We test drove the all-new Omoda C9 SUV, and so should you - Test drive this weekend only

KUALA LUMPUR:  The highly anticipated Omoda C9 SUV is now open for public viewing and test drives at One Utama Shopping Centre, running from today through this Sunday, November 3.

If you're unable to visit this weekend but are curious about how it drives, we took it for a quick spin and here’s our first impression.

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Under the Jaecoo brand in Malaysia, the Omoda C9 has garnered attention with an estimated starting price of RM185,000. While that may seem high to some, the SUV boasts features rarely found at this price point, including CDC (Continuous Damping Control) suspension.

In simple terms, this electronically controlled suspension adapts to road conditions, enhancing comfort and smoothing out bumps for a more luxurious ride.

Our test drive around One Utama—a route known for less-than-perfect roads and plenty of speed bumps—showcased the C9’s impressive ability to absorb road imperfections, delivering a plush ride with excellent body control.

Does this suspension also enhance sporty handling by stiffening up? Not entirely, but it does provide extra confidence on winding roads. However, comfort is the real focus here, and in that regard, the C9 absolutely excels.

Another notable feature that sets the Omoda C9 apart from its Chery siblings is the 8-speed conventional automatic transmission.

While dual-clutch systems have come a long way, the smooth, linear power delivery of this transmission ensures an effortless daily drive—no surprises, no lurching, and a smooth creep at low speeds.

The electronic power steering, typical of modern vehicles, prioritizes comfort over feedback. It’s light at low speeds, firming up at higher speeds, offering a direct and predictable feel.

We didn’t get extensive road time with the C9, but it’s clear it has comfort checked off the list. The ride quality, low NVH levels, and overall refinement feel more akin to a German SUV than one made in China.It’s genuinely impressive, especially given Jaecoo Malaysia's competitive pricing.

We didn’t get a chance to fully unleash the power of the 2.0-liter TGDi engine, but with 257 hp and 400 Nm of torque on tap, it’s clear there’s substantial might under the hood.

But don’t just take our word for it—head over to the New Wing at One Utama to experience the C9 for yourself. Visitors can get an up-close look and take it for a test drive from today until Sunday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Here is a table highlighting key specifications and features of the upcoming OMODA C9 SUV:

Feature	Specification

Brand

JAECOO

Model

OMODA C9

Type	Premium Off-road SUV

Tentative Price

Starting from RM185,000 for 2WD, RM195,000 for AWD

Engine

2.0-litre TGDI engine

Transmission

8-speed automatic (Malaysia); 7-speed dual-clutch (global model)

Power Output

257 hp

Torque

400 Nm

Dimensions (L x W x H)

4775 mm x 1920 mm x 1671 mm

Wheelbase

2800 mm

Ground Clearance

165 mm (water wading up to 450 mm)

Suspension

CDC suspension, MacPherson strut front and multilink rear

Drive Options

2WD and AWD

Drive Modes

3 modes (2WD), 7 modes (AWD)

Safety Features

Continuous Damping Control (CDC), Blind Spot Detection, Door Opening Warning, Lane Departure Prevention

Airbags

8 airbags

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

Level 2.5 ADAS

Tire Size

20-inch alloy wheels with Michelin tires

Infotainment

24.6-inch HD display

Interior Features

Ambient lighting, 3-zone air conditioning with air quality and fragrance system, heads-up display, driver monitoring system

Storage Capacity

660 L (expandable to 1783 L)

Special Features

NFC keyless entry, flush door handles, paddle shifters, 14-speaker audio (AWD)

Assembly Location

Chery plant in Shah Alam, Malaysia

 

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