By Mabuyane Mabuza
“You have been distracted, please pay attention.” Take your eyes off the road for more than two seconds, or even grip the steering wheel awkwardly, and you’ll earn a polite but firm reprimand from what I can only describe as “big sister.”
During my week with the Omoda C9 on test, I developed a love-hate relationship
with this feature. My usual retort? “Leave me alone, I’m just stretching my arm.” The future has well and truly arrived. Before long, we’ll be holding full-blown conversations with our cars—updating them on how the meeting went or even offloading our relationship woes. That should be interesting.
It’s remarkable how rapidly the automotive industry is evolving. But back to the
Omoda C9 petrol I had on test.
The Looks
The Chinese have mastered the art of bold appearance. You cannot see any of the Omoda products and pretend not to have noticed it, they are in your face. The C9 reflects the brand’s impressive and rapid growth in Mzansi. As a relatively new player, Omoda has quickly carved a niche for itself, blending modern design with advanced features to appeal to contemporary drivers. The C9’s undeniably eye-catching design, featuring clean lines and a balanced silhouette, exudes a level of sophistication that used to be associated with high-end European brands.
Its sleek exterior makes it easy on the eyes, while the well-proportioned grille and
stylish headlights add a touch of elegance. The overall aesthetic strikes a perfect
balance between sporty and refined, making it an attractive choice for those who
value both form and function.
Interior look and feel
Inside, the Omoda C9 is well-equipped with modern technology that enhances the
driving experience. From an intuitive infotainment system to advanced connectivity
options, the vehicle offers a tech-savvy environment that caters to the needs of
modern motorists. The panoramic roof brings in sunlight, making the interior feel a lot more bigger than it is. I must point out that the C9 is actually much larger than
competitors, the likes of Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-60 etc.
The large display screen is not everyone’s cup of coffee, some like it some do not. I
am more on the border. Comfort features and user-friendly controls further elevate its appeal, making every journey enjoyable.
Technology
You cannot fault the C9 both on the looks side and the tech. Fitted standard to the
C9 are the likes of multi-colour LED ambient lighting, heated steering wheel and right down to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are also sorts of active safety features designed to prevent you from getting involved in accidents.
Engine
Under the hood, the C9 boasts a capable petrol 2.0 turbocharged engine that
delivers a decent performance, though it’s worth noting that it tends to be somewhat of a fuel guzzler — an aspect that potential buyers may want to consider. The engine’s power is complemented by a gearbox that, while still slightly unrefined,
shows promise and room for future improvements. There’s a clear trajectory for refinement, and with ongoing updates, this aspect is likely to enhance over time.
Pricing
C9 2.0 T Inspire: R785 900
C9 2.0 T Explore AWD: R885 900
C9 1.5 PHEV Explore: R999 000
