Driven: OMODA's C7 SUV in China, and it's coming to SA

After seeing the C7 up close at the Shanghai Auto Show and the Chery International Business Summit, and then experiencing it firsthand during a brief drive at the Zhejiang Circuit, it's clear that OMODA is serious about challenging established players in the local market.

Related: Omoda C5 X Series now available in SA.

Styling: Distinctively OMODA

The C7 carries OMODA's signature X-shaped grille and slim headlights, but elevates the design language with sharper lines and more aggressive proportions. It measures 4 621 mm in length with a 2 700 mm wheelbase.

The frameless grille with its honeycomb pattern creates a distinctive gradient effect, while the coupé-inspired roofline and semi-flush door handles add touches of premium flair. Illuminating panels at the front may be optional, but it's too soon to tell.

My favourite exterior design feature is the thunderbolt-shaped rear light signature, which adds a superhero drama.

Related: How does the Toyota Corolla Cross compare to the Omoda C5?

Interior

The interior is thoughtfully uncluttered and prioritises essential elements. The centrepiece is a massive 15.6-inch sliding touchscreen that can move across the dashboard to the passenger's side, unlike the C9 interior, which reminds me of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé, the C7 charts its design course.

The top-spec PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) version takes things further with built-in video games (complete with wireless controllers) and – believe it or not – in-car karaoke capability! After a long day at work, you can belt out your favourite tunes with lyric display! After some ABBA (Gimme, Gimme, Gimme) and a spot of Waka Waka (we thought it a sensible choice, since we were far away from home), we emerged from the C7 in high spirits.

To watch the video and see how the screen moves, click here.

Related: Which is the best variant of the OMODA C9?

Space and comfort

Beyond the tech showpieces, the C7 will likely come equipped with ventilated and heated seats featuring massage capabilities, dual wireless charging pads, and a 12-speaker Sony sound system that delivers impressive audio clarity. Other potential features include a 14-speaker sound system, fragrance dispenser (like we've experienced in the C9), active noise cancellation and quad-zone climate control. Considering how lavishly the C9 is equipped, don't be surprised if you see all of the above on the C7's spec sheet on launch.

The 2 700 mm wheelbase translates to generous rear legroom, space resembling vehicles in the class above, and a massive boot. With customisable ambient lighting and premium materials throughout, the cabin atmosphere can shift from business to pleasure with a few taps on the screen.

Related: Omoda C9 vs. VW Tiguan vs. Kia Sportage

Powertrain options

South African buyers will have two distinct C7 flavours to choose from when it launches later this year:

1. The ICE Version

The standard C7 has a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a smooth-shifting new DCT gearbox driving the front wheels. While OMODA hasn't confirmed the exact power figures for the South African ICE model, our brief test drive suggested sufficiently sprightly performance on the acceleration section and impressive stability as it flitted through the array of orange cones in the slalom section.

The drive mode selector offers Eco, Normal, and Sport options, with noticeable differences in throttle response and transmission behaviour. Sport mode, in particular, holds gears longer and sharpens the overall driving experience.

2. The top-spec PHEV drivetrain

The headline-grabber is undoubtedly the C7 PHEV (also called the C7 SHS thanks to its Super Hybrid System. This combines a 1.5-litre turbo engine (115 kW/230 Nm) with an electric motor pushing out 150 kW and 310 Nm for a combined output of 265 kW and 530 Nm.

An 18.3 kWh BYD lithium iron phosphate battery is said to provide up to 95 km of electric-only range, while the combined driving range exceeds a claimed 1 250 km.

According to those who drove this SUV, the PHEV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 8.5 seconds, with instant torque delivery and a seamless power transition.

Track impressions

I briefly drove the ICE version at the Zhejiang Circuit, where the OMODA C7 was subjected to sprint acceleration, high-velocity cornering, and precision braking manoeuvres. (We also took the new JAICOO J5 EV and Omoda C5 X Series HEV for a spin on this track, but more on that later.)

Related: OMODA C9 Road-Trip Review

Even in our limited time with the vehicle, the C7 showed promising handling through corners, with well-controlled body roll and responsive steering. The braking performance felt reassuring during our test exercises, suggesting good emergency stopping capability.

Our track time was too brief to form definitive conclusions about long-distance comfort or real-world efficiency, but first impressions of the chassis dynamics and powertrain responsiveness were positive.

Tech and safety

OMODA has loaded the C7 with an extensive suite of driver aids, including forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, and adaptive cruise control. The 360-degree camera system provides excellent visibility for parking and includes autonomous parking capability for up to 80 different scenarios. 

As mentioned, these specs are likely but not 100% certain.

Despite its complexity, the infotainment system is intuitive, with quick responses and crisp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard, of course.

Who will it go up against? 

The C7 enters a fiercely competitive segment in South Africa, facing off against established players like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Hyundai Tucson. It must also contend with value-oriented rivals such as the Haval H6 and Jolion. Where the C7 stands out, however, is in its feature-to-price ratio. 

Competition is more limited for the PHEV version, with not too many local plug-in options in this segment just yet (but many more coming from fellow Chinese brands).

The Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid would be a direct competitor to the upcoming OMODA C7 PHEV in the mid-size SUV segment, along with its JAECOO J7 PHEV sibling that is also expected shortly.

Expected pricing

OMODA hasn't released official pricing yet, but the C7 will probably slot in somewhere between the C5 X Series (starting at R425,900) and the C9 (from R785,900). We reckon the C7 should offer good value against established rivals.

The C7 will reach South African showrooms in the second half of 2025, with both ICE and PHEV variants arriving around the same time.

Verdict

OMODA continues to build on its early success in South Africa, and the C7 looks set to accelerate that momentum when it arrives later this year. However, the question on everybody's lips is: Will it steal away sales from the not-much-bigger C9? 

It's very likely.

Also, a PHEV version of the C9 is launching in May. 

We look forward to taking the C7 on a nice long road-trip when it arrives, so watch this space! But so far, definitely so good.