Latest news with #OmodaC7
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Omoda C7 here soon: SA details released ahead of glamorous Durban July reveal with Khosi Nkosi
The Omoda C7 will launch in South Africa imminently. Image: Supplied Omoda is expanding its South African presence with an all-new SUV model called the C7. It's set to be revealed at this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July, as part of a collaboration with acclaimed fashion house Khosi Nkosi. The new vehicle will be adorned in an artistic wrap created specifically for the event. The Chinese brand has also revealed some of the local details about its new C7 ahead of the official launch. The Khosi Nkosi collaboration introduces a new creative direction for 2025, called Ndlovukazi. Image: Supplied As its name implies, the newcomer will slot between the popular Omoda C5 and luxurious Omoda C9, and although local pricing has not been announced as yet, it is likely to be priced from around R500,000 upwards, given that the C5 X stretches up to R465,900 and the C9 starts at R785,900. Omoda has confirmed that two engines will be offered locally, with the familiar 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine serving as the entry-level option, with outputs of 145kW and 290Nm. Customers will also be able to opt for an 'SHS' plug-in hybrid model, which pairs a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine with an electric motor for combined outputs of 255kW and 525Nm. Thanks to an 18.4 kWh battery pack, the C7 SHS boasts an all-electric range of up to 105km between charges, according to claims, and a combined range of 1,200km. When connected to a 40kW fast charger, the battery can be replenished from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes, Omoda says. The C7 SHS will be fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels, while both models will feature LED headlights, a Sony sound system, leather upholstery, with heating and power-adjustment upfront, as well as 12 advanced driver assistance features. This year's Khosi Nkosi collaboration introduces a new creative direction called Ndlovukazi, which draws inspiration from Nongquawuse, the young Xhosa prophetess whose life and legacy have long been misrepresented. 'The Omoda X Khosi Nkosi collaboration is the perfect platform to reflect on the rich tapestry of our history,' said Khosi Nkosi. 'Our power lies in honouring our cultural heritage and drawing strength from our roots. With Ndlovukazi symbolising the evolution of Nkosazane, this collaboration is a celebration of identity and a reminder of where true strength comes from. 'A queen needed to be a princess first, so she could be empowered with wisdom and the strength to rule with grace,' added Nkosi. IOL Motoring
The Citizen
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Omoda C7 getting ready to show itself at the Durban July
Chery-owned brand's latest SUV will solely be offered as a plug-in hybrid with the same drivetrain as sister brand Jaecoo's J7 SHS. Set to make its long awaited market launch within the coming weeks, Omoda & Jaecoo has revealed official powertrain details of the incoming Omoda C7 that will straddle the gap in the marque's line-up between the C5 X-Series and the C9. Powertrain selection now final Unveiled in production guise in Thailand in March and then at the Beijing International Auto Show the following month, the C7 will make its first public showing at the Durban July this weekend solely as a plug-in hybrid under Super Hybrid System (SHS) moniker. Although set to produce 265kW/530Nm in Thailand, for South Africa, the electrified powertrain will be detuned, but still paired to a single-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The same unit sister brand Jaecoo debuted in the J7 SHS last month, the C7 SHS pairs a 1.5 T-GDI engine with an 18.4-kWh battery pack powering a single electric motor on the rear axle. ALSO READ: South Africa-bound Omoda C7 PHEV details emerge abroad Combined, the setup develops the same 255kW/525Nm as in the J7 SHS, allowing for an all-electric range of 105 km and a total of 1 200 km when taking the combustion engine into consideration. Supporting DC fast charging up to 40 kW will require a waiting time of 20 minutes from 30-80%. While able to get from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 8.5 seconds in Thailand, the South African-spec C7 will possibly to be a fraction slower despite its lowered outputs coming with an additional reduction in combined range of 50 km. The opposite, though, is that its EV-range is greater by 15 km. Likely spec and price Developed specifically for export markets, and therefore unlikely to be sold in its home market, the C7 SHS's likely specification items will consist of a 14-speaker Sony sound system, a fragrance dispenser, quad-zone climate control and a marque first 15.6-inch infotainment system. While unconfirmed at present, likely pricing for the C7 SHS could start between R500 000 and R700 000 based on the flagship C5 X-Series retailing from R465 900 and the entry-level C9 from R785 900. ALSO READ: VIDEO: SA-bound Omoda C7 will have a range of 1 200km
The Citizen
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Omoda C7: First drive impressions of the SA-bound hybrid
During recent travels to China as part of a showcase by Omoda and Jaecoo for the Shanghai Auto Show, Car Mag were also afforded the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the South African-bound Omoda C7. Here is what Siya Mbaduli thinks of the SUV! Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! What are we driving? The Omoda C7 is a compact SUV produced by Chery under its export-focused Omoda brand. First unveiled globally in April 2024, it is positioned between the Omoda C5 and the upcoming Omoda C9 in terms of size. Unlike previous Omoda badged offerings, the C7 is the first original product designed specifically for Omoda, whereas earlier models were shared with Chery's main line-up. The most striking aspect of the C7 is its futuristic design, which was the prevalent theme throughout the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show. At the front, a frameless X-shaped grille and slim LED daytime running lights give it a high-tech, almost concept-like appearance. The sculpted sides, featuring flush door handles and sharp creases, add a touch of premium European flair. At the rear, full-width thunderbolt LED taillamps and a subtle roof spoiler complete the cohesive design. The C7 also rides on 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels. Positioned as a sport oriented SUV, the Omoda C7 measures 4 621mm in length, 1 872mm in width, and 1 673mm in height, with a claimed wheelbase of 2 700mm. Inside, the C7 sets itself apart from more budget-friendly competitors. A 15.6-inch sliding infotainment screen dominates the dashboard, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that provides driver information. The cabin features soft-touch materials throughout, with quilted leather seats, ambient lighting, and refined panel finishes that underline its upmarket ambitions. From the brief time spent inside, Omoda has managed to provide ample space for both rows, offering sufficient headroom and legroom even for taller passengers. What is the Omoda C7 SHS like to drive? Unable to legally drive on Chinese roads, we spent a brief period behind the wheel of the Omoda C7, which was fitted with the brand's new plug-in hybrid powertrain. This setup, also found in the recently revealed Jaecoo J7 SHS (tested by CAR), pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an 18.3kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack. Combined, the system delivers an impressive peak output of 255kW and 525Nm of torque. While final specifications for South Africa are yet to be confirmed, we expect the local model to feature this same powertrain. On the road, the system feels well-calibrated and impressively smooth, with EV mode being the standout, offering up to 90km of zero-emission driving. Related:Review: Jaecoo J7 SHS (PHEV) From behind the wheel, the C7 offers a composed and comfortable driving experience. The steering is light yet precise, and during a brief slalom test, the vehicle responded confidently with minimal body roll. The weight distribution also appeared well balanced, helping the C7 maintain poise through quick directional changes. The C7 is expected to launch in South Africa in six months with a full suite of advanced safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. Higher-spec models will also offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a premium 14-speaker Sony audio system. What are the Omoda C7 SHS's Rivals? The Omoda C7's length (4 621mm) and wheelbase (2 700mm) place it in a similar size category to the popular Toyota RAV4 which is a well-established player in the sphere. Its hybrid powertrain option further cements itself as a chief rival to this newcomer and the C7 will need to compete on price to draw buyers away from the RAV4. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid range in South Africa starts from approximately R705 600 for the 2.0 GX-R AWD model and goes up to around R841 600 for the 2.5 Hybrid VX E-Four. Another strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment is the Kia Sportage. A frequent contender in the CAR Magazine Top 12 Best Buys awards, it has become revered for good value for money and an impressively long warranty, which the Omoda C7 will need to address. The entry-level 1.6 CRDi LX Sportage kicks things off at R662 995, and the top-spec 1.6T-GDi GT Line S model costs R823 995 Keeping it within China's borders, the C7 will likely steal some of the spotlight against the now ageing Haval H6. Despite being a strong contender with a hybrid powertrain which produces a combined output of 179kW and 530Nm of torque, it has still remained a niche choice for buyers shopping for a mainstream SUV. South African pricing for the Haval H6 HEV starts at approximately R679 950. Its competitive pricing for a hybrid SUV with significant power makes it a direct rival to the Omoda C7 PHEV. What will the Omoda C7 SHS cost? Simply put; we don't know yet. The vehicle is set to arrive in South Africa, but other than the drive and the technical details shared by Omoda officials, pricing has remained under wraps. We expect that the Chinese automaker is combing the market to determine which price point will make this hybrid model most appealing to local buyers, and we'd expect it to come in anywhere from R700 000 to potentially just over R800 000. Any standard ICE-powered models would logically undercut this. Verdict A full road test and more time behind the wheel of the Omoda C7 would have been ideal to uncover finer details that may have been missed during the short drive, but what did stand out, however, is that Omoda C7 may be the most important statement of intent for the Chinese automaker. In typical modern Chinese fashion, it boasts striking looks, a premium-feeling cabin, and the arrival of the efficient hybrid powertrain should make it resonate with many buyers if priced competitively. Looking for a new or used car? Find it here with CARmag! The post Review: Omoda C7 SHS appeared first on CAR Magazine.
