Latest news with #OmodaC5
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
REVIEW: Omoda C5 X will hit a sweet spot for those who prefer sporty looks to practicality
The Omoda C5 X ushers in a facelift for the brand's most popular model. Image: Supplied There's a quiz on one of Joburg's popular radio stations, where contestants are asked to name a whole bunch of things starting with a specific letter, from countries to animals, foods and... you get the drift. Of course, I've never entered because, with my luck, I would probably be stuck with a letter like 'X' or 'Z'. Nonetheless, on this specific day the contestant was saddled with 'O' and when asked to name a car brand, the answer given was Omoda. Not Opel, as the obvious one might have been a few years back. But it illustrates a point. Among the seemingly endless tide of new Chinese brands entering the South African market, Omoda & Jaecoo has established a solid footing on the sales charts in a relatively short space of time. In the first four months of this year they have sold an average of just under 800 cars per month, placing it 14th among the manufacturers, and it's the Omoda C5 that leads this charge with a consistent monthly tally of just over 500 units. The C5 range was recently split into two, with the facelifted 'X' models forming the upper half of the range, while the 1.5 Street and 1.5T Style variants continue unchanged at the more affordable end of the spectrum, with prices starting at R329,900. 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 ✕ The new C5 X is sold in two flavours, with the Lux X costing R425,900 and the Elegance X commanding R465,900. These models are a respective R52,000 and R42,000 less than their predecessors! Subjective as styling is, I'd say this facelift is a cracker. In the old version you got a huge, colour-coded and borderless grille with a bit of car hidden behind it. The front end receives a sharper design. Image: Supplied The new model, with its sharper 'diamond matrix' grille, derived from the elegant Omoda C9, just looks so much neater, particularly as it's flanked by larger headlights and boomerang-shaped bumper elements. The sleek body shape remains as before, and is just as striking and eye-catching as ever, now complemented by a more handsome front end. However, the sporty silhouette does have a downside, which I discovered while trying to plonk my average-sized frame behind my driving position. Rear headroom is on the tight side, and while I only just fitted in comfortably, taller individuals might find themselves in a more claustrophobic position. I found the rear legroom to be adequate, but there wasn't much stretching space. The recent design upgrades saw the official boot capacity increase from 378 to 442 litres, which is certainly generous enough for a vehicle in this segment - you'll fit a good few holiday bags in there. The basic cabin architecture remains as before, but soft-touch surfaces are more liberally used. There's a large curved panel, which neatly houses two screens, rising above the dashboard, while a raised centre console creates a feeling of separation between the driver and front passenger, as you might find in a supercar. Below this you'll find a large storage area, which also houses A and C USB ports. Tall centre console brings a true 'cockpit' feel. Image: Supplied The wireless phone charger, which sits between the upper console and infotainment screen, has an increased charging output of 50 watts. The infotainment system, which integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is relatively straightforward and easy to use, and there is a separate touch panel below the air vents for most of the ventilation functions. What's it like to drive the Omoda C5 X? The engine carries over, as the familiar 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit that pushes 115kW and 230Nm, but the previous CVT gearbox has been replaced by a new six-speed dual-clutch unit. The electronic gear lever did not feel all that responsive to fast inputs between park, reverse and drive. But on the road the gearbox delivered reasonably smooth shifts. Performance is on par with what you'd expect, given the vehicle's size and power. It's no firecracker, but it's more than capable of keeping up with fast-paced urban and highway traffic. New LED taillights adorn the rear end. Image: Supplied Omoda claims an overall consumption figure of 6.9 litres per 100km, down from the previous version's 7.4, but our test car averaged 9.8 litres per 100km in mixed conditions, while a freeway run of around 100km after a trip reset saw a figure of 7.3 litres per 100km. While not catastrophic consumption, it could certainly have been better. That also sums up my feeling about the overall driving experience. There's a new multi-link rear axle, but the ride quality is no better than average at best. Interior noise and vibration levels also leave room for improvement. It's not necessarily unrefined, but it's also not the height of sophistication either. But let's be fair here, as the Omoda C5 still enters the field with a high-value price tag, with almost every conceivable bell and whistle made available for under R500,000. Both models come with automatic climate control, synthetic leather seats, with electric adjustment for the front occupants, sunroof, push-button start and a surround-view camera. The Elegance X adds a few extra bits and bobs, such as driver's seat ventilation, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and wireless phone charger. VERDICT The driving experience could still do with some fine-tuning, but other than that, the new Omoda C5 X is proof of how far Chinese car manufacturers have come in a relatively short space of time. Boasting sporty looks, a keen price tag and a glut of standard features, it should hit a sweet spot for many buyers seeking a desirable vehicle for under R500,000. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel IOL
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.
Perth Now
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
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. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 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. Supplied Credit: CarExpert '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.
