The whole nine yards

OMODA C9: PRICE IS RIGHT WITH A SPECIAL THIS MONTH

- Jaco van der Merwe

Over the last few years, Chinese SUVs of all shapes and sizes have been rattling the cages of traditional volume sellers. The introduction of the Omoda C9 is now set to continue the upsetting of the applecart into the premium space.

Omoda, a sub-brand of Chinese carmaker Chery that debuted the C5 last year, have made its ambitions clear with the impressive C9. This plush SUV was officially unveiled in Cape Town as the poshest offering under the local Chery-umbrella, which, apart from the mother brand, includes the Omoda, Jaecoo and Jetour marquees.

More attractive than the car itself is the price tag. As a launch special in October, the two-wheel drive Inspire derivative is offered at an almost too-good-to-be-true R760 000 and the all-wheel drive Explore at R860 000. From next month, both prices will go up by R25 900.

You'll be forgiven for detecting some Range Rover Velar in its exterior design. Omoda admitted it was inspired by the Range Rover Velar which is perfectly legit taking the links between Chery and JLR into consideration.