By Kelly Fisher
Driving the Omoda C5 and C9 over the past few months has been a journey of pleasant surprises. Each time I get behind the wheel of one of these vehicles, I appreciate the thoughtful strides Omoda is making in South Africa’s automotive space. With Chery—the parent brand—establishing a solid foundation in the country over the years, Omoda can leverage Chery’s trusted reputation. It’s a brand I’d argue is the most reliable of the Chinese players, and with a robust dealer network in place, aftersales support shouldn’t be a concern. The cherry on top? Omoda vehicles deliver exceptional value, offering a wealth of features that would set you back significantly more in a European, Japanese, or Korean equivalent.
The Omoda C9 takes things up a notch, entering the midsize premium SUV space dominated by stalwarts like the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Haval H6 GT. Positioned as Omoda’s flagship model, the C9 is designed for those who want a family-friendly SUV without compromising on style, performance, or technology.
Design and features
Where the C5 is edgy and expressive, the C9 leans into sophistication. The exterior’s clean lines are complemented by a large grille, sleek LED lighting, and 19-inch alloy wheels that give it an elegant yet assertive stance. Inside, the C9 delivers on its premium promise with leather upholstery, a dual-screen setup similar to the C5 but larger, and a slew of luxury features. Heated and ventilated seats, a head-up display, and a panoramic sunroof are just a few highlights.
Performance and driving dynamics
The C9 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 187 kW and 390 Nm, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The result is smooth, responsive performance that feels more premium than you’d expect at this price point. All-wheel drive is available on higher trims, adding capability for those who might venture off the beaten path. The C9’s ride is refined and composed, soaking up bumps easily while remaining stable in corners.
Pricing and competition
With a starting price of R670,000 for the top-spec AWD Explore model, the C9 is competitively positioned against the likes of the Haval H6 GT and Chery’s own Tiggo 8 Pro. It’s a full R100,000 less than some similarly specced competitors from Korea and Japan, yet it doesn’t skimp on luxury or safety, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and even rear cross-traffic alert.
Verdict: A new contender worth watching
Both the Omoda C5 and C9 showcase the brand’s commitment to offering stylish, well-equipped vehicles at accessible prices. If you’d like to dive deeper into my experience with the Omoda C5, check out my detailed review here. Meanwhile, the C9 offers a more premium experience for larger families or those seeking something more refined. With Chery’s established presence in South Africa and a growing dealer network, Omoda is positioning itself as a serious contender—and one that’s hard to ignore in a market where value and features matter more than ever.
