Latest news with #C9
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Arriving soon: What to expect of Jaecoo's flagship J8
A final launch is yet to be announced, however, previous indications have stipulated a market debut before the end of the year. Showcased at the Shanghai International Auto Show in 2023 as the J9, Chery-owned Jaecoo has provided a hint of what South Africa can expect from the long delayed J8 after confirming pricing of its new flagship in Malaysia. Details Launched as the second Jaecoo model after the J7 in Australia two months ago, the J8 will seemingly be positioned below sister brand Omoda's C9 when it goes on-sale locally before the end of the year. ALSO READ: South Africa-bound Chery Tiggo 9 Pro shows itself in China Essentially Jaecoo's take on its parent company's Tiggo 9 launching in South Africa later this month, the J8 measures 4 820mm long, 1 930mm wide and 1 710mm tall. Its wheelbase spanning 2 820mm, the J8 provides seating for four or seven, though previous indications from Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa stated it will provide seating for six with the second row comprising a pair of captain's style chairs. Petrol or SHS Differing from the Tiggo 9 by virtue of its restyled headlights, a different front bumper with L-shaped side vents, and a Jaecoo specific grille, the J8 derives motivation from the same 2.0 T-GDI engine as the C9 and Tiggo 8 Pro Max, which, Down Under, develops 183kW/385Nm. By comparison, the same unit makes 187kW/390Nm in the South African-spec Tiggo 8 and 192kW/400Nm in the C9. Retained is the eight-speed automatic gearbox, standard front-wheel-drive and the option of all-wheel-drive. Previous murmurings though have alleged the J8 as possibly being marketed solely as a hybrid under Jaecoo's Super Hybrid Series banner. J8 has not been changed dramatically from the Chery Tiggo 9 at the rear. Image: Jaecoo Australia If the case, and in accordance with the launch report from the Indonesia where it debuted at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Motor Show in the capital Jakarta last month, the SHS's system consists of the 2.0 T-GDI and a 34.4-kWh battery pack powering three electric motors. Hooked to a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), the result is a combined output of 395kW/650Nm, a claimed all-electric range of 180km and 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds. Inclusive of the combustion engine, the J8 SHS's overall combined range is 1 400km. Noted spec In terms of specification, which will vary depending on the trim grade, the J8 comes equipped with a pair of 12.3-inch displays, a 12-speaker Sony sound system, panoramic sunroof, hands-free electric tailgate and six USB ports. Also included are electric, heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, a fragrance dispenser, heated and ventilated second row, ambient lighting, two wireless smartphone chargers, a dash-cam and rain sense wipers. The plethora of safety and driver assistance systems comprise a 540-degree camera system, 10 airbags, a tyre pressure monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Auto Park Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Reverse Automatic Braking. Highlighting the interior are a pair of 12.3-inch displays. Image: Jaecoo Australia In total, the J8 has three driving modes; Eco, Normal and Sport, with all-wheel-drive variants getting an additional three; Mud, Sand, Off-Road. Carried over from the C9 is the continues adaptive dampers, alloy wheels up to 20-inches and active torque vectoring on the all-wheel-drive. Finally, boot space ranges from 200-litres with all three-rows in use, to 738-litres with the last row dropped. With the middle seats also down, utility space maxes out at 2 021-litres. More soon Priced from 178 800 to 198 800 ringgit in Malaysia, which amounts to R754 085 and R838 435 directly converted and without taxes, the J8 has a price tag of between $49 990 and $54 900 Down Under, which, using the same principles, comes to between R577 290 and R635 030 respectively. As is stands, details of the South African-spec J8 remains under wraps for now, however, expect more information to emerge in due course. Additional information from and NOW READ: Soon in bloom: Chery's new blossoms for 2024 teased
TimesLIVE
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
What's behind the rise of Chinese vehicles in South Africa?
Amid rising living costs, South Africans are increasingly exploring more affordable vehicle options, with established and emerging carmakers responding to the demand differently. Several Chinese marques have entered the fray in recent years, drawing attention with extensive standard equipment lists, stylish designs and competitive pricing. However, questions around after sales support, parts availability and warranty coverage remain, particularly for those buying into relatively new brands. The typical vehicle warranty in South Africa is around five years/100,000km, though this can vary significantly depending on the vehicle segment and manufacturer. Some best-sellers, however, offer shorter coverage. Despite its high price point, the Volkswagen Polo comes with a three-year/120,000km warranty. Chinese brands have responded by offering more extensive coverage, with warranties reaching up to seven years or 200,000km. Brands such as Omoda & Jaecoo (O&J), Chery and Haval have rapidly expanded their presence, each seeking to capture a market share with competitive pricing and longer warranties. The entry-level Omoda C5 Style comes with a five-year/150,000km warranty, while the range-topping C9 offers a seven-year/200,000km warranty coverage. Similarly, BAIC's X55 lineup receives a five-year/150,000km warranty, though the model's service plan is optional. The approach has found a market among buyers, many of whom have long valued the extensive dealer networks of more established brands. Ford, Volkswagen and Toyota have long thrived in South Africa partly because of their wide-reaching dealer and service networks. Driving a Toyota through the more remote parts of the country rarely sparks concerns about breakdowns, given the likelihood of finding a nearby dealership. Chinese brands have made strides in building local networks, but some consumers consider the convenience of well-established service networks when choosing a vehicle. In April alone, 4,880 Chinese passenger cars were sold in South Africa, according to Naamsa. To put this into perspective, the figure marks a notable increase compared to six months before, when Chinese vehicle sales totalled 4,372 units. Image: Supplied When O&J entered the market in 2023, they had around 40 dealerships in South Africa. That number has grown to 50 service centres, with plans to grow to 64 in the coming years. While not as expansive as brands such as Toyota and Volkswagen, several Chinese brands have surpassed European luxury brands in terms of dealership footprint, specially as some are reducing their network due to challenges. Shannon Gahagan, national marketing manager for O&J South Africa, noted the growing service network. 'Our service network spans urban and rural areas, from Lydenburg and Ermelo to East London and Cape Town, and neighbouring countries such as Eswatini, Namibia and Botswana. While routine servicing is typically completed within the same day, mobile service options remain limited, depending on dealer policies and vehicle location,' she said. Parts availability is a critical factor for newer brands. O&J go through a daily analysis process that helps maintain a 98.4% fill rate for common spare parts, with a long-term goal of surpassing 99%. If a required part isn't in stock, air freight is used to minimise delays, delivering components within 15 to 20 days. Standard top-up shipments by sea can take up to 90 days to arrive. Ultimately the brand aims to hold stock locally for all components used in vehicle assembly, regardless of how frequently they're needed. Image: Supplied Early reliability data suggests some Chinese brands have kept warranty claims relatively low, which could build confidence over time. Gahagan noted O&J has a burn rate of around R140 per vehicle annually, lower than some established competitors, such as Hyundai, which reported approximately R380 per vehicle in September last year. In practical terms, this means fewer defect claims and fewer workshop visits. The complaint ratio for the marque's vehicles has yet to reach 0.5% of their car park, standing at only 0.3% or around 10,000 vehicles. The rise of Chinese car brands in South Africa reflects a growing shift toward more affordable vehicles without sacrificing key features. While after sales support and parts availability remain concerns, many brands are actively addressing the gaps with growing dealer networks and strong warranties. Chinese carmakers have made progress in establishing support infrastructure and showcasing reliability, closing the gap with more established brands from Europe, Japan, or Korea. However, as the market continues to evolve, long-term success will depend on maintaining the momentum while addressing the unique needs of local drivers.
The Citizen
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Omoda C7 getting ready to show itself at the Durban July
Chery-owned brand's latest SUV will solely be offered as a plug-in hybrid with the same drivetrain as sister brand Jaecoo's J7 SHS. Set to make its long awaited market launch within the coming weeks, Omoda & Jaecoo has revealed official powertrain details of the incoming Omoda C7 that will straddle the gap in the marque's line-up between the C5 X-Series and the C9. Powertrain selection now final Unveiled in production guise in Thailand in March and then at the Beijing International Auto Show the following month, the C7 will make its first public showing at the Durban July this weekend solely as a plug-in hybrid under Super Hybrid System (SHS) moniker. Although set to produce 265kW/530Nm in Thailand, for South Africa, the electrified powertrain will be detuned, but still paired to a single-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The same unit sister brand Jaecoo debuted in the J7 SHS last month, the C7 SHS pairs a 1.5 T-GDI engine with an 18.4-kWh battery pack powering a single electric motor on the rear axle. ALSO READ: South Africa-bound Omoda C7 PHEV details emerge abroad Combined, the setup develops the same 255kW/525Nm as in the J7 SHS, allowing for an all-electric range of 105 km and a total of 1 200 km when taking the combustion engine into consideration. Supporting DC fast charging up to 40 kW will require a waiting time of 20 minutes from 30-80%. While able to get from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 8.5 seconds in Thailand, the South African-spec C7 will possibly to be a fraction slower despite its lowered outputs coming with an additional reduction in combined range of 50 km. The opposite, though, is that its EV-range is greater by 15 km. Likely spec and price Developed specifically for export markets, and therefore unlikely to be sold in its home market, the C7 SHS's likely specification items will consist of a 14-speaker Sony sound system, a fragrance dispenser, quad-zone climate control and a marque first 15.6-inch infotainment system. While unconfirmed at present, likely pricing for the C7 SHS could start between R500 000 and R700 000 based on the flagship C5 X-Series retailing from R465 900 and the entry-level C9 from R785 900. ALSO READ: VIDEO: SA-bound Omoda C7 will have a range of 1 200km
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Super Smash Bros. pro Westballz slams Ludwig for 'enabling' Mang0's actions at Beerio Kart 2025
(Image via @LudwigAhgren/X & @WeshBallz/X) Super Smash Bros. veteran Weston 'Westballz' has sparked a major controversy by accusing Twitch streamer and Beerio Kart organizer Ludwig Ahgren of 'enabling' fellow pro Mang0 into a medical emergency. The incident stems from the latest Beerio Kart 2025 event, where Mang0's behavior under the influence shocked both attendees and viewers, and now, the spotlight is shifting. What Went Down at Beerio Kart 2025? Beerio Kart is an alcohol-fueled spin on Mario Kart where streamers compete while drinking — a chaotic but popular spectacle. This year, however, things took a darker turn. Mang0, visibly intoxicated, was caught behaving inappropriately around female streamers. One viral clip showed him pressing himself against Twitch streamer Maya Higa while holding plushies and cardboard cutouts — behavior that many deemed deeply uncomfortable and inappropriate. Westballz Blames Ludwig | Valkyrae on Mang0 Drunk Night Westballz 's Accusation Against Ludwig While Mang0's actions triggered widespread backlash, Westballz turned the heat toward Ludwig. In a now-viral post, he accused Ludwig of pushing Mang0 toward excess: 'You enabled someone into a medical emergency! Saying to 'increase those numbers,' and then once sh** hits the f**king fan, you say he's banned from all your events. After that, he's dropped from C9, banned from Melee tournaments.' Westballz questioned the sincerity of Ludwig's friendship with Mang0, arguing that encouraging dangerous behavior and later cutting ties isn't how a real friend acts. He also claimed the fallout from this will harm the Melee scene itself, suggesting viewership will drop now that one of its most iconic figures has been publicly disgraced and banned. What Exactly Happened with Mang0? Mang0's antics included suggestive behavior toward multiple female streamers. One viral clip in particular, where he appeared to push up against Maya Higa from behind, lit Reddit and Twitter/X on fire, sparking outrage. Though intoxicated, many fans and creators saw his behavior as inexcusable. Valkyrae later weighed in, calling the incident a 'disaster,' and emphasized that Mang0 'needs to seek help.' A Community Divided Some fans side with Westballz, saying Ludwig, as host, should've kept the event under control. Others argue Mang0 is responsible for his own actions, regardless of encouragement. There's also the bigger picture — the impact on the Super Smash Bros. community. Mang0 was one of its biggest icons. Westballz fears that this incident and the way it was handled could hurt the game's visibility and legacy. The Beerio Kart saga might just change how streamer-led events are run moving forward. Because enabling, even unintentionally, has its consequences. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Omoda C9 review: Powerful hybrid SUV delivers impressive performance and efficiency
Blasting onto South African shores with 440kW and 915N.m, the C9 PHEV spearheads Omoda's local new-energy vehicle offensive. CAR Magazine samples the new C9 flagship in Gauteng. First impressions here… Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Fast facts: Omoda C9 PHEV Price: R999 000 Powertrain: 1.5l, four-cylinder, turbopetrol + electric motors Transmission: three-speed DHT Driven wheels: Four Power: 440kW Torque: 915N.m Top speed: N/a 0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds* Fuel consumption: 1.4l/100km CO 2 emissions: N/a *Claimed figures What are we driving? Launched alongside the Jaecoo J7 SHS (Super Hybrid System), which we sampled before its official South African launch, we are driving the Omoda C9 PHEV. Positioned as the new flagship in Omoda SA's C9 lineup, the PHEV derivative spearheads the Chinese marque's new-energy vehicle (NEV) offensive. The C9 PHEV (or SHS, the namesake that will replace 'PHEV' to align with the plug-in hybrid Jaecoo's) employs a 1.5l, four-cylinder turbopetrol engine and a quartet of electric motors. The PHEV arrangement produces a total system output of 440kW and 915N.m. Delivered to all four corners via a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), the automaker says these figures allow the C9 PHEV to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds. Omoda claims an average fuel consumption of 1.4l/100km when the battery is replenished and a still-impressive 6.9l/100km when the 34.5kWh item is discharged. Capable of accepting up to 70kW at a DC fast charging station, the firm says a 30 to 80% DC charge takes between 20 and 25 minutes. Noteworthy, the PHEV setup offers claimed electric-only driving of up to 150km and a combined operating range of 1 100km. Exclusively available in top-tier, Explore level of specification, the C9 PHEV is generously equipped as standard. The package includes such items as (deep breath) 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment, the latter incorporating Apple CarPlay/Android Auto screen mirroring; 50W wireless smartphone charging; a 12-speaker Sony sound system; dual-zone climate control with rear air-con; electrically adjustable heated/ventilated front pews; heated rear seats, replete with reclining function, and multifunction steering wheel; a surround-view camera array supplemented by fore and aft park distance sensors; and a panoramic sunroof. Safety items include seven airbags, Isofix child-seat anchorages and a bouquet of advanced driver assistance systems. The latter includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-change assist and automatic emergency braking, among other features. The cabin is spacious, with fore and aft occupants afforded plenty of head- and kneeroom. Omoda claims a luggage capacity of 660l, which expands to 1 783l when folding down the rear seatbacks. However, it is worth mentioning that the 2.0TGDI 400T AWD derivative, which has the same claimed boot/utility capacity, swallowed 328/1 068l worth of our ISO blocks when evaluated for our December 2024 road test. Related: Review: Jaecoo J7 SHS (PHEV) What are the Omoda C9 PHEV's rivals? The new-energy C9's PHEV rivals come in the shape of the (SA-built) BMW X3 30e xDrive, which we sampled at the local launch in 2025, and Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge, priced from R1 260 000 and R1 314 000, respectively. As a reminder, the plug-in hybrid X3's petrol-electric powertrain comprises a 140kW/310N.m, 2l, four-cylinder turbopetrol and 135kW/250N.m electric motor for a combined system output of 220kW and 450N.m. The X3 30e's average fuel consumption and electric-only operating range are a claimed 1.1l/100km and 90km. BMW quotes a 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.2 seconds and 215km/h top speed for its new-generation new-energy X3. The Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge's 233kW/400N.m, 2l, four-cylinder super- and turbocharged petrol internal combustion engine is assisted by a 107kW/309N.m electric motor. The Gothenburg-based brand's midsize plug-in hybrid SUV produces peak power and torque outputs of 340kW and 709N.m for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds, making it one-tenth of a second quicker to the three-figure marker than the car driven here, and 180km/h top speed. Related: Review: BMW X3 30e xDrive What is the Omoda C9 PHEV like to drive? Stepping inside (via standard-fitment keyless entry), the C9 PHEV's Nappa leather-upholstered cabin is a comfortable place sit. Perceived interior build quality is good and contributes to the Omoda's impressive levels of NVH suppression. The C9 PHEV is a comfortable drive, with its suspension setup soaking up most road imperfections with aplomb. The steering is generally direct. However, the calibration of the setup would benefit from more weight as it feels a touch too light and void of feedback at low-speed manoeuvring and when pushing on. Noteworthy, the C9 PHEV doesn't seem to suffer from the throttle calibration issues we've previously experienced in several other Chinese vehicles. The drivetrain delivers power to all four corners in a smooth fashion. A brief stop at Gerotek allowed us to test this C9's straight-line performance. Admittedly, this is not what the C9 PHEV was built for. Yet, considering its performance SUV-matching outputs and claimed 0-100km/h sprint time, we were keen to test just how it performs in the acceleration stakes. The powertrain exhibited some latency off the line and, as impressive as the C9 PHEV's outputs are on paper, it curiously didn't quite feel like there's 440kW/915N.m on hand. However, the Omoda is plenty quick and overtaking on the motorway is fuss-free. Related: Review: Omoda C9 AWD Explore Verdict Featuring a solidly constructed, capacious and tech-laden cabin, easy-to-drive characteristics, road-holding manners and admirable fuel economy, the C9 PHEV ticks a lot of boxes. Though, from first impressions, it doesn't feel as powerful as the outputs on its spec sheet would suggest. However, that's not what it was built for; it was made to offer the driver and occupants an exceptionally comfortable driving experience. And the Omoda majors in this. Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Review: Omoda C9 PHEV appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
