OMODA FINDS ITS (O)MOJO
Images © O&J/FERDI DE VOS
Chinese manufacturer Omoda introduced its new, compact, and futuristic-styled C3 crossover to visiting journalists in Wuhu, home of the Chery Group, shortly after the 2025 Shanghai International Auto Show.
The striking cyber mecha-inspired design of the C3 show car (known as the 3 in China) surprised all with its sharp, geometrical, yet dynamically flowing lines and bold, flat surfaces. The C3 embodies the latest direction in Omoda’s “Art in Motion” design language to appeal to Generation Z customers. No wonder, then, that the average age of the C3 design team is under thirty.
Mexican designer Arturo Ariño, responsible for exterior design in the team under the leadership of Korean Richard Woo, used his experience with cyber car design for computer games (such as the Ford TFZ-P1 concept) as inspiration for the C3.
The C3, much like the Jetour Dashing, also displays typical Lamborghini design traits, with the same sharp lines characterising the Urus and Revuelto – in contrast to the rounder, softer lines and hexagonal details found on the larger C5 and C9. In this respect, it depicts a small Lambo for the masses.
The futuristic theme continues in the interior with angular lines and interesting finishes for the digital instrument panel (inspired by jet fighter cockpits, according to Omoda). The Lamborghini influence is also evident here, as illustrated by the angular red cover for the starter toggle switch.
In terms of drivetrains, the C3 will likely be available with petrol power (a 1.5-litre turbo engine from the Chery family) and a hybrid drive system. A full electric version is also expected, although it probably won’t be considered for South Africa initially.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Another question is whether the C3 will retain this nomenclature locally, as Citroën already has a C3 model in its range, and Stellantis could take exception to the use of the same model description. (The Omoda C5 did not face the same issue, as the Citroën C5 is no longer available locally.)
In any case, locally, the Omoda C3, based on the Chery Group’s T1X platform, will compete against models such as the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro. Apparently, Omoda is also planning to introduce two even smaller models, the C2 and C1, later.
LAST WORD
On first impressions, particularly in terms of design, it is clear Omoda has found its mojo in the car universe with the new C3, and this promises interesting developments in the future. The official global launch of the C3 is scheduled for October this year, and according to Omoda & Jeacoo in South Africa, the model range will be introduced here in early 2026.
JEACOO J7 SHS & OMODA C7 PHEV
O&J Accelerates New Energy Campaign
A recent visit to the 21st Shanghai International Auto Show in China, as well as the Omoda and Jeacoo facilities in the city of Wuhu, the headquarters of the Chery Group, made it crystal clear that manufacturers Omoda & Jeacoo are accelerating their new energy vehicle strategy in South Africa.
As part of the two affiliate manufacturers’ “Born Global, Born NEV” campaign, many new energy vehicles (NEVs) were introduced at the biannual show, including the Omoda C5 HEV and C7 SHS (Super Hybrid System), as well as the fully electric Jaecoo J5 BEV. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce the iCar brand to South Africa under the O&J banner.
Locally, the launch of two new electric vehicle (NEV) models from Omoda and Jeacoo is imminent. The new Jeacoo J7 SHS and the Omoda C7 PHEV will be followed by the introduction of the ICE-driven Omoda C7 and the Jeacoo J5.
O&J estimates that sales of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full-electric models will make up over 50% of its total sales worldwide by the end of the year – strengthening the manufacturers’ status as the fastest growing hybrid vehicle brands in the world. Locally, sales of new energy vehicles have grown by 370% (from a low base, it must be said) in the first quarter of this year.
MEETING THE NEWCOMERS
As part of our visit to Wuhu, we took the new models for assessment runs on a very short test track within the factory grounds. Although too brief to form a well-informed opinion, it did confirm some of our expectations and verified the Jaecoo J5 EV’s acceleration as the fastest within the group.
The Omoda C7 SHS, with its neat and distinctive styling, also had impressive acceleration, but it was less wieldy in the corners due to its size. Its drivetrain, consisting of a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an 18.3 kWh battery pack, delivers a total of 255 kW and 525 Nm. This drivetrain is shared with the Jeacoo J7 SHS.
The Omoda C5 HEV, with 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque available from its soft hybrid system, was not as quick out of the blocks as the C7 SHS model, but it was more stable negotiating the corners and in the slalom test. We also sampled the “normal” Omoda C7, which features a 1.5-litre petrol turbo engine, but were somewhat disappointed as its CVT struggled to deliver power to the front wheels.
The imminently expected Jeacoo J7 SHS (with the same engine and battery combination as the Omoda C7 SHS) has a range of up to 90 km on electric power only and up to 1,200 km with combined power, according to O&J. More information on the C5 HEV, C7 SHS and Jaecoo J5 BEV, also destined for South Africa, will be made available soon.
Perhaps we will also receive more insights into the plans with iCar – incidentally called iCaur here (and elsewhere outside of China) due to Apple owning the copyright on iCar. This will likely include the V23 model, a boxy and angular electric SUV with design lines strongly influenced by the Defender and the Beijing BJ212.
