Review of Omoda C5 for sale in South Africa

The Omoda C5 is a Chinese crossover aiming for a spot in the premium sector, debuted at an Omoda launch event in Gauteng. As the inaugural model from Omoda, the superior arm of the Chery brand, it reflects the brand’s ambition to establish itself as a standalone premium entity. Interestingly, it goes by the name Chery Omoda 5 in international markets. Still, in South Africa, the decision was made to drop “Chery” from the model’s name, signalling a strategic move to cultivate Omoda as an independent premium brand. ¹

Despite specifications and components shared with Chery models, the Omoda C5 distinguishes itself through subtle design nuances. According to the expert car reviewer the interior, features a unified screen for the infotainment system and the instrument cluster, offers a more premium feel with soft-touch materials, particularly on the expansive dashboard. However, some areas, like the driver’s door finishes, may need to be more complex. Overall, the interior of the C5 is said to present a marked improvement over its Chery counterparts. ¹

The car reviewer says the Omoda is a standout player in the market with its bold exterior designs, hoping to attract buyers with its stylish coupe-crossover aesthetics and distinctive Chinese design. The company plans to expand its local line up with three more Omoda models in the next 14 months. ¹

The car reviewer says that under the hood, the Omoda C5 has a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine sourced from the Tiggo 4 Pro, tuned for increased power and torque. The engine offers satisfactory performance with 115 kW and 230 Nm, though acceleration at higher speeds feel slightly sluggish. The vehicle employed a 9-step continuous variable transmission (CVT), with adaptive cruise control which provided a convenient feature for maintaining constant freeway speeds. ¹

Regarding technology, the Omoda C5 boasted generous specifications, including Level 2 autonomous capabilities. However, the car reviewer said that some driver-assist systems, such as blind-spot control and lane-keep assist, can be perceived as intrusive and overly sensitive. The 10.25-inch infotainment system offered wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad is conveniently located near the transmission lever. While the interior is commendable, the absence of heated or ventilated seats is a notable omission. ¹

The expert car reviewer said that the C5 exhibited a good ride comfort on the road, thanks in part to 18-inch alloys with higher-profile tires. The suspension setup contributed to a pleasant ride quality, though the rear suspension may have felt slightly stiffer. Steering responses in Sport and Comfort modes are predictable, showcasing the vehicle’s versatility. ¹

The Omoda C5 comes with a competitive pricing strategy, with three variants available: the Omoda C5 1.5T TECH at R447,900, the Omoda C5 1.5T Elegance at R507,900, and the Omoda C5 1.5T Elegance S at R509,900. Each model is backed by a comprehensive warranty package, including a 5-year/150,000 km warranty, a 5-year/70,000 km service plan, and a first-owner-only 10-year/1 million km engine warranty. ¹

So, introducing the Omoda brand in the South African market is noteworthy, primarily as it aims to compete with established premium brands across its entire product range. The Omoda C5, with its competitive pricing and distinguishable features, is poised to garner interest from consumers seeking an excellent driving experience in the crossover segment. ¹

For those who are seeking a compact SUV that goes beyond the basics, the Omoda C5 could be the practical addition you have been looking for. Remember, comprehensive car insurance will be necessary if you opt to finance your new SUV. Get a quote for affordable Comprehensive car insurance with Prime South Africa, with fixed premiums*, reducing excess*, and top-tier service. T and Cs apply.