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?
- 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?
- Audi Q5 (R1,018,200)
- BMW X3 (R1,136,417)
- Mercedes-Benz GLC (R1,264,948)
COST OF OWNERSHIP FOR THE C9
Cash Price: R 885 900
Deposit: R 30 000
Payment Term: 72 Months
Ballon: 20%
Monthly Payment: R 15 798pm*
2. Insurance Estimate:
3. Fueling:
The Omoda C9 comes with a Fuel Tank Capacity of 65l.
- R21.00 per liter (Petrol) x 65L = R1 365 (Full Tank)
It will cost you:
- R17 163 = (Car Installment) + (Full Tank)