Omoda Launches All-New C7 PHEV SUV In South Africa At A Very Compelling Price For This market

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Several Chinese companies have been ramping up their presence in South Africa. Most of them are launching new products at a rapid pace, and most importantly, at very aggressive prices. The attractive prices and products have been helping to shift consumer trends in South Africa, according to a recent trading update from one of the large players in South Africa’s approved preowned vehicles sales market. WeBuyCars says the “rapid rise of competitively priced brand new cars from Chinese brands including GWM, Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, Jetour, MG, JAC, and BAIC, has significantly influenced consumer behaviour.” These competitively brand new vehicles are putting pressure on margins for approved preowned vehicles as well, and this could disrupt the used car sales market as well.

One of the trends we have noticed in the first half of the year is that PHEVs are now the fastest growing vehicle segment in South Africa. Sales of PHEVs grew 162% YoY for the period January to June 2025. During the same period, the overall market was up 14%, BEVs were down 24%, and HEVs were down 6%. One of the companies that is actively promoting PHEVs in South Africa is Chery’s brand Omoda. Omoda has already ramped up its operations to include as many as 39 dedicated dealerships around South Africa. The brand’s dealer network Omoda is backed by the Chery Group’s already-established parts warehouse and customer-care office. Omoda is a brand founded in 2022 and already operating in South Africa as well as several other major markets, such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Mexico, Chile, Russia, and Kazakhstan. Omoda also recently entered the European space, where it made its highly anticipated debut in Spain. It just goes to show you how fast a number of these new Chinese brands are expanding their reach across the globe.

Earlier this year, Omoda launched the C9 PHEV, which was well received in the market. Omoda has now followed that up with the launch of the C7 PHEV last week. Omoda says the C7 has bold exterior styling, spacious cabin, 15.6-inch infotainment display, premium Sony sound system, wireless charging, and multi-color ambient lighting. It has up to 21 driver-assistance systems, electronic stability control, plus industry-leading warranties and seven years of roadside assistance. Omoda South Africa is expanding its SUV line-up with the introduction of the all-new C7 that slots between the C5 X Series and the C9. 

The C7 SHS plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, generating a combined 255 kW and 525 N.m. Its Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) offers an all-electric range of 105 km, a total range of approximately 1,200 km.  The C7 SHS has  an 18.4 kWh LFP (lithium-ion phosphate) battery, which can charge from 30-80% in  20 minutes via a 40 kW DC charger, or from 25-100% in 160 minutes when plugged into a 6.6 kW charger.

Here is the price list for the Omoda C7 models offered in South Africa:

• C7 1.6 TGDI Luxury (ICE) — R539,900.00 ($31,528)
• C7 1.6 TGDI Elegance (ICE) — R589,900.00 ($34,447)
• C7 SHS (PHEV) — R689,900.00 ($40,287)

Omoda says the SHS battery pack is covered by a 10-year/unlimited km warranty for the first owner, while certain electric drive unit components (for the C7 SHS) are also protected under this plan. Buyers further benefit from five years of roadside assistance (unlimited km). To understand why these Chinese brands such as Omoda and Jaecoo have been well received in the South African market, and several other markets, here is what you get in the Omoda C7:

• Modern, minimalist interior with leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and a driver’s seat memory function. Dual-zone climate control as standard.
• An 8.88-inch digital display cluster providing all essential driving information. a 15.6-inch infotainment display integrates vehicle controls, climate settings, and media. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity provide seamless integration with smartphones.
• An eight-speaker Sony sound system in the petrol model and a Sony 12-speaker setup in the SHS, complemented by a 50-watt wireless charging pad. Intelligent High Beam Assist, automatic headlights, and multi-colour ambient lighting allow drivers to personalise the cabin environment for every journey.
• Equipped with ABS, Brake Assist, and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), alongside dual front, front-side, curtain, driver’s knee, and front centre airbags. Aside from passive safety features, the C7 is equipped with up to 21 advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including: Blind Spot Detection,Door Opening Warning Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Lane Change Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Headlight Control, Speed Limit Assist (C7 SHS only), Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking—Vehicle, Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection, Traffic Jam Assist, Integrated Cruise Assist, Emergency, Lane Keeping, Lane Departure Prevention, Drive Away Reminder.

Quite a number of these features do not come standard in traditional auto brand models that cost double the price of the Omoda C7. So you can see why these new Chinese brands are helping to shift consumer trends in South Africa.

New car sales for Chinese brands have skyrocketed, and the same trends are evident in the used car market, with AutoTrader’s latest Mid-Year Report revealing sales of Chinese brands rose by 89% in the first half of 2025, led by BYD (+637%), Omoda (+99%), and Jaecoo (+168%). While these percentages are striking, they reflect growth from a relatively smaller base, as these brands are still emerging players in South Africa’s automotive market. Brand new vehicles at these compelling prices from these new auto brands compared to what’s on offer from traditional auto firms will shake up the auto industry in a lot of African countries in the near future. This will not only be a shakeup for brand new car sales, but also for the used car market.

This competitive pricing edge has not gone unnoticed by South African consumers, whose preferences are gradually shifting. Whereas brand cachet was once a concern, many buyers are now prioritizing value over other aspects (such as brand and prestige), and demand more from their cars, such as safety, luxury features, and technology, at a decent price. We could see this same trend growing in other African countries as well. We might be witnessing the start of a whole new era for mobility for many countries on the African continent.