2025 Omoda C5 Lux
In the bustling South African automotive landscape, where crossovers dominate the roads, the Omoda C5 Lux stands out as a bold statement from Chery.
Launched in 2023 as part of Chery’s premium sub-brand, Omoda, this compact SUV isn’t the undisputed king of its segment – rivals like the Toyota Corolla Cross or Volkswagen T-Cross still edge it in refinement or resale value. Yet, it excels on multiple fronts, blending futuristic styling, tech-savvy features, and unbeatable value to propel Chery from budget contender to a more aspirational player.
The Visual & The Tangible
Visually, the C5 Lux is a head-turner. Its coupe-like silhouette, sharp LED headlights, and diamond-patterned grille scream modernity. In a market flooded with conservative options, Omoda’s “Art in Motion” philosophy shines through, making the C5 feel like a concept car come to life.
Inside, the Lux trim elevates the experience with a dual 10.25-inch screen setup for infotainment and instruments, wireless charging, and a premium sound system. Leather seats add to the comfort, while advanced driver aids come standard – features often optional on pricier competitors. Priced at R479 900 for this C5 1.5T 230T Lux, it’s a steal compared to European alternatives, offering more bang for the buck without skimping on safety (a five-star Global NCAP rating).
The crossover is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine delivering 115 kW and 210 Nm – lively enough for quick overtakes and not too heavy on the juice in mixed driving conditions. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts smoothly in Eco mode, though it can hesitate under hard acceleration, a minor quirk in an otherwise refined package.
It’s Making You Think
This isn’t just about one model; the C5 Luxv exemplifies how Omoda is redefining Chery in South Africa. Chery reentered the market a few years ago with the take-note-and-watch Tiggo4 Pro. But Omoda, however, targets a premium niche with global design influences and higher build quality, helping Chery crack the Fortune Global 500 by contributing 20.8% to group sales growth. Since its 2023 debut, Omoda has fueled Chery’s stunning rise, with the brand now among the fastest-growing in SA, outselling established names in the SUV segment.
Of course, it’s not flawless. Chery’s after-sales network, while expanding, lags, for instance, behind Toyota’s ubiquity. Brand stigma persists – some see it as a “fancy Chery” rather than a true premium contender. But these are growing pains. The C5 Lux proves Chery is evolving, offering style and substance that punch above their weight.
In a price-sensitive market like ours, the Omoda C5 Lux doesn’t need to be the best to win hearts – it just needs to deliver exceptional value, which it does in spades. By infusing Chery’s line-up with innovation and flair, Omoda is taking the brand up a notch, making it a serious alternative for savvy South Africans.
