Will the Omoda C4 be SA’s Cheapest Hybrid?
Fresh from its production-ready debut at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, the Omoda C4 is officially on its way to South African shores, with a local launch confirmed for the second half of 2026. Positioned as the new entry point to the brand, I had a very brief encounter with the new model the brand's hometown of Wuhu recently.
The C4 introduces Omoda’s new design language, a sharper, more aggressive aesthetic than its C5 sibling. I spent some time walking around the newcomer, seeing hints of Lexus, Lotus, and Lamborghini that the design team appears to have borrowed inspiration from rather liberally. I think that's a good direction for the brand to move in, aesthetically, but the similarities to other products is rather evident.
Inside, the cabin is dominated by a large portrait-mounted 2.5K Snapdragon-powered screen that handles everything from gaming to climate control to media and drive modes, which I envision being irksome, but time will tell. I found the general fit and finish to feel in line with products of a similar type and expected pricing bracket.
The brand has also included an aviation-style red flip switch over the ignition button, something undoubtedly copied from Lamborghini.
Track notes*
Having put both variants through a short handling course, the differences in driving dynamics are immediate and telling.
The Hybrid (SHS): The Hybrid felt planted and refined across the course, considering this is a mass-produced consumer crossover, of course. This is largely due to the hybrid battery's low centre of gravity and the dual-motor system, which further lowers it and aids mid-corner stability. The torque delivery is near-instant and silent, eliminating the rubber-band feel often associated with small-displacement turbos and CVTs. It handled the tight sections with much more composure, feeling pointed, and eager to rotate.
The Petrol (ICE): In contrast, the standard Petrol model felt noticeably more nose-heavy. Without the heavy battery in the rear to balance the weight distribution, the ICE version exhibited clear understeer when pushed. The 1.5-litre engine, while capable, felt coarser under load, with the CVT working harder to find the power band—resulting in a noisier cabin experience compared to the smooth progress of the hybrid.
*It is important to note that the ICE variant was fitted with Giti tyres, while the SHS has a set of Continentals, which may have also affected handling performance.
SHS
The SHS-H (Super Hybrid System) is undoubtedly the more interesting of the two drivetrains, but is likely to be less popular than the cheaper petrol-only variants. Unlike plug-in hybrids, which require charging infrastructure, this self-charging hybrid (HEV) is perfectly suited to the South African landscape.
The hybrid: A 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor and 1.83 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, producing a combined 165 kW and 295 Nm.
Fuel frugality: Omoda is targeting a real-world consumption of 4.9L/100 km, offering a theoretical range of over 1 000 km per tank.
The Alternative: For those sticking to petrol, a standard 1.5-litre turbo petrol variant (delivering roughly 115 kW/225Nm) will also be available, likely serving as the range's price leader.
Compact dimensions
Measuring approximately 4.35 metres in length with a 2.6-metre wheelbase, the C4 is a classic B-segment SUV. It is slightly more compact than the C5. However, it steps into one of SA's most competitive segments, facing off against the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, Nissan Magnite and Kia Sonet to name a few.
Price speculation*
With the Omoda C5 currently starting at R339 900, all eyes are on whether the C4 can dip into the sub-R300k bracket with entry-level petrol-powered models.
| Model variant | Est starting price |
| C4 1.5T petrol | R289 000 – R299 900 |
| C4 SHS (hybrid) | R399 000 – R429 900 |
*Pricing is purely speculation on my part; the brand has yet to provide any indicative pricing.
If Omoda can successfully bring the hybrid variant to market for under R400 000, it won't just be an entry-level SUV; it will be a major headache for established players and another tempting proposition for South African consumers
Verdict
The C4 appears to successfully shrink the Omoda brand's image-conscious aesthetic into a more attainable package. Our drive was brief, but judging by our encounter, if the price is right, these will sell very well when they arrive in South Africa in the coming months.
