By Otsile Kadiege

We recently attended the previewing of the new vehicle brand called Omoda which is Chery’s luxury sub-brand. The first model Omoda will launch in South Africa is the C5 230T which is a fastback crossover SUV. The newcomer boasts a futuristic-looking exterior design, a modern interior with the latest technologies, a turbo-petrol engine as well as an array of driver assistance systems.

Ultra-modern design

The design of the C5 is unmistakably modern and looks futuristic. Highlights of the C5 include a prominent radiator grille which has been integrated with the front bumper. The latter is flanked with split LED headlights and slim T-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs) which double as sequential turn signals.

In profile the C5 has a coupe-like silhouette with sharp body creases, 18-inch alloy wheels coated in black and optional red detailing. The rear comprises slim, arrow-shaped LED taillights with sequential turn signals and an integrated rear roof spoiler.

The exterior dimensions of the Omoda C5 are as follows: 4,400 mm length, 1,830 mm width, 1,588 mm height and it has a wheelbase of 2,630 mm.

Premium, modern interior

The modernity of the Omoda C5 exterior has been carried over inside. We were greeted by a modern and minimalist interior with the latest tech. Highlights include dual-integrated 10.25-inch displays for the infotainment and digital cluster, two wireless charging pads, an intelligent voice assist which can open and close the sunroof and windows, an automatic open and tailgate, bucket seats and ambient lighting to name a few.

Driver assistance systems

According to Chery International’s website the Omoda C5 is equipped with Intelligent ADAS systems. These include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping and automatic low/high beam switching.

Powertrains

The Omoda C5 is available with two powertrains, namely the 1.6-litre and 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engines. The former is a C5 290T which develops an impressive 147kW/290Nm and is paired to a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The C5 230T is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre making 115kW/230Nm and paired to a CVT gearbox.

The Omoda C5 is built on the Chery Group’s T1X platform which is said to have an industry-leading weight and rigidity rating, offers sports-car levels of grip and handling without the harsh ride that is often associated with that category of vehicles. We will test the latter at the C5’s imminent launch.

The T1X platform is also known globally for its innovative design that allows for the future use of any form of propulsion, be it internal combustion petrol and diesel engines, battery-electric systems or even hydrogen propulsion.

Pricing and availability

Omoda South Africa will announce the pricing and local availability towards the end of March or early April. Chery South Africa has approved 30 Chery dealers to allocate a part of their dealership and staff to Omoda.

To welcome the first customers to the Omoda brand and celebrate the upcoming launch of the OMODA C5, Omoda South Africa has launched a dedicated pre-order campaign at omoda.co.za/pre-order. The campaign will offer the first 100 customers a selection of special gifts, including a R10 000 voucher, a special set of Bathu-Omoda sneakers, a customised set of vehicle decals celebrating a first edition model and more unique merchandise.

To qualify for this special offer, OMODA fans are invited to register on the link above and pay a fully-refundable deposit. South Africans interested in learning more about OMODA can follow the brand on their various social media channels or visit omoda.co.za.