Omoda C5 Lux X: 'How did they manage to make this amount of car for this price?'

Chinese brand Chery is making real inroads into the South African car market.

Through Omoda, it's now released its refreshed X series C5, and motoring journo Melinda Ferguson was impressed when she took this model for a spin.

"Of course Omoda is part of the Chery group, but in South Africa it's a very different brand - they've made it clear that they're separate from Chery, so it's Omoda Jaecoo that usually have dealerships together."

Melinda Ferguson Motoring Journalist

The upgrade to the X series C5 is not just cosmetic, Ferguson says, including some DNA that's been changed with the gearbox and suspension.

The 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine is now paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.

"They've dropped that CVT gearbox, thank goodness. The new DCT makes a big difference... and there's upgraded suspension which makes it more comfortable to drive."

Melinda Ferguson Motoring Journalist

Ferguson also loved the updated look, which adds to a more premium feel, she says.

"That grille with the little diamond shapes really stands out. It makes the car look a lot more premium than its price; also those lovely alloy black wheels."

Melinda Ferguson Motoring Journalist

What also came as a relief to Ferguson is softened 'policing' from the Omoda X series C5's safety systems.

"They're not beeping for everything as much as they used to. It seems the Chinese have been told that South Africans hate to be policed; we don't want to be told what to do."

Melinda Ferguson Motoring Journalist

The X series C5 is competitively priced, starting at R425 900. The top-of-range Elegance will cost you R465 900.