Omoda has officially launched the C7 as part of its expanding SUV portfolio in South Africa. We got behind the wheel to see how it stacks up in the competitive midsize-SUV segment.
What are we driving?
Omoda entered the South African market in April 2023 with the C5 crossover/SUV, which established this Chery sub-brand as an affordable alternative in the compact-SUV space. In October 2024, the larger C9 joined the lineup as the brand’s flagship offering. Now, the new C7 bridges the gap between the two, positioned as a stylish, tech-forward midsize SUV aimed at urban professionals and young families seeking a modern, feature-rich SUV at an attainable price point.
Why is the Omoda C7 Significant?
As the middle child in Omoda’s three-model range, the C7 offers considerably more space and sophistication than the C5, while presenting a more accessible alternative to the range-topping C9. It also marks a significant step in Omoda’s electrification journey, introducing the SHS (Super Hybrid System) plug-in hybrid derivative alongside two internal combustion (ICE) models from launch. The C7 shares its underpinnings with the Jaecoo J7, an SUV that impressed in our thorough road test regimen, yet differentiates itself through distinctive design cues and enhanced technologies.
What’s new on the Omoda C7?
The C7 draws inspiration from Omoda’s latest design language, blending styling cues from both the C5 and C9. Its bold exterior is characterised by a sharp front end that sports a frameless X-shaped grille, and slim LED headlamps with integrated daytime-running lights. The body features sculpted lines that, according to Omoda, convey a sense of motion. At the rear, a full-width taillamp array adds a striking visual signature to an otherwise clean and minimalist fascia.
Our test unit featured the standard 19-inch alloy wheels (the SHS variant receives 20-inch items) and a striking matte grey finish, one of five available exterior colours that include Khaki White, Carbon Crystal Black, Moonlight Silver, and Misty Green.
The C7’s cabin is a minimalist yet tech-rich space that plays host to an 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.7-inch infotainment screen that incorporates Apple CarPlay/Android Auto screen mirroring and Bluetooth connectivity. The former is feature-packed, though the layout of its interface requires some familiarisation. A redeeming feature of the interior, which is otherwise heavily reliant on the touchscreen display, is the inclusion of physical controls for the HVAC on the centre console.
Build quality is respectable for the segment, with soft-touch materials in key areas and a modern design that mirrors the exterior’s simplicity. The cabin is further elevated by features such as dual-zone climate control, multi-colour ambient lighting, a 50 W wireless charging pad, and a Sony sound system, which features eight speakers in the petrol models and twelve in the SHS.
The seats, upholstered in black leather, are electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated, and feature memory functionality for the driver. Space is generous, aided by a 2 720 mm wheelbase, and the boot serves up a claimed 614 litres in the 1.6 TGDI models and 537 litres in the SHS variant.
Buyers can choose between two powertrains: a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which delivers 145 kW and 290 N.m to the road via a smooth-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and SHS plug-in hybrid, which combines a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine with an electric motor for a combined system output of 255 kW and 525 N.m. The PHEV setup provides an all-electric range of up to 105 km and combined driving range of 1 200 km, based on the claimed average fuel consumption of 5.0 L/100 km. According to the firm, the C7 SHS’s battery pack recharges from 30–80% in just 20 minutes at a DC facility.
The C7 is equipped with up to 21 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure prevention, and traffic jam assist. A 540-degree panoramic camera system is also included in the package. The base-spec, Elegance model features six airbags, with the mid-spec, Elegance and SHS variants gaining an additional two for a total of eight.
What does the Omoda C7 cost?
The C7 range is priced from R539 900 for the entry-level, Luxury model to R689 900 for the SHS range-topper. The C7 1.6 TGDI Luxury and Elegance derivatives include a five-year/75 000 km service plan, a five-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty, and a 1 million km/10-year engine warranty – the latter applicable to the first owner. In addition to the service plan, the C7 SHS ships with a 10-year/unlimited km warranty, which covers the battery pack and certain electric drive unit components, for the first owner, and a seven-year/200 000 km factory warranty.
What are the Omoda C7’s rivals?
The Omoda C7’s main rivals include the Toyota Rav4, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. As a reminder, the new RAV4 and CX-5 will arrive in SA in 2026.
What is the new Omoda C7 like to drive?
The 1.6-litre turbopetrol produces a respectable 145 kW and 290 N.m of torque, sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The ICE powertrain provides sufficient power for urban and highway driving, and the DCT transmission shifts through the gears in a smooth and assured fashion. We’re pleased to report that there’s no perceptible lag, and the engine is mechanically refined, even when pressing on.
The C7’s MacPherson strut front/multilink rear suspension delivers an impressively resolved, plush ride, absorbing most road imperfections with ease. Some body roll is evident, but given the C7’s two-tonne mass, it remains well controlled. Braking is managed by ventilated front and solid rear discs, providing a reassuringly progressive pedal feel. Both ICE models offer Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, allowing some configuration for parameters such as throttle and transmission settings.
Steering is light yet precise thanks to the electric power steering system, making the 4.6-metre-long midsize SUV easy to manoeuvre in tight urban spaces and when parking. At higher speeds, the C7 provides commendable suppression of wind and road noise.
Overall, the C7’s driving characteristics impress in both city commuting and long-distance cruising, making it an easy SUV to live with day to day. Power delivery is more than adequate for overtaking and merging, though we’re eager to see how the flagship plug-in hybrid C7 compares with the mid-spec ICE variant sampled here.
Verdict
The Omoda C7 strengthens the brand’s foothold in South Africa’s highly competitive SUV segment, offering an appealing mix of design flair, advanced technology, and value. While the infotainment interface could be more intuitive, the C7’s strong standard specification, assured road manners, and impressive warranty coverage make it a compelling contender for buyers seeking a modern, affordable mid-size SUV. With the entry-level C4 still on the horizon, the C7 bridges an important gap in Omoda’s local product portfolio.
2025 Omoda C7 1.6T Elegance specifications
- Price: R589 900
- Powertrain: 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
- Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch
- Driven wheels: front
- Power: 145 kW @ 5 500 r/min
- Torque: 290 N.m @ 2 000-4 000 r/min
- 0-100 km/h: n/a
- Top speed: n/a
- Fuel consumption: 7.5 L/100 km (claimed)
- CO2 emissions: 173 g/km (claimed)
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