The Omoda C9 PHEV, or 1.5T Explore AWD to use its full name, is pulling off something marvellous. You see, Omoda is Chery’s premium-brand off shoot, and for the first time we can talk about a Chinese-built vehicle that feels properly premium. And yet, it still retails for less than R1 million, fulfilling a psychologically significant threshold for 90% of buyers.
Of course, as per the name, we had to take the Omoda C9 PHEV for an exploratory mission to see how well it delivers. So, with a claimed 1 000-km range from its hybrid powertrain, does it do what it says on the tin? Well, after an extraordinary week, we can report it carries itself with remarkable aplomb. However, not without encountering a few stumbling blocks along the way …
OMODA C9 PHEV EXPLORE AWD REVIEW
Let’s begin with the tremendous power this handsome beast produces. Under the bonnet sits a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine working in concert with an electric motor. Sounds pretty normal for new-energy vehicles from the Far East, right? However, the combined output of 440 kW and 915 Nm of torque is simply staggering. And it feels as powerful as it sounds as you power along, but without being too bonkers. The resulting performance is seriously brisk – zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. And tractability from any speed that will embarrass most sports cars.
Furthermore, the 34.5-kWh battery pack offers an all-electric range of up to 150 km. And when the batteries are topped up, the internal combustion engine (ICE) will sip only a claimed 1.4 l/100 km of fuel (try a claimed 6.9 l/100 km when there’s no hybrid assistance). However, that’s in laboratory tests. In real-world driving the Omoda C9 PHEV prefers to not discharge its battery entirely. And it does so by using the ICE as an onboard generator to keep it charged. As a result, you don’t really know how far it will go on EV only or ICE only.
COMBINING FORCES
With a gentle right toe through Cape Town’s sprawling traffic, you can keep the ICE from firing easily. Find some open road and the petrol engine automatically fires up to take over propulsion duties. And that it does, brilliantly, combining the dual energy drivetrain is where the Omoda C9 PHEV really shines. The top-of-range SUV’s all-wheel drive system delegates torque instantly between all four 20-inch, Michelin-shod wheels. You might even be surprised at how adept it is off road. We ventured briefly onto a trickier-than-expected sand route and it didn’t break a sweat finding traction.
As mentioned, recharging the battery is a civilised affair that more often than not takes place in the background as you drive. However, the Omoda C9 PHEV offers all sorts of bespoke charging options like a standard home wallbox charger. Or you can brim the battery at a public charger in between stints. A bit like Formula One, we can report that the vehicle retains its performance with a fuller battery. Once you get below 30% state of charge you can feel things start to throttle back.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
Step inside, and you’re greeted by what can only be described as an opulent cabin that punches well above its R999 000 price tag. The materials are genuinely lovely, with soft-touch surfaces extending across the dashboard and into the door cards. The seats are upholstered in soft, quilted leather. And while we struggled with the bright leather that reflected in the myriad screens, the tactile quality is excellent. There’s clear inspiration drawn from a certain Stuttgart-based luxury carmaker in much of the cabin layout and execution. We especially approve of the double sun visors for both front driver and passenger seats.
However, up front is also where we encounter some of the Omoda C9 PHEV’s most significant shortcomings. We’re talking about its self-driving technology that proves to be frustratingly intrusive. If you wish to use the adaptive cruise control you have to make do with active lane-keeping assistance. However, it keeps tugging at the steering wheel with all the subtlety of an anxious driving instructor when it deactivates. And the slightest change in road markings is enough to make it throw in the towel. Eventually, you tire of it and simply deactivate the system entirely, which defeats the purpose somewhat.
OMODA C9 PHEV VERDICT
No big deal, you may be thinking to yourself. However, for the Omoda C9 PHEV’s premium positioning, this lack of refinement to the semi-autonomous systems does feel particularly glaring. But the truth is this plug-in hybrid drives so much better without the driver-assistance systems getting in the way, it’s actually a blessing. Therefore, the C9 remains a highly compelling proposition. The ride quality is superbly judged, and the dual-energy powertrain delivers in spades.
We believe the exterior styling deserves particular praise, too. Because it’s the first of its clan with genuinely attractive aesthetics. In turn, what the Omoda C9 PHEV achieves is genuinely noteworthy. By our reckoning, this is the first from Chery’s premium division that truly identifies as premium, without explanation or excuse. And let’s not forget that R999 000 is actually very affordable compared to established premium players. So, have at it …
OMODA C9 PHEV EXPLORE AWD FIGURES
- Engine: 1.5l 4-cylinder turbopetrol + electric assist
- Power: 440 kW (combined)
- Torque: 915 Nm (combined)
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
- 0-100 km/h: 4.9 sec (claimed)
- Fuel Consumption: 1.4 l/100 km (PHEV cycle)
- Range: 1 100 km (claimed/combined)
- Price: R999 000
Be sure to let us know in the comments section below what you think of the latest premium Omoda …
