Omoda has added two new derivatives to the C5 range: the 230T Lux X and 230T Elegance X. We grabbed the keys to the Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance X to find out what the differences are, and there are a few, so let us explain here.
Related: Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance (2024) Review
Before we get into the details of the new Omoda C5 derivatives, remember that you can sell your car quickly and easily on our website here if you are in the market for a new car. You can search for new or used Omoda C5 models on AutoTrader here to find the deal you want.
Styling
While from the rear, you might struggle to see any difference between the new Elegance X and previous Elegance variants, up front, it is a different story. Omoda has given the new Elegance X derivative a new grille design with a diamond pattern, which, in this writer's opinion, is indeed a step above the outgoing grille.
Lower down the front facia, Omoda has also applied some updates for a cleaner look. The updated daytime running lights, which have a more sculpted design, further bolster the exterior design. Also, as standard on the "X" labelled derivatives are 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels that nicely contrast with the metallic body colour.
The Drive
My colleague and Motoring Editor Sean Nurse commented on the throttle calibration of the C5 1.5T 230T Elegance previously, and I am happy to say that this has been addressed. I believe it is because, instead of the 5-step CVT used in the previous Elegance derivatives, Omoda has installed a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
This is a very smooth transmission coupled to the brand's 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, built by in-house engine manufacturer ACTECO and co-developed with Austrian company AVL, which not only delivers a very good drive but a frugal one too, but more on that later.
Another update the Chinese automaker applied is replacing the torsion beam rear suspension with a multilink setup, which improves ride comfort and handling dynamics. Overall, the Omoda C5 offers a more refined driving experience, whether you are the driver or a passenger.
Performance
Under the bonnet of the Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance X is the same in-house ACTECO engine developing 115kW and 230Nm of torque. However, now that it is coupled to the 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, Omoda says it should sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds instead of the 9.9 seconds with the older CVT units.
While Omoda doesn't publicly disclose the top speeds of the C5 models, the older Elegance units with the CVT transmission were independently tested overseas to up to 172 km/h. We suspect and can only assume that the top speed would have increased slightly with the new transmission.
Space and Comfort
The changes to the C5 aren't only on the exterior or the engine bay, but also on the interior. Both front occupants benefit from additional soft-touch materials in the door cards for a more luxurious feel. Like in previous units, the driver also holds onto a multifunctional steering wheel featuring the Omoda moniker instead of the Chery name.
Regarding the tech, Omoda replaced the 15-watt wireless charger with a 50-watt unit with a ventilation system. Additionally, the padding where your smartphone would rest usually took shape as a suede-like surface, which resulted in the smartphone sliding around while going around corners. Now, a rubberised surface keeps your phone in place, which is a much better solution, in my opinion.
The interior has improved not just in terms of trim and tech but also in space. With the rear seats up, Omoda has increased the boot space from 378 litres to 442 litres. If you fold the seats flat, you will get up to 1 149 litres of luggage space.
My partner, however, a little shorter than I, commented that the infotainment screen and the HVAC buttons are slightly out of reach for the front passenger. After testing her reach while stationary in the driver's seat, she still found that individuals with shorter arms might struggle to reach all the menu items on the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Safety
The C5 achieved a 5-star rating after being crash tested in the Euro NCAP in 2022. The model scored 87% for adult occupant safety, 87% for child occupant safety, 68% for pedestrian safety and 88% for its safety assistance systems.
Fuel Consumption
With the introduction of the dual-clutch transmission, Omoda has reduced the claimed average fuel consumption figure from 7.4 L / 100 km to 6.9 L / 100 km. However, if you pay attention to your throttle inputs like me, you could even get the average fuel consumption down to around 6.3 L / 100 km, under the claimed consumption.
Price
While the Street and Style derivatives of the Omoda C5 come with a 2-year / 25 000 km service plan, X Series derivatives, such as the Omoda C5 Lux X and Elegance X variants, come standard with a 5-year / 70 000 km service plan. All Omoda C5 models come with a 5-year / 150 000 km vehicle warranty and a 10-year / 1 000 000 km engine warranty for the first owner.
Readers should also note that the new Lux X and Elegance X variants arrive on the dealership floors at a more affordable price than the pre-updated units. Previously, the Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance was priced at R 507 900, and the Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Lux at R 477 900.
| Omoda C5 1.5 Street | from R 329 900 |
| Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Style | from R 364 900 |
| Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Lux X | from R 425 900 |
| Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance X | from R 465 900 |
*Pricing indicated in this article was correct at the time of publishing; however, it can change at any time and without notice.
The Verdict
The new Omoda C5 matches its larger sibling, the C9, in styling and refinement. And with it coming at a more affordable price than the outgoing derivatives, it certainly makes it a very appealing offer. There are small idiosyncrasies to get used to, such as accessing a hidden menu to deactivate the automatic stop/start system.
However, once you have settled in and familiarised yourself with the model, you will find that it drives really well, returns really good fuel consumption figures, and looks fashionable, in line with the brand identity. What is most impressive for this writer is that Omoda went as far as developing and installing a new transmission system to address the requirements of their customers over such a short time.
This indicates that the brand is customer-centric and listens to its customers. For that reason and all of the improvements made on the C5, we wholeheartedly recommend that you take a look at the new C5 X Series derivatives if you are in the market for a fashionable crossover.
