The Omoda C9: A Newcomer That Might Just Surprise You
Let’s not beat about the bush: the Omoda C9 is Chery’s latest attempt to carve out a bit of space in the mid-size SUV market, and for less than RM200,000, it’s… well, intriguing. It doesn’t have the established credibility of a Honda CR-V or a Proton X90, but give it a chance, and you might just find that it does things a bit differently – and in a very good way.
First of all, let’s talk about the looks. It’s not often you look at a Chinese SUV and think, “That’s actually quite stylish.” But the Omoda C9 manages to pull off a design that makes you look twice. It’s bold, it’s sleek, and it’s got this lovely Range Rover-esque front end. There’s a diamond-pattern grille, quad exhaust tips (because why not), and pop-out door handles. You’d almost expect it to cost double what it does.
This car has presence. At 4,775 mm long and 1,920 mm wide, it’s larger than some of its more famous competitors. And the sleek LED lights and high-tech rear lighting make it stand out on the road, especially at night. In fact, it looks more expensive than it is, which is always a good thing if you’re buying a car in this price bracket. If you’re one of those people who likes to turn heads, this is the SUV for you.
But, let’s be honest, not everyone’s going to be impressed by the badge. For some, the Omoda C9 is still a ‘who’s-that?’ moment. It’s a newcomer, and in a market like Malaysia, where reliability and brand trust are paramount, that could be a problem. You’ll get a few raised eyebrows when you park it next to your friends’ Honda CR-V or Proton X90. But is that really a bad thing? Probably not. You’d just have to convince your mates it’s not just another flash-in-the-pan Chinese experiment.
Here’s the thing about the Omoda C9: it’s not just good-looking. It’s got the performance to back up its bold styling. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that cranks out a solid 257 hp and 400 Nm of torque. That’s more than enough to have a decent amount of fun on the road. The 8-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly, and the front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration means it can handle itself on urban roads. But, if you want to get a little more adventurous, you can opt for the all-wheel drive (AWD) version with driving modes like Snow, Mud, and Sand. This thing can handle a bit of rough terrain, which is a nice bonus if you’re into the idea of tackling Malaysia’s more scenic (read: poorly paved) roads.
But there’s a trade-off here. The fuel economy might not be the best. With that turbo engine and the size of the thing, expect to be visiting the petrol station a little more often than you’d like. If you’re someone who values fuel efficiency above all else, the C9 might be a bit of a disappointment.
Inside, the Omoda C9 continues its assault on the senses with luxury features you’d expect in a car costing much more. You get a massive 24.6-inch digital display that looks like it belongs in a spaceship rather than a car. Wireless Apple CarPlay? Check. Wireless Android Auto? Check. There’s a floating center console with ambient lighting, leather seats that feel plush without being too soft, and climate control that’s – wait for it – three-zone. It’s all the sort of stuff you’d normally find in something costing at least RM50,000 more.
And the sound system? Well, if you opt for the AWD version, you’ll get a 14-speaker Sony setup that makes you feel like you’re sitting in a concert hall, not a moving vehicle. It’s one of those things that makes you think, “Hang on, this isn’t just an SUV; this is a concert on wheels.”
But here’s the catch: while the luxury features are all there, some might argue it’s a bit… extravagant? Do you really need a built-in fragrance system that fills the cabin with an air of pseudo-poshness? Probably not. But it’s there if you want to feel like you’re driving a perfume commercial.
The Omoda C9 isn’t just about looking good and going fast; it’s also loaded with safety features. You’ve got eight airbags, a 540-degree camera system to make parking in tight spaces a breeze, and a suite of driver assistance tech like Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Emergency Lane Keeping. All these come standard, making it an attractive proposition for those who want peace of mind while zipping around Kuala Lumpur or cruising up to the Genting Highlands.
Now, let’s talk about the price. The Omoda C9 starts at an estimated RM185,000 for the 2WD version and goes up to around RM195,000 for the AWD. For what you’re getting, that’s actually quite reasonable. You’d be hard-pressed to find a competitor offering the same level of luxury and tech for that kind of money. The price puts it squarely in the sights of cars like the Proton X90 and Honda CR-V, but with a lot more features for the price.
However, there’s one thing to consider: it’s still a Chinese brand, and that can make some people uneasy. Malaysians love their trusted brands, and the idea of paying nearly RM200,000 for a car from a company with little local history might raise a few eyebrows. But if you can get past that, you’re looking at a seriously good deal for a car that punches well above its weight.
So, is the Omoda C9 the next big thing in Malaysia’s SUV market? It certainly has the potential to be. It’s stylish, it’s well-equipped, and it’s surprisingly good to drive. If you’re someone who enjoys a bit of luxury without the luxury price tag, this could be the SUV for you.
But remember: the road ahead won’t be easy. The brand has yet to prove itself in Malaysia, and the after-sales support might not be as extensive as what you’d get from Honda or Toyota. The fuel efficiency could be better, and the extravagant features may not be for everyone.
That said, if you’re looking for something a bit different, the Omoda C9 offers a refreshing alternative. It’s the SUV that tells you it’s here to make a statement – and I think it’s going to stick around for a while. The roadshows are coming, and it’s worth seeing what all the fuss is about before you make your mind up.
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