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There's a growing trend in the automotive world and it's hailing primarily from the Chinese firms at the moment. Taking a singular brand and splitting it into sub-brands. While this isn't a new concept and the likes of Toyota/Lexus, Nissan/Infiniti, and others do it before. It feels a little different this time around though as there's seemingly little to differentiate some of these models. The Omoda brand is one that takes a familiar recipe and simply packages it slightly differently.
Related: Omoda C5 (2023) Launch First Drive Review
Omoda is a sub-brand from Chery, that they say, is geared to the younger, more style-conscious buyer. Hard to believe that though as the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, on which the Omoda C5 is based, is already a stylish offering. The Omoda C5 ramps this up though and pairs futuristic and modern styling with tech and convenience.
Styling
That grille man. It's impossible not to notice the integrated grille element that features diamond styling details and the high positioning of the LED daytime running lights. These create a futuristic look to the front, the likes of which we've become accustomed to seeing on electric vehicles - even though the Omoda C5 is still powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE).
The styling around the rear three-quarters reminds me of the C-pillar treatments found in some recent Opel designs while the rear tailgate appears to be inspired by the LED treatment given to some Peugeot models. Neither of these are complaints, they're attractive elements and on the Omoda C5 the rear taillight element spans the width of the rear. There's no haphazard styling to be found on the C5 and overall it remains an attractive, if not somewhat safe, design.
Space & Interior
The futuristic design approach continues inside where the C5 incorporates a variety of materials and modern design approaches to create a cabin that is both stylish and functional. A dual-screen display setup provides an information screen for the driver and a sizeable, 10.25" infotainment screen in the centre. Below this, a cabin-width air vent element separated the dashboard into clearly defined upper and lower segments with the lower segment sporting a clean, uncluttered centre console that rests high. The quality of the materials used is impressive and the rose-gold details on both the dash, doors and imitation leather seats are a classy touch. Ambient lighting adds a touch of high-end sophistication while complementing the high-tech interior.
Unfortunately, all is not perfect though and the seats, while electrically adjustable and heated, don't offer enough range of motion and the overall seating position is too high for the roof line, resulting in a slightly claustrophobic seating position. Those taller than 5'11" will struggle to sit comfortably in the Omoda C5.
Comfort & Convenience
The aforementioned infotainment system is the central command centre for many of the vehicle functions. Thankfully, the designers have been thoughtful and you do still get a physical volume knob, a few push buttons for key features, and a separate climate control panel for the HVAC, thus avoiding having to dig through 32 menu screens to find what you're looking for. This unit will accept the usual array of Bluetooth connections and also offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 8-speaker Sony audio system promises more than it delivers, but the audio reproduction is still perfectly suitable at this price point.
Elegance models benefit from a host of driver assistance systems including lane keep assist and departure warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts and adaptive cruise control, amongst others. Proximity-sensing door locks will unlock and lock based on the proximity of the key to the vehicle. The Omoda C5 uses the same natural speech assistant as the Chery Tiggo models and this, in itself, is an excellent piece of technology.
Performance
Powering the Omoda C5 is a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 115 kW of power and 230 Nm torque. This is more than adequate for the daily grind and highways are dealt with with consummate ease. Drivers can choose from either Eco or Sport mode and the steering weight can be altered independently from these settings, allowing one to have a weighted steering with gradual throttle response and vice verse.
This unit is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that has been programmed with 9 'steps' to simulate gear changes. Unfortunately, this is the Omoda's weakness and the gearbox programming is less than ideal. The inherent elastic band nature of the CVT gearbox is compounded by its propensity to rev too high initially before settling down and allowing the vehicle to make progress. This is akin to a slipping clutch and makes traffic (the natural stomping ground of such crossovers) more difficult than it needs to be.
Fuel Economy
Chery products, and those hailing from China as a whole, has been lambasted for their unwavering thirst. Despite their smaller-than-usual engine displacements, they tend to be heavier on fuel than many would like. Oddly enough, in the Omoda C5 this was less of an issue. Chery claims that the engine and gearbox combination is good for a combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.9 l/100km and we were running in the high 7s and low 8s.
Safety
No need to worry about safety in the Omoda C5 as it offers you a comprehensive array of safety systems. The C5 has scored a 5-star crash test rating in the ANCAP test and this has been backed up with further testing in other regions. All Omoda C5s, regardless of trim level, are fitted with 6 airbags, anti-lock brakes and an electronic stability program (ESP). ISOFIX mountings allow for securing of child seats and tyre pressure monitors ensure that you won't get stranded with a flat tyre.
Complementing these safety systems are emergency brake assist, emergency hazard flashing, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, with Elegance models also receiving blind spot monitoring and forward-collision warning.
Price
Pricing for the Omoda C5 starts from as little as R447 900 for the Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Tech.
| Model | Price (incl. VAT) |
| Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Tech | R447 900 |
| Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Lux | R477 900 |
| Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Lux S | R479 900 |
| Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance | R507 900 |
| Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance S | R509 900 |
Competitors
This segment of the local automotive landscape offers buys a wide variety of products, all around the same price point. Other vehicles to consider in this price range and segment include: Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigo, Hyundai Creta, Honda BR-V, Suzuki Vitara, Volkswagen T-Cross, and Toyota Corolla Cross.
Haval Jolion S vs Omoda C5 vs Renault Captur: Which one has the lowest running costs?
Verdict
The Omoda C5 is an attractive and technology-filled package that comes at the right price. Backed by an impressive 5-year/150 000 km warranty, 5-year/70 000 km service plan and that amazing 10-year/1 000 000 km engine warranty (for the first owner), it's a difficult package to ignore. It's not without its faults but these may very well be elements that don't bother you. If you're looking for a statement piece, the Omoda C5 is worth taking a closer look at.
