In case you haven’t heard, Jaecoo, the luxury arm of Chinese automaker Chery, is set to launch two new offerings locally before the year ends. One of which is the Omoda C9 ‘coupe’ luxury off-road SUV pictured, and you can size it up in the flesh and test-drive it at 1Utama, Petaling Jaya, this week.
That’s because Jaecoo Malaysia is currently hosting its ‘C9 from Jaecoo’ roadshow at said popular shopping haven all this week until Sunday, Nov 3. During which, the new upmarket offering is being showcased to the public where they can also place their bookings too.
As a refresher, the Omoda C9 was previewed locally back in late Sept, with Jaecoo Malaysia also confirming that it will have two locally assembled (CKD) variants available when it officially launches circa Dec this year – likely during KLIMS 2024 at the earliest.
Whilst you may be familiar with the ‘Omoda’ model nameplate from the main Chery brand, the Omoda C9 in particular is justifiably positioned further upmarket, hence the decision market it in Malaysia under the Jaecoo banner instead.
This is arguably evident with the way the Omoda C9 is styled, sporting key touches such as a diamond-matrix front grille, ‘Sigma’ vertical LED DRLs flanking which, adaptive LED headlights, full-width LED taillight strip, as well as 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Apart from design, both the base 2WD and higher-specced AWD variants also share the same base powertrain package comprised of a 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill and an 8-speed automatic box, the former outputting 257 HP and 400 NM.
The key difference lies in the driveline and both drive and terrain modes offered. The higher-specced guise of course boasts all-wheel-drive (AWD), along with a total of seven selectable drive and terrain modes versus front-wheel-drive (FWD) with three modes in the base variant.
Notably, what’s is uncommon versus similarly-sized and priced rivals here is the inclusion of a Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adaptive suspension suite. Simply put, such a feature is seen for the first time in a sub-RM200,000 crossover SUV in the local market.
Solidifying the Omoda C9’s aspirations as an upmarket offering stem from its posh and plush cabin, as well as the features and amenities count primed on board. Highlights include powered and ventilated front seats, powered rear seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, multi-colour cabin ambient lighting, and rich use of plush leather and soft-touch upholstery.
There’s plenty of tech too led by an expansive 24.6-inch HD dual digital displays plus heads-up display (HUD), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless charging pad, NFC-based keyless entry, built-in navigation function, a 14-speaker Sony audio suite, as well as a 540-degree surround-view camera, amongst many.
As for safety, the Omoda C9 once again sees Jaecoo leave no stone unturned. Apart from basics such as eight airbags lining the cabin, the Omoda C9 is also primed with a ‘Level 2.5’ Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) package as standard with blind-spot detection, door-opening warning, lane departure warning and prevention, lane change assist, and more.
Just like the J7 luxury SUV model, the Omoda C9 stands as another well-endowed sub-RM200,000 offering from the premium Chinese marque. However, you don’t have to take our word on this as you can size it up yourselves at 1Utama this week as mentioned.
Available in black, white and matte grey paint choices, you can place early bookings for the Omoda C9 now at said roadshow, as well as authorised Jaecoo dealers nationwide where it commands estimated prices of RM185,000 (2WD) and RM195,000 (AWD).
