The Omoda, a luxury brand within the Chery Group, has put tyre to the tar in South Africa, and the newest vehicle brand is now officially on the road after its launch here last month.
The new brand is the product of a clean-slate approach by the group’s designers, engineers and technicians. Nothing was sacred, no holds were barred, and every idea was considered.
The first product to come out of the Omoda laboratories is the Omoda C5 described as a sporty compact-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV).
Exterior:
From the outside, the sleek lines and sloping roofline plus the massive star diamond grille give the Omoda a very distinctive look and it cannot be mistaken for anything else out there on our roads.
This mix of seamlessly flowing curves and sharp lines (in the DRLs) is repeated on the side profile, and at the rear the design includes a dual stacked roof spoiler and multi-dimensional rear lights, dubbed X-Wing lights for their use of sharp lines and multiple LEDs.
Interior:
The Omoda C5 is one of the most futuristic models that has ever come out of the Chery Group. It starts with dual high resolution 10.25” digital displays. These touch-screens allow for multiple ways of displaying vehicle, safety and entertainment information. It also includes, among many other items, a wireless interface with mobile phones, using either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Linked to the dual screens is a 64-colour ambient lighting system. This lighting system has been intelligently integrated with the vehicle functions, allowing the occupants to set the ambient lighting depending on vehicle mode or, for instance, to change colour when the vehicle is locked or unlocked.
The system can even link to the three-dimensional SONY sound system to create appropriate lighting for different music moods.
Just below the dual screens are a new INS multi-touch and a multi-colour luminous air conditioning control panel. This is brand-new technology that conveys climate-control information through the use of the digital display, while also adapting the controls based on circumstances and usage.
For buyers of the Elegance and Elegance S versions of the Omoda C5, there are even more luxuries inside the cabin. These include power adjustment and ventilation for both the driver (6 ways) and passenger (4 ways), and a powered sunroof that is also voice activated, a more powerful 8-speaker SONY sound system, additional ambient lighting in the rear passenger compartment and a full 360-degree camera system for a panoramic view of the vehicle.
Safety:
All versions of the OMODA C5 have six airbags, including front, front side and full-length curtain airbags. All models also have ISOFIX child seat anchors, smart seatbelt pre-tensioning, ABS brakes linked to all four disc-brakes, tyre-pressure monitoring and an electronic stability program (ESP) as standard.
For buyers of the Elegance models, OMODA will offer a full range of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS). These systems include automatic high-beam / low-beam switching, adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alerts, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assistance and lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning.
The OMODA C5 Elegance and Elegance S also have automatic emergency braking and an innovative emergency lane keep assist as standard.
Engine:
The 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine delivers 115 kW and 230 Nm connected to a CVT transmission.
Models & price:
C5 Tech (R447 900), C5 Elegance (R507 900) and the C5 Elegance S (R509 900).
All versions of the OMODA C5 are backed by a service plan of 5 years / 70 000 km and a mechanical warranty of 5 years or 150 000 km. An additional engine warranty of 10 years or 1 million kilometres is also included.
Cars.co.za DealerCon 2026 takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on 17 September, bringing South Africa's automotive retail industry together for a single day focused on changing consumer behaviour and the forces reshaping the vehicle retail market.
The Festival of Motoring returns to the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from 28 to 30 August, bringing together new vehicles, track experiences, motorsport and family entertainment for its ninth edition.
A local technician's job dedication, attention to detail and product knowledge will take him to China to face global counterparts in the ultimate Omoda and Jaecoo technical skills competition.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
Unknown
SVI Engineering has introduced a new protection package for the Land Rover Defender, adding the model to its list of vehicles available with the firm’s SVI Lite solution.
Ford South Africa has broadened the Everest line-up for 2026, introducing new models and updates to strengthen choice and capability. The addition of the Everest Active, enhancements to Sport, Wildtrak and Platinum, and the upcoming Tremor ensure the SUV range caters to a wider audience.
Volkswagen has opened pre-orders for the second-generation T-Roc, ahead of its official launch in September 2026. The compact SUV arrives with updated styling, improved interior quality and advanced technology, strengthening Volkswagen’s T-SUV line-up.
