Latest news with #OmodaC3
TimesLIVE
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Futuristic Omoda C3 set to shake up South African roads
Chery subsidiary Omoda will expand its offering in South Africa next year with the launch of the C3, a compact crossover that will be offered alongside the popular C5 and the larger C9. The futuristic Omoda C3 had its global preview at the Auto Shanghai motor show taking place this week, ahead of its showroom launch in October. Offering a blend of bold styling, advanced technology and dynamic performance, Omoda's smallest car will be available in both petrol and new-energy vehicle (NEV) powertrains. Omoda says the C3 is a crossover designed for Gen Z, the people born between 1997 and 2012. It has what the Chinese firm describes as a 'striking, cyber-inspired design that draws inspiration from lightning, merging cyber-futuristic sharpness with deconstructed lines and electric energy'. The body is sculpted with sharp, geometric lines reminiscent of interstellar battleships, says Omoda. 'With the Omoda C3, we've moved beyond design trends to create a new visual language that speaks to a generation shaped by technology, individuality and bold self-expression,' said Shannon Gahagan, national brand and marketing manager for Omoda & Jaecoo SA. 'It's more than a car, it's a statement of where mobility, art and innovation converge.' The futuristic theme continues inside the C3's cabin, which has been styled as a futuristic command centre. Drawing inspiration from aviation, it features fighter jet-style instrumentation, mechanical switchgear and an immersive cockpit experience designed for the modern driver. The company hasn't confirmed detailed technical information but Chery offers petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains in its stable. More details about the Omoda C3 will be made known closer to the launch date. Omoda is the luxury sub-brand of the Chery and was introduced in South Africa in 2023. Its C5 midsize crossover has become one of the country's best-selling Chinese cars and was joined by the larger and more luxurious C9 in 2024.
IOL News
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
A car for Gen Z, with Lambo looks: Striking new Omoda C3 confirmed for South Africa
The C3 is Omoda's most striking design to date. Image: Supplied The new Omoda C3 is an outlandish looking compact SUV by anyone's definition, and it's coming to South Africa in 2026, the local importer has confirmed. Revealed at the recent Shanghai Auto Show, the entry-level crossover was purpose-designed for Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012. Unsurprisingly, the average age of the C3's design team members is 28. Its exterior features sharp, geometric lines inspired by interstellar battleships, and there are more than a few hints of Lamborghini's Urus in its striking lines and shark-nosed front end. The cabin, not yet revealed, was also designed to resemble a starship, Omoda says, and the vertical touchscreen and digital instrument cluster have numerous display themes. In a break from the digital norm, it features physical switchgear as well as jet-fighter-inspired instrumentation, Omoda says, creating an 'immersive' cockpit experience. But check this out kids: Not only does the centre console have slots for portable gaming devices, but occupants will be able to play games on the touchscreen using wireless controllers. Omoda has not released specifications yet, but says it will be available with both petrol and 'new energy' powertrains to cater for a wide range of preferences. The exterior was inspired by interstellar battleships. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ While no concrete details are available as yet, Autocar reports that the new C3 measures 4,420mm in length, making it slightly longer than the current Omoda C5, which will apparently grow in size with the next generation.
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Locked-in for South Africa: Omoda unwraps sharp, futuristic C3
Speculation surrounding powertrain details suggests hybrid, plug-in hybrid and possibly electric options. All-new Omoda C3 premiered in Shanghai this week ahead of its South African arrival in 2026. Image: Omoda One of several surprise unveilings at the Shanghai International Motor Show this past week, Omoda removed the wraps from the all-new C3 that will make its South African market debut in 2026. Dramatic styling An export-only model as per the Omoda brand not being marketed in China, the C3, or Omoda 3 in some markets, will be positioned below the C5 and C7 as not only Omoda's entry-level model, but one the brand says targets so-called Gen Z customers. Incorporating a sharper version of the Art in Motion styling language, the C3 takes several cues from the Lamborghini Urus and Ferrari Purosangue when viewed from the front and side, while the rear has a squared-off look similar to sister brand Jaecoo's J7. Omoda 3 debuts as brand's new compact crossover positioned below the Omoda 5. The sporty model will launch globally in — Paul Tan's Automotive News (@paultan) April 26, 2025 Depicted in Shanghai, but strangely not in the official press material, the interior, which The Citizen has nonetheless still seen, the interior sports a radically different look than the C5 by featuring a minimalist design, a freestanding instrument cluster, slim centre console and a portrait-style infotainment system of unknown size. ALSO READ: Omoda C5 range adjusted again to include new X Series pair Reportedly designed with gaming enthusiasts in-mind, with Omoda describing the cabin as 'starship cockpit', the setup also includes the push-button start being similar to the Urus, while the steering wheel is new and thus with no connections to the C5 or C9. More later Set to formally launch in October before being exported, technical and dimensional details weren't disclosed, however, speculation point to the availability of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and possibly also full electric powertrain options. Despite still being a ways off, don't be surprised if details pertaining the former does emerge over the coming months before it goes into production. Additional information from NOW READ: South Africa-bound Omoda C7 PHEV details emerge abroad
The Sun
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Omoda 3 Unveiled
WE just witnessed the global unveiling of the Omoda 3, a sporty-looking compact crossover that will be positioned below the Omoda 5 and Omoda 7. Depending on the market, the crossover may also be called the Omoda C3, similar to how the Omoda 5 and 7 are referred to as the C5 and C7, respectively. As you can see from its striking and angular design, the Omoda 3 is clearly aimed at younger buyers, as stated by brand director Roy Xie. In fact, the car was designed by a team of designers with an average age of just 28 years. The design of the Omoda 3 draws inspiration from starships, which explains the sharp creases and angular lines. Some members of the Malaysian media pointed out that the Omoda 3 has certain design cues reminiscent of the Lamborghini Urus, but this writer personally feels it looks more like a sharper Yaris Cross—the world's best-selling model in its segment, particularly from the angular wheel arches. At the front, the Omoda 3 features bold 'OMODA' lettering and slim daytime running lights positioned above a large, gaping section that houses the grille and main headlights. Air intakes are located on either side, adding to its aggressive appearance. Moving to the side, the Omoda 3 sports flush door handles, angular wheel arches, and 19-inch wheels. The pillars and roof are blacked out, giving the car a stylish dual-tone body colour scheme. At the rear, the inverted L-shaped taillights are connected by a light bar on the tailgate, both showcasing a lightning-style effect. The starship theme continues inside, where the Omoda 3 features a 'Starship Cockpit' architecture and ambient lighting that stretches across the dashboard. A few sporty and youthful touches include the fighter jet-inspired push-start button, where you lift a red cover before pressing it. There's also an 'e-sports ecosystem,' which Omoda describes as a 'best-in-class gaming cockpit.' We're not entirely sure what that entails yet, but we're excited to experience and test it out once the car arrives in Malaysia. As for the powertrain, Omoda did not disclose full details during the unveiling. However, we suspect the Omoda 3 will be offered with combustion engine options (petrol and hybrid) as well as a fully electric variant. We will provide updates once more information is available. Following its global launch in October 2025, the Omoda 3 will be introduced in various markets. Do you think this youthful compact crossover will make its way to Malaysia?
West Australian
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
Omoda C3: New Chinese small SUV brings Lamborghini, sci-fi design cues
Chery has revealed an aggressively styled new compact SUV for its Omoda spinoff brand, with styling inspired by robots and starships. Referred to varyingly by Chery as the Omoda C3 or Omoda 3, the new small SUV ostensibly slots in under the Omoda C5/Omoda 5 that'll soon be rebranded here as the Chery C5. It was revealed in China, ahead of its global product launch in October 2025. 'We're certainly interested… but at this stage we don't have a confirmed release timeline,' said a Chery Australia spokesperson when asked about the Omoda C3's chances for Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . The Omoda C3 was developed with younger buyers in mind, with styling inspired by mecha – ie: giant robots or machines seen in Japanese manga and anime, which have also inspired other Chinese designs like GWM's Tank 700. Chery says the average age of the Omoda C3 design team is just 28. There are sharp creases everywhere on the Omoda C3's exterior, with a wide grille up front flanked by lighting elements intended to evoke lightning bolts. Pronounced creases run down the side of the vehicle, with even the belt line and wheel-arch extensions featuring sharp angles. The Omoda C3 also features prominent shoulders, as well as a full-width bar at the rear which connects a pair of L-shaped tail lights. Chery says it'll offer an 'official racing package' with various aerodynamic enhancements. Inside, there's a 'starship-inspired cockpit' with a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and there are different selectable themes for both the touchscreen and the digital instrument cluster. Chery says you'll be able to play games on the touchscreen using wireless controllers, while the centre console has slots for portable gaming devices. The start button is also located on the centre console, where it's placed under a cover to give the Omoda C3 a more dramatic – and Lamborghini-like – startup procedure, while there's carbon-fibre interior trim and extensive ambient lighting. 'When you're sitting in the Omoda C3, you can feel like a starship commander,' said Omoda C3 brand director Roy Xie. The company hasn't confirmed what will power the Omoda C3, though Chery offers petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains among its crowded array of brands. Chery has confirmed it plans to expand its range of smaller models, with the 4200mm-long Omoda C3 to be joined by the 4000mm-long Omoda C2 and 3800mm-long Omoda C1. According to a presentation attended by Paul Tan , Chery also plans similarly sized T1, T2 and T3 models for its namesake brand, as well as L1, L2 and L3 models for its recently announced Lepas brand and a J3 small SUV for Jaecoo. The Jaecoo brand has just launched here, while its companion brand Omoda will launch here in the second half of 2025. Chery currently offers the Omoda 5 here under its namesake brand, but though it's sold under the Omoda brand in some markets, it's set to lose its Omoda branding in our market.
