OMODA’s flagship C9 has quietly but confidently crossed a meaningful milestone in South Africa, surpassing 1,000 retail sales since its launch in November 2024. In a segment where credibility is earned over time, moving 1,030 units in just 15 months signals more than early curiosity. It points to sustained demand and growing trust in a relatively new premium contender.
Positioned as the brand’s halo SUV, the C9 entered the market with a clear brief: blend bold design with substance. Under the bonnet, a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine delivers 192 kW and 400 N.m of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can opt for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, giving the model a flexible edge in a segment that values both performance and composure. The result is a driving experience that feels deliberate rather than decorative, engineered to match its upscale positioning.
The model’s steady climb has unfolded alongside the rapid expansion of OMODA & JAECOO in South Africa. Since arriving in 2023, the brand has moved more than 20,000 vehicles locally, a figure that sketches the outline of a fast-growing footprint. Within that broader success story, the C9 stands as a keystone product, anchoring the brand’s ambitions in the premium SUV space.
Momentum has been further amplified by the introduction of the C9 PHEV in 2025, a variant that adds electrified muscle to the lineup. With an electric-only range of up to 150 km and a combined range stretching to 1,100 km, the plug-in hybrid transforms the C9 into a long-distance companion with a surprisingly light environmental touch. Its combined output of 440 kW and 915 N.m of torque ensures that efficiency does not come at the expense of performance, delivering brisk acceleration that aligns with its premium billing.
Inside, the C9 leans into modern luxury with quiet confidence. Dual 12.3-inch digital displays form the centrepiece of a tech-forward cabin, supported by features such as wireless smartphone charging, premium audio, and a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. Materials and finishes reinforce the sense of refinement, creating an environment that feels curated rather than crowded.
According to Hans Greyling, General Manager for OMODA & JAECOO South Africa, the response to the C9 reflects a growing confidence among local buyers. Breaking through the 1,000-unit mark is not just a numerical milestone but a signal that the brand is gaining traction where expectations are highest.
As the range expands and awareness deepens, the C9’s role becomes clearer. It is not merely a flagship in name, but a statement of intent. With the addition of plug-in hybrid capability and a steadily growing customer base, the model continues to carve out space in South Africa’s competitive premium SUV landscape, one sale at a time.
