Driven: Omoda C5 Offers a Compelling Mid-Range Compact SUV for SA Families
An SUV with luxury looks and the latest technology is more accessible to the South African family than ever before thanks to Chinese car manufacturers like Omoda. The Omoda C5 is the perfect example. While most families would be hard pressed to justify splashing out on a compact SUV from the European brands, mid-range options like the Omoda C5 makes the prospect of parking a spacious family car in the driveway a lot more compelling.
For first time SUV owners, the C5 offers a great option to dip a toe into the world of compact SUVs. It’s well suited to buyers with young families, young professionals, and style-conscious buyers looking for a budget-friendly compact SUV with luxury looks. The C5 linep includes a range of derivatives starting at R339,900 for the entry-level Street+ variant and capping out at R465,900 for the Elegance X. I had the 1.5T 230T Lux X on test for a week, which falls just below the range’s flagship Elegance X.
No matter which derivative you choose, there’s no doubt the C5 is a looker. The C5’s striking front fascia, with its diamond matrix grille, gives the compact crossover a sporty, upmarket look. It’s a polished and sophisticated looking car that rivals even the most luxury European compact SUVs on the market. Black-painted 17-inch alloy wheels further enhance the sporty looks of the C5 and LED headlights give the C5 a more premium appearance while also enhancing nighttime visibility.
Inside, the C5 boasts a 10.25-inch touchscreen linked to an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-enabled infotainment system, six speakers, keyless entry, push-button start, wireless charging, and a generous 442 litres of boot space (1,149 litres with the rear sets folded flat). In the Style X model you also get a leather-trimmed steering wheel and sports seats.
Comfort and convenience are further enhanced with air-conditioning, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, a rear-view camera, and cruise control, all fitted as standard.
On the road the C5 offers a comfortable drive. The 6-speed dual-clutch transmission is mated to 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that produces 115 kW/230 Nm. Which results in the C5 being nippy enough to overtake with ease on highways and deliver an overall responsive driving experience.
In terms of safety you get a comprehensive suite of safety systems including anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), along with dual front and front side airbags. ISOFIX child-seat anchor points are also fitted.
The C5 challenges expectations of what an entry-level crossover can offer and on paper it’s got all the features and extras you would look for in a compact SUV for moving the family around town. It’s one of the most affordable options in this segment, making it a very tempting prospect for cost conscious families. It’s strongest selling point is, of course, sheer value for money. Even with all the upgrades, the Omoda C5 still comfortably edges out legacy brands’ crossovers on price and luxury looks.
Pricing for the Omoda C5 lineup is as follows: (As of 19 November 2025)
Street+: R339,900
Style X: R374,900
Luxury X: R425,900
Elegance X: R465,900
The C5 comes with a five-year/150,000 km factory warranty, two-year/25,000 km service plan (Street+ and Style X derivatives) or five-year/70,000 km service plan (Lux X and Elegance X derivatives), and a ten-year/one-million km engine warranty as part of the standard price.
