Motorists aspiring to own the new Omoda C9 will need to earn at least R87,000 per month to afford one on a finance plan, according to a calculation by TopAuto.
The Chinese automaker recently launched its flagship SUV in South Africa with two derivatives – the Inspire and Explore – which cost R785,900 and R885,900 respectively.
Both versions of the C9 are equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which produces a total of 197kW and 400Nm.
This is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which results in an average fuel consumption of 8.2l/100km.
The key distinction between the two models is that the Inspire is front-wheel-drive, while the Explore is all-wheel drive (AWD).
By default, the Omoda has driving modes for Normal, Eco, and Sport, but the AWD units have additional settings for Snow, Mud, Sand, and Offroad.
The Explore also features underbody protection and improved suspension with continuous damping control for greater comfort.
Looking at its equipment, the SUV comes standard with automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, flush door handles, 20-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, and keyless entry and start.
Inside, there’s a leather multifunction steering wheel, electric front seats, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charger, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a fragrance system, ventilated front seats, and heated seats for both the front and back row.
It also has a heads-up display, and two 12.3-inch screens for the driver and infotainment functions with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
On top of this, the C9 boasts an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite with adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, autonomous emergency braking, forward and rear-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection, door-opening warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a 540-degree camera.
The Explore also has a few exclusive fittings like Nappa leather upholstery and a 12-speaker stereo with integrated headrest speakers.
Each purchase includes a 7-year/200,000km warranty, a 7-year/100,000km service plan, and an additional 10-year/1-million kilometre engine warranty.
What you need to earn
We can use the following formula to work out the monthly payments on the Omoda:
- Car price – R785,900/R885,900
- Payment term – 60 terms (5 years)
- Interest – 11.50%
- Deposit – 0%
- Balloon – No balloon payment
- Extras – No optional extras
According to this, you’ll need to pay at least R17,380 per month for the Inspire, or up to R19,579 per month for the Explore.
Financial experts then recommend that you do not spend more than 20% of your gross monthly salary on vehicle payments.
This means you’ll need to earn anywhere from R86,900 per month to R97,895 per month to purchase the new C9 on a finance plan in South Africa.
Note that this figure does not account for insurance, fuel, and maintenance, which must all be factored into your budget.
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