Auto China 2026: Omoda C7 shown again, set to enter Malaysia this year

KUALA LUMPUR: Apart from the smaller – and sharper  – Omoda C4, the Omoda | Jaecoo arm of Wuhu-based auto giant Chery also showcased another compact crossover offering during Auto China 2026 in Beijing. Effectively, the Omoda C7 pictured will bolster the sub-brand’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) range further in Malaysia.

As a refresher, Omoda | Jaecoo Malaysia has two PHEVs on offer in the form of the Jaecoo J7 PHEV and Omoda C9 PHEV. In lieu of which, the Omoda C7 is naturally poised to complement both, offering prospective buyers a futuristic, coupe-like styling in a ‘premium’ compact crossover package of sorts. Notably, it also replaces the Chery-badged O5, which was marketed as the Omoda 5 prior, for this specific sub-brand.

In terms of segment positioning, this Omoda-badged offering will either complement the Jaecoo J7 PHEV stablemate noted whilst also taking on key rivals from ‘legacy’ makes like the Honda CR-V HEV and Toyota Corolla Cross. We reckon this should also somewhat woo buyers from the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV, provided it is priced competitively – parent Chery has a knack for which with the bulk of its products.

Aptly, the Omoda C7 will adopt the familiar PHEV version of the Chery’s Super Hybrid System (SHS) – it’s effectively shared with the other two PHEV models noted. This setup pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cyl petrol mill with an e-motor and battery setup, altogether outputting a combined 347PS and 525Nm. It also reportedly promises up to 95KM of electric-only and up to 1,250KM of combined petrol-electric ranges.

Whilst on this PHEV powertrain still, we can also expect similar long-term after-sales warranties offered. As a refresher, the Omoda C9 PHEV launched recently in Malaysia is covered with a 7-year or 200,000KM base vehicle warranty, a 10-year or 1 million KM engine warranty, as well as a 10-year or 200,000KM hybrid battery, electric motor and power electronics warranty.

PHEV aside, a pure combustion (ICE) version appears to be on the cards for Malaysia too based on the broader strategy by parent Chery to offer a spread of powertrain choices – ICE, hybrid (HEV) and PHEV included – across key brands like Omoda | Jaecoo. With that expect a version packing a familiar 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cyl petrol mill outputting 197PS and 290 Nm that’s paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) box.

In terms of key specifications, there is one omission to note here – the Omoda C7 is not brimmed with the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adaptive suspension. This trick chassis tech looks set to remain exclusively offered through the Omoda C9 PHEV and Jaecoo J8. That aside, the rest of this ‘premium’ crossover’s specifications should meet typical expectations.

Speaking of, key highlights include high-res digital instrumentation and touch infotainment displays housed in the dash, a plush nubuck leather-lined cabin space complete with a top-shelf Sony surround audio suite plus active engine noise cancelling system, not forgetting style novelties encompassing pop-out door handles, 20-inch rolling stock, as a slew of all-LED lighting presented in trick patterns front and aft.

Also typically expected here is a solid Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS) package. No less than 18 ADAS functions will form which, thus granting a high level of semi-autonomous driving abilities to keep it on par with – and perhaps exceed – key segment rivals mentioned prior.

As for price, this again is subject to rife speculation, though Chery’s knack for pricing its products competitively – even amongst its own – suggests a figure anywhere between RM165,000 and RM200,000. For reference, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV is tagged at RM 158,800, whilst the Omoda C9 PHEV launched recently, is tagged at a higher RM 208,800 instead.

Also read: Freelander 8 debuts under new Chery-JLR brand, Malaysia possible after ASEAN testing