The Omoda C9 is a perfect example of what we can expect to see in the coming years as Chinese manufacturers cement their presence in South Africa. Most Chinese firms in South Africa have a luxury division back home. Much like Toyota has Lexus, Nissan has Infiniti, and Mercedes-Benz has Maybach, so do the Chinese entities. For Chery, that's a brand called Exeed.
Related: Omoda C9 2.0TGDI 400T Explore AWD (2024) Review
But what does Exeed have to do with the Omoda C9? Well, the Omoda C9 is the Exeed Yaoguang, and Chery (the parent company) opted to introduce it here as an Omoda rather than complicate things by introducing yet another sub-brand. We've had the C9 on review and were pleasantly surprised by several aspects of this premium SUV—so much so that we decided to compile a list of the Top three things that we think you need to know about the C9.
1. Drivetrain
The Omoda C9 runs the 2.0 TGDI engine, a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces a rather impressive 190kW and a stout 400Nm torque. All versions get an 8-speed Aisin automatic gearbox, a tried-and-tested unit known to be rather reliable.
Two variants are on offer, each with a slightly different trim level. You can choose from the "entry-level" front wheel drive or the somewhat higher spec all-wheel-drive version. Omoda claims you can expect a combined cycle fuel consumption of 8.2 L/100km from the C9.
2. Standard Equipment
A list within a list - how daring! It's far easier to list the extensive complement of standard features and equipment as the C9 is rather well appointed off the showroom floor, with no need to peruse over an options list.
On the 400T Inspire FWD, you get the following equipment as standard.
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Panoramic sunroof
- Electric tailgate
- Leather upholstery
- Electric seats with heating and ventilation
- Heated steering wheel
- Dual-zone climate control
- Dual 12.3-inch screens
- 8-speaker Sony audio system
- Wireless charging
- Heads-up display
- Park distance control front and rear
- 540-deg camera
- Ambient lighting
On the 400T Explore AWD, you get all of the above, but the following is added, or enhanced.
- Adaptive suspension
- Off-road driving modes
- Nappa leather upholstery
- 12-speaker audio system
- Adaptive headlights
3. Priced right
The Omoda C9 offers the sort of equipment one would ordinarily pay dearly for, but that's not the case here. The C9 is certainly considered affordable for a vehicle with this level of standard equipment (remember, no options lists here), size, and power.
The Omoda C9 2.0TGDI 400T Inspire retails for R785 900 while the flagship Explore AWD version goes for R885 900. Included in this price is the Omoda 10-year/1-million km engine warranty for the first owner, a 7-year/200 000 km warranty, and a 7-year/100 000 km service plan for unbeatable peace-of-mind.
