OMODA is one of the brands in the Chery group that is available in the Lowveld, from the floor it shares with its JAECOO sibling.
The various models of Chery, OMODA and JAECOO are mechanically similar, but the bodyshell designs differ and are aimed at slightly different target markets.
Although I was only supposed to have the OMODA C9 SHS for the weekend, dealer principal of Chery, OMODA and JAECOO in Nelspruit, Dawie Swanepoel, encouraged me to keep it for a few days longer. And that helped with forming a better opinion of the car in “every day” use. And I am very happy that I did.
The C9 has the same kind of shape as its smaller brother, the C5, that was the first OMODA to be launched in South Africa. OMODA describes the C9’s body shape as a “cross-coupé” silhouette. This is very much in the style of BMW’s X4 and X6, as well as the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé.
As is expected of the newest cars – especially those from China – the dashboard and entertainment screen look like a wraparound computer monitor, supplying every imaginable piece of information on the car. Everything is electronic and the gearshift lever is on the right of the steering column, which had me shifting into neutral a couple of times when turning at a stop street… My excuse is that the indicator sits on the right in the other models, and not on the left – traditionally the German way.
What does surprise you once you get into the C9, though, is that it is bigger than you initially thought. Although in pricing it might be closer to the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLB, the C9 is larger inside and – dare I say it – more comfortable for passengers in the rear.
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The C9 SHS (super-hybrid system) is a plug-in hybrid. That means that the battery must be charged from a power source other than the car’s engine:
The 2,8kW Home Plug (that is supplied with the C9); the 6,6kW Wall Box; or with the 70kW DC Flash Charger
(The charging times are listed in the technical specifications at the bottom of this article)
When I received the test car from OMODA Mbombela, it was Friday afternoon and hot. The car has a keyless-access-and-go system, so the door handles popped out when I approached with the key fob in my hand. I got into the car that had been standing in the sun for a while and looked for the stop/start button – I needed the air-conditioning urgently. I put my foot on the brake and did not notice that all the lights in the dashboard had come on. Although the petrol engine has not started, the car has been switched on.
I put the C9 in Drive, press the accelerator pedal and I drive off – silently. The air-conditioner was pumping ice-cold air into the car and I settled back in the very comfortable and supportive leather seats. I am heading home in real Friday-afternoon traffic.
I quickly realised I should have tried to sort out the in-car entertainment before I drove off, because trying to do that while you are driving is not wise – and the car will warn you that “You have been distracted many times”. Yes, the C9 knows where your eyes have been… If the system notices that your eyes are blinking slower than usual, it will advise you to stop, as you are probably falling asleep.
But when I got home, I managed to connect my phone to Apple CarPlay and I could listen to my own music choice. (The C9 also has Android Auto.) It obviously includes a hands-free phone option and for this, the phone’s speaker is inside the driver’s headrest. Navigation via Google Maps duplicates on the car’s 12,3-inch infotainment screen. The music plays through a Sony stereo system and, with the car that is virtually silent, music becomes even more special.
Once you get over the silent strangeness of getting into a hybrid and driving off, you can really get used to it. Everything is effortless and the controls are mostly on the digital displays. You adjust the climate control and select a driving mode from big buttons on the central console.
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Speaking of driving modes, the C9 SHS has seven: Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, Mud, Sand and Off-road. I drove in Normal and only selected Sport once. But I really do not think Sport is that necessary, because if you floor the accelerator in Normal, this very luxurious, comfortable and silent car turns into quite the monster.
The list of driver aids is also impressive:
A quiet monster. But one that accelerates like a sports car. I am not sure if the claimed 0-100km/h time of 4,9 seconds is reachable with me behind the steering, but it will still pull you into your seat like you probably have not experienced before.
I understand that top speed is electronically limited to 190km/h, but there is plenty of excitement on tap until then. If you have not driven a car with an electric motor – whether hybrid or full electric – it would be difficult to explain what the acceleration feels like. The power delivery is linear and the C9 it is frighteningly easy to out-accelerate almost anything on the road.
The car is also a very pleasant drive at civilised – and legal – speeds. You do not have to have to do your Max Verstappen impression to enjoy the drive. The C9 SHS is smooth and quiet; the seating is very comfortable. Power is always available and the DHT transmission (see fact box) makes sure that the car drives optimally, with power delivery and consumption always at the best possible setting.
The 1,5-litre petrol engine shares the space under the bonnet with an electric motor and the DHT transmission. There is also an electric motor for each of the rear wheels. That explains the immediate power availability, but also the roadholding. With the battery pack, that makes for quite a heavy car at just more than 2,7 tonnes – making the performance even more impressive.
CLOSING
Returning a test vehicle always involves emotions. Most of the time I am very happy to be back in my own 2014 model, because it does everything I want and does it well. But returning the OMODA C9 SHS came with a measure of disappointment. Not because I do not like my own car anymore, but because I truly enjoyed having the C9 as a daily driver.
The C9 SHS fights above its price point. At just under R1 million it is not a cheap car, but it competes with what used to be regarded as the premium products. This is a luxury executive car that deserves to be seriously considered. If I had to buy a company car and I could afford it, the OMODA C9 SHS would be at the top of my list.
*Test car from OMODA Mbombela
