By Otsile Kadiege

After recently attending a preview of the Omoda C5 we recently had the opportunity to sample the newcomer in the buzzing streets of Gauteng. Omoda is Chery’s sub-brand and the first of many models to come is the new C5 203T. The newcomer boasts a futuristic-looking exterior designs which is likely to appeal to generation-Z customers, a modern interior with premium appointments, and new technologies to list a few.

Futuristic exterior design

Outside, the new C5 sports a modern, futuristic design with some sporty styling. Highlights include a dominant front grille with diamond-like patterns, slim daytime running lights with integrated sequential turn signals, split LED headlights, gloss black 18-inch wheels with red detailing on top-end models, LED taillights with a 3D effect and sequential turn signals, and faux exhaust trims.

Overall, we like the rather polarising looks of the C5, however the red detailing on the Elegance S is a tad tacky for our liking.

Modern interior with latest tech

Inside, you are greeted by a modern, advanced and sporty cabin. It features dual integrated 10.25-inch displays, leather bucket seats with contrast stitching and piping, a sunroof, dual wireless charging pads, a three-dimensional Sony sound system, and a 64-colour ambient lighting to name a few.

The cabin is well-appointed, well-insulated and comfy. Its compact size, however, limits rear legroom and luggage capacity. It’s intelligent voice assist, which can open/close the tiny sunroof and windows, is a welcomed gimmicky feature.

Five-star safety

The C5 reached global headlines when it received a full five-star safety rating from the strict NCAP crash-test authorities. Not satisfied, OMODA is seeking a similar grading from each of the global safety authorities located in North America, Australia and Asia.

All versions of the C5 have six airbags, including front, front side and full-length curtain airbags. In addition, all models come with ISOFIX child seat anchors, smart seatbelt pre-tensioning, ABS brakes linked to all four disc brakes, tyre-pressure monitoring and 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 C5 Elegance and Elegance S also have automatic emergency braking and an innovative emergency lane keep assist as standard. This gives the C5 a level 2.5 autonomous driving rating.

Performance and driving impressions

The C5 230T is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre making 115kW/230Nm and paired to a CVT gearbox. It also has a host of driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.

The new kid on the block impresses with its commendable ride quality, peppy turbo-petrol engine and a CVT gearbox which does a good job at simulating a conventional automatic gearbox. Its driver assistance systems work like a charm, however, the lane keep assist can be intrusive. Luckily that can be turned off in the settings.

We’ve enjoyed our time with the new Omoda C5 230T and are eager to conduct a more comprehensive review.

Pricing and warranty

C5 Tech: R447,900

C5 Elegance: R507,900

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 are also included.