a coupe appearance
Flush door handles
20-inch Alloy wheels

From the inside you'll be welcomed by

Large perforated leather upholstery, comfortable seats
Lower dashboard
Two 12.3 inch for the driver and 1 as the infotainment system
Three stylish knobs in the center console for climate control and driving modes
Sealable storage area
Two storage slots for smartphones for both driver and passenger
The adjustments for the electric front seats are found in the doors.

If you've ever been in a German car, you'll instantly recognize the familiar gear positioning in the Omoda C9. Similarly, the steering wheel stalk-mounted gear selector, a hallmark of German SUVs, replaces the traditional stick, adding to the C9's premium feel.

WHAT IS UNDER THE HOOD OF THE OMODA C9?

Under the bonnet of the C9 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, that gives you 197kW of power and 400Nm of torque. This is mated to an 8-speed gearbox which is smoother to the point that you won't even feel or notice gear changes.

The claimed fuel consumption is 8.5l/100km for the OMODA C9

Life's too short for boring drives! The Omoda C9's drive modes include, (Normal, Eco, Sport) making it a breeze to adapt to changing roads. With the way it's designed, one will get to enjoy a quieter ride with the Omoda C9 as it's cabin remains exceptionally quiet even at high speeds, making every drive more enjoyable and relaxing.

WHAT FEATURES DOES THE OMODA C9 HAVE?

Breaking the mold of its Chinese counterparts, the C9 stands out for its remarkably user-friendly interface. Gone are the frustrating menus and overbearing driver assistance systems, replaced by a seamless and intuitive experience.

It comes with

Lane-keeping assist
Blind-spot monitors
Speeding warning
Apple and Android Auto
12-speaker Sony stereo
Heated front and rear seats
Sweet-smelling fragrance system
Panoramic sunroof

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Omoda C9 INSPIRE R785 900
Omoda C9 EXPLORE R885 900

WHAT ARE THE RIVALS OF THE OMODA C9?

The Omoda C9 competes directly with established luxury SUVs like the

Audi Q5 (R1,018,200)
BMW X3 (R1,136,417)
Mercedes-Benz GLC (R1,264,948)

offering a compelling alternative with its attractive pricing, impressive features, and sleek design.

COST OF OWNERSHIP FOR THE C9

1. Omoda C9 2.0 T EXPLORE AWD:
Cash Price:                    R 885 900
Deposit:                         R 30 000
Payment Term:              72 Months
Ballon:                           20%
Monthly Payment:         R 15 798pm*

2. Insurance Estimate:

Important Notice:

The Omoda C9 is new to the South African market. Insurance quotes may be difficult to obtain as it may not be listed in insurers' databases yet. Contact providers directly for assistance.

3. Fueling:
The Omoda C9 comes with a Fuel Tank Capacity of 65l.