OMODA C5 1.6T GT & GTS

When considering a new car purchase, those who appreciate life’s finer things will inevitably ponder the age-old question of buying for style, or substance. That decision became significantly easier when the futuristic-looking OMODA C5 broke cover earlier this year, delivering head-turning style looks and impressive quality from this new compact luxury crossover.

In April this year, South Africa became the first country in Africa to welcome the world’s newest car brand, OMODA, to our shores. Introduced as the luxury division of the fast-growing Chery Group, OMODA is the product of a fresh approach by the group’s designers, engineers, and technicians, to deliver a car that appeals to the younger generation and their cutting-edge preferences, while focusing on youth, diversification, and globalisation.

The OMODA name reflects this philosophy, with ‘O’ derived from oxygen, indicating vitality, and ‘MODA’ derived from ‘modern’, reflecting the newcomer’s focus on fashion, design, and high style that defines our contemporary lifestyles.

A FRESH APPROACH TO EVERY DETAIL

The first offering from the OMODA brand is the C5, a striking yet compact sport utility vehicle that has its design language based on OMODA’s ‘Art in Motion’ philosophy, with large alloy wheels, a powerful sloping roofline, and a seamlessly integrated star diamond grille, making it visually unique in South Africa.

The C5 interior is equally futuristic, with two high-resolution 10.25” touch-sensitive screens that can be customised to access vehicle, safety, and entertainment information. The screens also offer a wireless interface with mobile phones using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, among many other features. 

Additional features include intelligent wireless charging, dual 12V charging ports, voice command, sport seats, USB ports for front and rear passengers, remote control for the climate control system, and soft-touch materials applied to the grab handles and glove compartment surfaces.

MORE POWER TO YOU

Although the OMODA C5 was introduced with three models in the range (Tech, Elegance, and Elegance S), Luxury and Luxury S derivatives were added soon after, all powered by OMODA’s high-output 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, rated to deliver 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with nine in-built steps. 

Now, the range has been extended with two high-performance models carrying either the GT or GTS moniker.

In GT-guise, the OMODA C5 raises the stakes with a brand new 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine that delivers more power and torque (145 kW at 5,500 rpm and 290 kW between 1,750 and 4,000 rpm) than its smaller capacity sibling.

Instead of a CVT gearbox as in the 1.5T, a new dual-clutch transmission (DCT) delivers the increased power to the front wheels, while two drive modes (Eco and Sport) put you in control of the level of response you desire from the C5. While the less powerful 1.5T’s CVT transmission surprised us with its smoothness during the launch drive, the seven-speed DCT is a revelation in responsiveness and accuracy, and is well matched to the vibrant engine that is plenty powerful enough to be driven in Eco mode, with Sport mode reserved for properly quick acceleration. 

TECH FEST

While the full OMODA range is well specced on the luxury front, including such features as ventilated and automated front seats, a powered sunroof that can be operated by voice, a powerful eight-speaker SONY sound system, ambient lighting in the rear of the car, a 360-degree panoramic camera system, and powered tailgate, an even higher level of technology makes its way into the GT and GTS cars.

Specifically, on the safety front, the range-topping OMODAs (from Elegance upwards) add Advanced Driver Assistance System elements to the mix, to augment that incorporate a host of technologies such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and prevention, integrated cruise assist, Traffic Congestion Assist, and emergency lane keeping. This gives the OMODA C5 a level 2.5 autonomous driving rating.

Safety is, however, more than skin deep. OMODA employs safety cell technology that uses high-strength steel with in-built energy channels to offer occupants the best possible protection. All OMODA C5 models have six airbags – including front, front side, and full-length curtain airbags – and all have ISOFIX child seat anchors, smart seatbelt pre-tensioning, ABS brakes, tyre-pressure monitoring, and electronic stability program (ESP) as standard.

LAST WORD

Although the first OMODA C5s offered excellent value, high levels of technology, and a satisfying enough drive, the addition of the 1.6-litre mill to the mix properly raises the bar for this new-luxury crossover, backing up its futuristic demeanour with solid performance. 

It also begs a mention that the OMODA C5 feels solid and purposeful on the road, with minimal noise intrusion experience even at higher speeds. If the C5 feels this good, we can’t wait to experience OMODA’s next big deal car, the C9, due for local release in the first quarter of 2024.

All OMODA models are backed by a service plan of five years/70,000 km and a mechanical warranty of five years or 150,000 km. An additional engine warranty of 10 years or 1 million kilometres is also included.

Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © OMODA SOUTH AFRICA