The C9, flagship in the local Omoda range, was introduced at an elegant event at the Norval Foundation recently. Aptly so, as this model, known as the Exeed Yaoguang in China and the Exeed RX in other markets, was presented with a gold award at the prestigious International Design Awards (IDA), becoming the first high-end vehicle from a Chinese brand to achieve this.
The avant-garde exterior design of the flagship Omoda C9 is seemingly heavily influenced by the styling of the Range Rover Velar and Lexus RX, with an ample hint of Beijing X55 thrown in, and its modular M3X platform, developed by Chery with Canadian company Magna International, is shared with other high-end SUVs, and also some JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) products in the near future.
In terms of dimensions, the attractive five-seat mid-sized crossover SUV – at 4 781 mm long, 1 886 mm wide, 1 680 mm tall, and with a 2 735 mm wheelbase – is marginally larger than the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max, about the same size as a BMW X3 (albeit with a 50 mm shorter wheelbase) and slightly smaller than the Lexus RX.
This makes it difficult to peg against competitors because, in terms of size, power delivery and level of specification, it competes against mid-size luxury SUVs from established German and Japanese marques. Yet, regarding pricing, the C9 competes against smaller model derivatives from these brands, such as the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Lexus NX and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The top model Omoda is offered in two variants, the front-wheel-driven Inspire model and the all-wheel-drive Explore grade, but visually, it is nigh on impossible to tell them apart. The only apparent distinction is the red brake callipers on the AWD model, and if you look closely enough, the loudspeaker covers the front seat headrests of this derivative.
HIGH SPECIFICATION LEVEL
Both derivatives come with a lengthy list of standard equipment, including items such as a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, black leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats (with heating and ventilation), a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control (the latter complete with a dedicated control panel plus vents for the second row) and 20″ alloy wheels.
Other standard features include a 12.3″ digital instrument cluster and a 12.3″ infotainment screen (combined as a single curved display), an eight-speaker Sony sound system, wireless smartphone charging, a head-up display, parking sensors (front and rear), a 540-degree camera system, multi-colour ambient cabin lighting and a full array of advanced driver-assistance safety features.
Additional luxuries in the C9 AWD Explore variant include Nappa leather upholstery, a black-and-brown interior colour scheme, a twelve-speaker Sony sound system (with those headrest-integrated speakers), an integrated fragrance system, an adaptive front lighting system complete with an intelligent welcome mode, and the previously mentioned red brake callipers…
QUIET, UPMARKET INTERIOR
Both versions were available for our (very short) test drive around the Cape Peninsula, and from the outset, we found the quietness and upmarket feel of the cabin impressive. In this respect, Chery’s JV with Jaguar Land Rover is paying dividends.
The offset of all the sound insulation used is that the C9 weighs over two tonnes, and this mass makes it feel heavy and slightly unwieldy in the corners or on winding roads, and the AWD model (with adaptive suspension) felt more secure when pushing on. Even so, the spacious cabin is a comfortable enclave, conducive to an overall relaxed and calm driving experience – as one would expect from a premium SUV.
Both derivatives are powered by Chery’s 2.0-litre Acteco four-cylinder petrol turbo engine, delivering a solid 192 kW at 5,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 1,750 rpm to 4,000 rpm. This compares well with other bigger-engined rivals in this segment. Still, the calibration between power delivery and throttle input needs some further work, as the C9 tends to lurch if the accelerator is not carefully modulated.
However, the eight-speed Aisin transmission is as smooth as silk and, in the Inspire, presents the driver with Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, while in the Explore, there are additional modes for Snow, Mud, Sand, and Off-Road.
Nonetheless, one would not try to venture too far off-road with a ride height of only 165 mm (2 mm lower than the Inspire) and 20″ rims shod with low-profile tyres. The brakes also needed some modulation, as they tended to overbrake at first and then trail off, but it is a trait one will soon get used to.
LAST WORD
Besides all its amenities, the best attribute of the new C9 is its highly competitive pricing, with the Inspire FWD model retailing at R785,900 and the Explore AWD priced at R885,900. This includes a seven-year/100 000 km service plan, a seven-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty and a ten-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty (for the first owner).
Considering that a Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI 140 kW R-Line 4Motion DSG now retails for R835,900, the pricing for the C9 compares very favourably. This value proposition will surely appeal to new, non-conformist buyers in this segment. Still, the question remains whether traditionalists in the premium mid-size SUV market will forego badge snobbery and loyalty in favour of value for money.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © OMODA & JAECOO SOUTH AFRICA
