When writing this article, Omoda offers two model ranges: the wallet-friendly C5 and the larger and more premium C9. We got the keys to the latest rendition of the C9, which now incorporates a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, and here is our impression of the new derivative.
Related: Omoda C9 PHEV (2025) First Drive Review
But before we get into the details of this electrifying drive, remember that you can sell your car quickly and easily on our website here. You can also search for new or used Omoda C9 models on AutoTrader here.
Here's a pros and cons list for the Omoda C9 PHEV based on the provided review:
Pros
Striking Styling
Impressive Performance and efficiency
- Luxurious and Well-Equipped Interior
Feature-packed
Cons
Minor Interior Trim Execution Issues
Intrusive Safety Functions
Overly Light Steering
Bouncy Suspension
Styling
While styling is very subjective, the Omoda C9 turned heads in the parking lot, and for good reason. The Chinese model offers a sleek silhouette and defining details that separate it from the saturated SUV segment. The LED light bar and glossy black trim connecting the headlamps give the C9 a relatively wide appearance, while the sloping roofline complements the length.
However, except for the addition of the PHEV moniker on the tailgate and the blue C9 badging, nothing else differentiates the non-hybrid from this plug-in hybrid model on the exterior. Overall, we are fans of the styling as it conveys its premium nature and, as alluded to earlier, stands out from the crowd.
How reliable is the Omoda C9?
Space and Comfort
As with the exterior, very little has changed on the interior of the Omoda C9 PHEV compared to its non-hybrid stablemate. In fact, the interior space remains unchanged, and the 660-litre boot remains the same. What is different, though, from our 2.0TGDI 400 T-test unit is the interior colour and select trim pieces.
Previously, we were greeted with black leather upholstery and gloss black trim pieces. Our Omoda C9 PHEV test unit has much lighter hues, combining off-white or beige leather and textured imitation wood surfaces. Eagle-eyed enthusiasts will also notice a slight difference in the stitching of the door card trim. While we like the textured imitation wood, the lighter leather upholstery might show dirt quickly.
Tucked behind the cup holders is a generously sized storage compartment that benefits from the vehicle’s climate control system—meaning your snacks or drinks can stay warm or chilled on demand. Our range-topping test unit came equipped with a 12-speaker Sony audio system, including a particularly clever detail: a pair of speakers integrated into the driver’s headrest. These handle phone calls directly; in practice, they’re a revelation—ensuring the caller’s voice comes through with clarity.
About the wireless charging pad, there is a noticeable change in the area where one would traditionally select their drive mode; it now offers an option between HEV and EV drive. Similarly, the menus of the 12.6-inch infotainment system now incorporate options and information regarding the hybrid battery charge level and how it is configured for use.
Additional highlights include a surround-view camera setup, numerous semi-autonomous driver aids, adaptive suspension, multiple terrain-focused drive modes, a cabin fragrance system with three selectable scents managed through the infotainment interface, and a sophisticated adaptive LED lighting system up front.
While the interior will impress and compete with some of the best in the market, there are small but still noticeable details on the trim pieces that could be executed slightly better. By no means do we say the quality is bad, but if we compare it to some of its German rivals at this price point, you will notice a difference.
What safety features does the Omoda C9 PHEV have?
Comfort & Convenience
Speaking of the infotainment system, the driver also benefits from a 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-speaker Sony sound system that offers deep bass and crisp treble. Combine this with the wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the wireless charging bay, and you will be connected and entertained in no time.
But it's not all smooth sailing. While most commonly used functions are easily accessible, it takes some time to navigate the sub-menus when you want to adjust rather specific functions. We recommend making all the adjustments while stationary, as it can become tedious. Once the vehicle is set up the way you want, it returns a rather pleasant experience.
What is the cheapest Omoda C9 you can buy?
Performance
As you can gather from the first part of this review, much about the Omoda C9 remains the same, with only small changes applied to the styling and comfort features. The real party piece of the new derivative is the drivetrain combination. Omoda replaced the 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine found in the 400T Explore derivative (previous flagship) with a 1.5-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine.
However, they paired the smaller combustion unit with a high-efficiency electric motor with a 34.5 kWh battery pack. While this greatly benefits the Omoda C9 from an efficiency point of view, those who prioritise power and speed will be glad to note that this PHEV can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. This results from the 440 kW and 915 Nm of torque generated by the drivetrain combination.
Because it is a plug-in hybrid, you don't have to wait long to access the performance. If you need to recharge the battery from home, it should take around 5.5 hours when connected to a home charging Wall Box. However, the C9 PHEV has a 70 kW fast-charging capability, so you can charge the battery from 30-80% in 25 minutes when plugged into a DC fast charger.
Is the Omoda C9 expensive to maintain?
Fuel Consumption
From the perspective of fuel consumption, the Omoda C9 2.0TGDI 400T Explore AWD claimed a fuel consumption figure of 8.5 L/100km, but our real-world figure was 9.2 L/100km, which I find to be more than acceptable for a vehicle of this type. However, this Omoda C9 1.5T PHEV Explore AWD has a claimed average fuel consumption figure of 6.9 L/100km with the battery discharged and 1.4 L/100km with the electric motor and engine. Still, we achieved a real-world figure of 4.4 L/100km, which for this type of vehicle in heavy traffic is very good.
Safety
The Omoda C9 PHEV comes with the following driver assistance and safety systems:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Automatic Braking (AEB)
- Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Brake (RCTB)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Change Assist (LCA)
- Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
- Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA)
- Traffic Congestion Assist (TCA)
- Front/rear parking sensors
- 540-degree surround-view camera
Price
The Omoda C9 1.5T PHEV comes with a 7-year / 100 000 km service plan, 7-year / 200 000 km vehicle warranty, a 10-year / 200 000 km warranty for certain electric drive unit components, a 10-year / 1 million km engine warranty, and a new industry-leading 10-year / unlimited-kilometer power battery pack warranty for the first owner, reverting to 10 years / 200 000 km for subsequent owners.
| Model | Price (incl. VAT) |
| Omoda C9 2.0TGDI 400T Inspire | from R 785 900 |
| Omoda C9 2.0TGDI 400T Explore AWD | from R 885 900 |
| Omoda C9 1.5T PHEV Explore AWD | from R 999 000 |
Competitors
If you are in the market for a hybridised powertrain, like the Omoda C9 PHEV, then perhaps the Lexus NX 350h might be what you are looking for. Keep in mind that while it will have a premium of around R51 000, it is smaller and considerably less powerful. Other premium SUV options close to the R1 million mark are the locally produced BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Volvo XC60. More off-roading-focused options include the Ford Everest and Toyota Land Cruiser 76.
Driven: OMODA's C7 SUV in China, and it's coming to SA
The Verdict
From what you will gather from this article, not much, from a styling and tech point of view, is different between the Omoda C9 2.0TGDI 400T Explore AWD, which my colleague Sean Nurse reviewed, and the Omoda C9 1.5T PHEV Explore AWD that is on test here, where the difference lies in the powertrain.
So, the real question is, does the plug-in hybrid configuration warrant the R113 100 premium? Well, considering that you get double the power with realistically half the fuel consumption, it is a no-brainer for us. Considering the level of comfort and convenience the Omoda C9 offers, it makes sense why some will choose it over more established premium brands.
Is it the perfect car? Not yet. And the emphasis is on yet. More minor details on the interior and some intrusive safety functions, such as the driver monitoring system that bongs at you whenever you look anywhere else but ahead of you, detract from the overall driving experience. Still, those are some tiny things to fix before it becomes nearly impossible to critique. Not only will we recommend the Omoda C9, we will recommend just going straight to the PHEV derivative and getting it all for the price of a German hot hatch.
