The updated Omoda C5 X Series, which recently arrived in South Africa, ushers in useful enhancements to a model that is already popular in our market. Gero Lilleike reviews the 1.5T 230T Lux X to determine if those changes warrant your attention.
This Omoda C5 review covers key topics that will help you make a more informed buying decision.
We Like: Futuristic design, good perceived build quality, enlarged load bay
We Don’t Like: Bad rearward visibility, higher-than-expected fuel consumption
Fast Facts
- Model: 2025 Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Lux X
- Price: R425 900 (May 2025)
- Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol
- Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Power/Torque: 115 kW/230 Nm
- 0-100 kph: 9.0 sec (claimed)
- Fuel consumption: 6.9 L/100 km (claimed)
- Luggage capacity: 667-1 941 litres
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What is the Omoda C5?
Omoda (the “O” in the Chery Group’s O&J division) arrived in South Africa in 2023 and has gone on to claim a sizable foothold in the crossover segment, with impressive sales in our market. In the 1st quarter of 2025, the C5 made Omoda the 3rd-best-selling Chinese car brand in Mzansi behind Haval and Chery.
As a reminder, Omoda targets a younger, sophisticated and fashion-forward clientele, and the brand’s local line-up comprises the C5 small crossover/compact family car and the larger C9 executive SUV.
The revised C5 X Series (offered in Lux or Elegance trim – the former of which is reviewed here) features a host of new improvements, including a revised grille and black alloy wheels, a new 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, an uprated suspension, improved practicality and enhanced interior features and finishes.
The Omoda C5 competes with other “boutique crossover” products such as the Haval Jolion Pro and BAIC Beijing X55, both of which offer elevated levels of perceived style coupled with a good level of standard features. In a constrained economic environment where car buyers are prioritising value of money, the Omoda C5 has some convincing to do!
How the Omoda C5 performs in terms of…
Performance and Economy
The Omoda C5 X Series is powered by the Chery Group’s 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that produces 115 kW/230 Nm, but is now paired with a new 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The new auto ‘box is more responsive than the continuously variable transmission (CVT) offered on lesser C5 variants.
While the powerplant still exhibits notable turbo lag when you floor the accelerator pedal, the Omoda’s transmission changes gears smoothly… and when you expect it to. The powertrain provides adequate overtaking acceleration, but the biggest benefit of the 6-speed auto is that it elevates driver engagement (we think prospective buyers will appreciate “feeling” gear shifts over the “elastic” sensation of a CVT).
Omoda claims the C5’s fuel consumption has improved (from 7.4 L/100 km to 6.9 L/100km), so we were disappointed to see a real-world return of 10.5 L/100 km on our test drive through the Cape Winelands.
Ride quality and on-road refinement
The Omoda X Series now rides on a multi-link rear suspension (in place of a torsion-beam setup) in aid of improved ride comfort. Whereas the Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Lux X is still thirsty for a vehicle of its size, the new suspension has made a noticeable difference. Whereas the C5 does retain a degree of firmness to its ride quality, it’s now more forgiving over a variety of road surfaces, which will broaden its appeal.
We have found that several new models from Chinese car brands feature annoying visual and audible alerts related to safety systems (perhaps the sensitivity of those features requires fine-tuning?), but we’re happy to report the C5 X Series’ electronic safety aids (and their signals) aren’t overly intrusive.
However, the Start Stop system engaged at peculiar moments (such as in the middle of intersections). We also noticed the car tended to roll back when its engine restarted, requiring care when pulling away.
Interior execution and features
The Omoda C5 Lux X’s cabin is well-equipped with standard features, but note that its specification is not comprehensive. If you want a 50W wireless charger and ventilated seats, buy the Elegance X variant.
See specification details for the Omoda C5 Lux X here
Soft-touch surfaces abound in the C5 X, and comfort levels are high thanks to comfortable, contoured seats. Dual 10.25-inch screens (for the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster) are fitted, and the former’s menus are easy to navigate. Gloss black panels give the cabin a premium look, but they do attract fingerprints (you’ll have to keep a soft cloth at hand to keep the cabin free of dust and marks).
Practicality
A major improvement for the C5 X Series is the larger and more practical load bay, which sees the small crossover’s load volume increase to 442 litres (previously 378 litres). With the 60:40 split seats folded, up to 1 149 litres of utility space is available. In terms of rear occupant comfort, legroom is adequate.
Our biggest gripe with the Omoda C5 is its poor rearward visibility. The 1.5T 230T Lux X‘s raised hip line and tiny rear windows make it very difficult to check the vehicle’s blind spots when driving on a freeway; the driver is therefore entirely reliant on the Blind Spot Alert monitoring system to safely change lanes. This fact proved challenging in Cape Town traffic, where motorcycles are often cruising between lanes.
Omoda C5 price, warranty & after-sales support
The Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Lux X retails for R425 900 (May 2025), which includes a 5-year/150 000 km warranty, a 10-year/1-million km engine warranty (for 1st owner) and a 5-year/70 000 km service plan.
New Omoda C5 Specs & Prices in South Africa
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Verdict
The Omoda C5 continues to make a strong case for itself as a stylish, capable and well-specified small crossover/compact family car, and the C5 X Series upgrade adds further value to the package.
The C5 1.5T 230T Lux X, however, isn’t perfect. Its prospective buyers will have to be willing to make some compromises in terms of efficiency and practicality. While the new dual-clutch transmission does improve the C5’s general on-road demeanour, we found the variant’s fuel efficiency was disappointing.
Also, if good rearward visibility is a must-have feature in your next car, the C5 will likely be an unsuitable option. Perhaps consider a more “visually forgiving” design, such as the Haval Jolion Pro, for example.
Nonetheless, at R425 900, this C5 Lux variant’s strongest USP is sheer value for money… Even with all the upgrades, the Omoda still comfortably undercuts legacy brands’ boutique small crossovers on price and arguably offers more distinctiveness/kerb appeal than its fellow Chinese brands’ rival products.
Related content:
Omoda C5 X Series (2025) Price & Specs
Omoda C5 Review: A Fancy Chery or Premium Car Contender?
