By Otsile Kadiege

Omoda and Jaecoo South Africa are gearing up to expand their respective ranges further, entering new segments and catering to an even broader audience. For those who don’t know this yet, both marques fall under the Chery Group division and entered the South African market in 2023 with the launch of the Omoda C5. Since then, the lineup has grown with the addition of the J7 and, more recently, the C9. That said, here’s a list of new cars to expect from Omoda and Jaecoo.

J6

Starting of with the Jaecoo brand’s first-ever fully-electric J6. This light off-roader recently made its local debut at this years Festival of Motoring. In other markets, the J6 has two powertrain options. The 2WD variant delivering up to 184 kW and 220 Nm of torque, while the 4WD version boosts outputs to 279 kW and 385 Nm. 

J6 luxury features include electrically adjustable front seats, an available massage function for the front row, and a 15.6-inch touchscreen. Final specifications and pricing for South Africa will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

J7 PHEV

In a bid to bolster appeal of the J7, Jaecoo SA will expand the nameplate’s range with a plug-in hybrid option at a “reasonable price”. In a recent 1,300 km endurance test conducted in China, the J7 PHEV averaged a fuel-use figure of 3.3L/100 km, considerably lower than the 5.9L/100 km rating. A 90 km all-electric range can be expected, but the test yielded results of 125.2 km. Of course, these figures are subject to change once the J7 PHEV reaches South Africa. 

J5

Positioned below the J7, the all-new J5 marks Jaecoo’s first entry into the popular SUV segment. It borrows styling cues from its larger sibling, featuring prominent vertical grille slats and squared-off styling that perfectly balances upmarket and rugged styling elements. 

Inside, the J5 stands out from the crowd with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and the largest panoramic glass roof in its class. Other impressive features include an advanced air filtration system, smart climate control, and pet-friendly accessories.

J8

Arriving in 2025, the J8 will occupy the top spot in the Jaecoo lineup. This luxury SUV offers seating for up to seven passengers, wrapped in premium materials and equipped with all the features one would expect from a flagship model. In international markets, the J8 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine delivering 195 kW and 400 Nm of torque. A plug-in hybrid variant is also available overseas but has yet to be confirmed for South Africa.

C7

The new C7, positioned between the C5 and C9 boasts bold styling accentuated by a distinctive X-shaped grille, which lends the front fascia an unmistakable presence. The frame-less grille is complemented by slim headlights that flow with the sleek bodywork, creating a dynamic yet sophisticated appearance. 

Measuring 4,621 mm in length, the C7 is compact enough for urban driving, but the generous 2,700 mm wheelbase provides ample room for occupants and luggage. The interior exudes elegance, with premium materials, a 15.6-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, and a 14-speaker sound system heightening the luxury experience. 

C9 PHEV

Omoda’s recently launched C9 lineup will expand with the introduction of the C9 PHEV, marking the brand’s foray into electrification in South Africa. The C9 PHEV is powered by a 1.5-litre engine that receives electrical assistance from up to three motors. While local specifications are yet to be confirmed, the C9 plug-in hybrid is said to deliver an efficient and sustainable luxury SUV experience without compromising performance or refinement.

Stay tuned to our website for more details and driving impressions of the abovementioned models.