The Chery Omoda C5 is coming to South Africa in mid-April, supported by a network of 30 “pre-selected dealers” across the country that are able to offer a range of sales and support services for the new crossover.
Omoda is the Chinese automaker’s luxury-focused sub-brand, making South Africa the first country on the continent to offer the C5 to motorists.
The crossover can now be pre-ordered by local customers and the first 100 can choose between a selection of gifts including a R10,000 voucher, a set of Bathu-Omoda sneakers, customised vehicle decals celebrating a first edition model, and “more unique merchandise,” said the company.
To qualify for the gift, customers must register their interest on the Omoda website and pay a fully-refundable R5,000 deposit.
What to expect
At launch, Chery confirmed that the C5 will be driven by a 1.5-litre petrol motor and that a while later, it is also receiving a new-energy powertrain of some sort.
Additionally, the Omoda sits on the Chery Group’s T1X platform and is therefore capable of offering “sportscar levels of grip and handling without the harsh ride that is often associated with that category of vehicle,” said Tony Liu, executive deputy general manager of Chery South Africa.
Inside the crossover, potential customers can expect a host of amenities including a wireless charging pad, two 10.25-inch displays for vehicle and media information, as well as ambient lighting with “near infinite colour combinations” – while on the outside, the stylish mini-SUV sees sleek “Smart LED” lights and a diamond-matrix grille.
Omoda owners’ universe
In addition to launching the C5 in the country, Omoda is introducing the “O-Universe” owners’ experience for all the local “Omoders” – what the brand calls its customers.
“In South Africa, as in other countries that have introduced Omoda, we have employed an entirely new team with new ideas to build the Omoda brand and community. Nothing is off the table, and anything goes, as long as our Omoda customers feel the benefit,” said Liu.
“As part of the O-Universe, Omoders gain access to O-Fashion, O-Life, O-Lab, and the O-Club.”
What exactly all of this entails is still a mystery, however, Liu said the Omoda team has “carte blanche to try new marketing ideas and to explore new ways of benefitting customers.”
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