The Omoda C9 is a large/mid-large premium SUV offering from Chery’s Omoda brand, positioned to compete with European premium crossovers in terms of size, features, and perceived luxury — but at lower prices. In 2025, the range includes: A petrol-only version (2.0 TGDI 400T), with both FWD and AWD options.
A plug-in hybrid variant (sometimes called PHEV or SHS), using a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine plus electric motors and a battery, delivering substantial power and electric mode driving.
Petrol Version (2.0 TGDI Petrol)
Specs & performance:
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged petrol, about 192 kW and 400 Nm torque.
Transmission: 8-speed automatic.
Drive: FWD (front-wheel drive) in base version; AWD in higher spec.
Fuel consumption & real-world use
Claimed combined consumption for the petrol versions is about ~8.2 L/100 km.
Real-world numbers rise: in mixed (city + highway) use, testers saw closer to 9.5 L/100 km for AWD version.
Features & Luxury
Very well equipped: large alloy wheels (20-inch), panoramic sunroof, heated & ventilated seats front (and some rear), premium materials (leather/Nappa in some trims), large infotainment and driver displays, adaptive cruise control, 360° cameras, etc.
Safety & driver-assist features are strong in its category: multiple airbags, blind-spot monitoring, lane- departure warning, etc.
Excellent value for money when compared to German or Japanese rivals: similar size and luxury, lower prices. Strong performance: good torque, especially in AWD version. Smooth cruising, solid for highway and long distance.
Related
Cons: Fuel consumption in real life is higher than claimed, especially in city traffic.
Hybrid / PHEV / Electric-Assist Version (C9 PHEV / SHS)
This is where the C9 makes its strongest case, especially in a market where full EV infrastructure is still developing.
Specs & performance
Powertrain: 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine + electric motors (various motors, all-wheel drive) plus a battery pack of ~34-34.5 kWh.
Combined output: about 440 kW and 915 Nm torque.
Electric-only range: up to 150 km.
Combined range: over 1,100 km claimed.
Charging: DC fast-charging at ~70 kW (30-80% in ~25 min), full charge from wall-box at home in around 5.5 hours.
Fuel consumption & real-world usage: When battery is utilised (charged), official combined consumption is very low: 1.4 L/100 km claimed. With battery depleted (i.e. more reliance on petrol), consumption increases to around 6.9 L/100 km.
In urban commuting in tests, about 7.2 L/100 km over a few days, which is very good for a heavy, large SUV with those performance numbers.
Features: Top-trim only (“Explore”) so you get high-end materials and features as standard: large screens, premium audio, full driver assist suite, heated/vented seats front & rear, sunroof, etc. Luxury touches: good insulation, premium finishes, a large and flexible boot (660 L expanding to ~1,783 L with rear seats down) in many cases.
Excellent for people doing a mix of city + highway: you can do short commuting on electric only, saving petrol & emissions.
Verdict
For many buyers, the Omoda C9 offers a compelling mix: It undercuts many premium European/American rivals on price while delivering many luxury-level features.
The PHEV version is especially attractive in SA: long range, electric mode for urban driving, large fuel savings if you can charge regularly.
The petrol version remains a more straightforward choice (no need to plug in), especially for buyers who drive long distances and often where charging infrastructure is scarce. If you can afford the PHEV, and have regular access to charging (home or DC fast charger), it is arguably the better long-term investment. The petrol version is no slouch and offers solid performance and luxury, but the cost of running will be higher (fuel, maintenance of turbo etc.).
Pricing
OMODA C9 Inspire (FWD) R785,900
OMODA C9 Explore (AWD) R885,900
OMODA C9 PHEV R999,990
Includes a 7-year/100,000km service plan, roadside assistance for the Inspire and Explore models. The PHEV comes with a comprehensive warranty package that features a 7-year/200,000 km general warranty, a 10-year/1 million km engine warranty, and a 10-year/unlimited km hybrid battery warranty for the first owner.
