Omoda variations
For those who may not be aware, Omoda is a sub-brand of Chinese automaker Chery. The Omoda brand positions itself as an urban crossover for young professionals who want to make a statement in their urban environment. There was, until recently only one model of Omoda available in South Africa, the C5. The C5 comes in five grades ranging from barebones to fully spec'ed.
Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance (2023) review
The question of which variant is best will depend purely on the purchaser's wants or needs out of their car, but we can make a few recommendations. Below is the current lineup as of November 2023, with the entry-level Tech model being the cheapest. All variants are powered by a 1.5l turbo petrol engine that will produce 115kW and 230Nm. While Chery claims 6.9l/100km it will be closer to the high 8's and low 9's for city driving.
| Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Tech | R 447 900 |
| Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Lux | R 477 900 |
| Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Lux S | R 479 900 |
| Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance | R 507 900 |
| Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance S | R 509 900 |
| Omoda C5 1.6TGDI 290T GT | R 589 900 |
Check out AutoTrader Car Subscriptions here
The model variations are very much the same with the Tech variant only getting a single body color option, 17" wheels, manual seats and manual aircon. The Lux models are the same, but they gain electrically adjustable seating and auto aircon. The Elegance models, however, receive a full and comprehensive driver assistance and safety system on top of everything else that the other variants offer.
Best of the best
The Tech variant will have very few features but is still rather well-equipped for its price. The Lux variants have better standard equipment but the Elegance models will give you the best value for money. The latest model to be introduced to the range is the new 1.6 turbo GT model, but as it will only be sold in limited numbers, it excludes it from the best variant list.
Related: OMODA C5 GT (2023) First Drive Review, C9 Preview and JAECOO J7 and J8 Reveal
If you are in the market for an Omoda you check them out on AutoTrader here and we highly advise taking a look at either the Elegance or Elegance S derivatives.
