Chery has announced that it will launch six new vehicles in South Africa in 2025 under the auspices of its Omoda and Jaecoo (O&J) sub-brands.
Brands O&J have seen tremendous success in the domestic market since their debuts in April 2023 and April 2024, respectively, ranking 15th on the sales charts out of over 50 individual manufacturers in October despite their relatively short time on sale.
This has prompted parent company Chery to expand the offerings of O&J in a bid to continue growing market share.
Consequently, over the course of 2025, we can expect the arrival of two new Omoda models and an impressive four new Jaecoo catalogue entries.
Omoda
From Omoda, next year will see the rollout of the new C7 which will be positioned between the entry-level C5 and recently introduced flagship C9.
The C7 boasts flashy styling underscored by a distinctive X-shaped frameless grille and slim headlights that flow into sleek bodywork.
Measuring 4,621mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,700mm, the C7 is just about equal in dimensions to something like the Toyota RAV4.
Inside, it comes with a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, leather upholstery, and a 14-speaker sound system.
Alongside the C7, Omoda is bringing the C9 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) to South Africa in the coming year, marking its first foray into the budding new-energy vehicle segment.
At present, the C9 is only available with a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol mill churning out 192kW and 400Nm.
The PHEV setup swaps the combustion engine for a 1.5-litre block and adds up to three electric motors into the mix, depending on the model.
“While local specifications are yet to be confirmed, the C9 plug-in hybrid will deliver an efficient and sustainable luxury SUV experience without compromising performance or refinement,” said Omoda.
Jaecoo
Jaecoo’s product offensive for 2025 includes the all-new J5, which will be the brand’s most affordable offering upon its arrival.
It borrows cosmetic cues from its larger sibling, the J7, featuring prominent vertical grille slats and squared-off styling striking a balance between urban and rugged personas.
The J5’s cabin is equipped with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and the “largest panoramic glass roof in its class” with dimensions of 1.45m².
Other standout features include an advanced air filtration system, smart climate control, and pet-friendly accessories.
The all-electric Jaecoo J6 is coming to our roads next year, too, billed as a premium battery-powered crossover with light off-roading capability.
In global markets, buyers of the J6 can choose between a two-wheel-drive variant with 184kW and 220Nm at its disposal, or a four-wheel-drive option that ups the ante to 279kW and 385Nm.
It’s also delivered with a generous helping of amenities such as electrically adjustable front seats with massaging functions and a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
“Final specifications and pricing for South Africa will be announced closer to the on-sale date,” said Jaecoo.
Jaecoo J6 at the 2024 Festival of Motoring
The J7 family is also being expanded with a new PHEV variant come 2025. As it stands, the SUV can only be had in petrol guise.
Jaecoo highlights that the J7 PHEV recently completed a 1,3000km endurance test in China in which it averaged a fuel consumption of 3.3l/100km, considerably lower than its official 5.99l/100km rating.
It is furthermore capable of providing an all-electric driving range of 90km on paper, though when Jaecoo put this to the test in real-world conditions, it yielded results of 125.2km.
“Of course, these figures are subject to change once the J7 PHEV reaches South Africa,” Jaecoo warned.
Jaeco J7 PHEV at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show
Finally, Jaecoo will be welcoming the range-topping J8 to South Africa within the next 13 months.
As its name suggests, it will be the priciest and most opulent entry in the Jaecoo portfolio, with space for up to seven passengers and a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol engine producing a healthy 195kW and 400Nm.
At 4,815mm long, 1,924mm wide, and 1,710mm tall, the new Jaecoo will also be one of the larger vehicles in its segment once it arrives on our shores.
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