JAECOO Omoda C9 Test Drive: The 2.0T Engine Delivers Brilliant Power

【PCauto】Omoda C9 has been available in our country for nearly half a year now. For this vehicle, many people are particularly interested in the driving experience delivered by its 2.0T engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. After all, at a price of RM168,800, there are very few options like it in the automobile market.

First Drive Experience with the 2.0T Powertrain

Omoda C9's 2.0L turbocharged engine delivers a maximum power output of 257 PS and a peak torque of 400 N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (AT).

During initial acceleration, the engine produces noticeable noise below 40 km/h - likely because the front double-layer acoustic glass, while effective at reducing wind noise, inadvertently amplifies the engine sound.

However, this noise issue significantly disappears at medium-to-high speeds. When cruising at around 100 km/h, the engine noise virtually disappears, leaving only faint tire noise in the cabin and creating a quiet driving environment. During hard acceleration, power delivery is both potent and smooth, accompanied by a subtle whistling sound without any turbo lag, making overtaking and lane changes easy.

Steering & Chassis Performance Review

The steering performance deserves special praise - the electric power assist isn't overly obvious, retaining a satisfying damping feel. Steering is precise, unlike some models that feel too light, which can affect the tactile feedback and driver confidence. Overall, this test drive revealed the Omoda C9's remarkable driving pleasure: its potent yet responsive power delivery makes it suitable for daily commutes and long journeys, though low-speed noise suppression should be improved.

Regarding the chassis, though I lack the technical vocabulary for precise description, I can strongly feel its superior comfort. The combination of front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension performs exceptionally well during cornering or on rough surfaces. Even during high-speed turns, body roll remains minimal, providing excellent driving control.

Fuel consumption was my another key focus. For this 2.0T powertrain (official figures remain unpublished), my eco-mode testing with gentle driving yielded approximately 11L-12L/100km in urban conditions - equating to 8-9km per liter. With its 65L fuel tank, this suggests a potential 500km+ range per fill-up, making it particularly suitable for long-distance travel.

Spacious Assurance: A True D-Segment SUV

As for the comfort of interior space, Omoda C9's overall dimensions (4,775 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, 1,671 mm tall, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase) ensure a spacious cabin layout. For someone of my 170 cm height, the front seats offer ample headroom and legroom - I can sit fully upright without my head touching the roof. However, the dashboard design presents some issues: its approximately 32 cm width and overall height mean my right elbow often presses against it when holding the steering wheel, causing slight discomfort during long-distance driving.

Similarly, the center console's so-called wood-grain trim feels somewhat rough, appearing almost scratched-looking with less premium visual effect. The rear seats are both a highlight and a drawback: the generous wheelbase provides excellent legroom (my knees don't feel cramped), but the seat cushions are slightly short and low, offering inadequate thigh support that might cause mild fatigue on long journeys.

The front passenger seat features 4-way power adjustment, though its massage function proves somewhat weak, even at maximum intensity, the effect is barely noticeable, doing little to alleviate driving fatigue. In contrast, the extendable thigh support works well, significantly enhancing comfort during breaks or naps. Overall, the Omoda C9 delivers balanced yet imperfect performance in space, if you value long-distance comfort, some adaptation to it might be necessary.

The infotainment system shows smooth, lag-free operation. The dual 12.3-inch displays (fully digital instrument cluster and touchscreen) work together efficiently, while the intelligent voice assistant effectively handles routine commands like navigation or music switching, greatly enhancing convenience.

Outperforming Japanese Rivals in Configuration Offerings

The 360-degree panoramic camera delivers clear images, though with slight edge distortion. However, its overall image quality surpasses other vehicles’ blurry outputs in this price segment. The audio system, featuring 14 speakers in AWD variants (versus 8 in 2WD models), though it doesn’t reach the top-level SONY standard, its clarity and fullness are better than most joint venture cars, creating an enjoyable entertainment atmosphere.

Practical features like the fixed panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting are particularly useful for night driving, adding a touch of luxury. Thoughtful details such as power-folding mirrors and automatic wipers further enhance convenience. This set of technological configurations, free from gimmicks, truly suitable for daily driving.

Omoda C9: A Strong Contender with Minor Flaws

After the test drive, I have to point out a minor flaw in the seat memory function - one of the Omoda C9's most frustrating pain points. The manufacturer designed it to automatically adjust positions based on specific ignition steps, which seems to be thoughtful in theory but is unreliable in practice.

Through multiple tests, I found that when starting the vehicle by directly pressing the brake pedal, the seats sometimes fail to return to preset positions entirely, requiring manual readjustment - an annoying hassle during busy commutes. What's more inconvenient is that after switching off the engine and leaving the vehicle, the seat automatically moves back to the rearmost position, making every exit feel abrupt and awkward, often ruining the mood.

The issue likely stems from inconsistent system responses when starting without brake pedal engagement. Despite several attempts, the problem is still unsolved. Hopefully, future software updates can optimize this defective feature.

Summary of Omoda C9

Beyond these issues, the overall impression remains highly positive. As a D-segment SUV, Omoda C9's 2.0T+8AT powertrain delivers exceptional value with the price of RM168,800 (2WD version) and RM188,800 (AWD version). It demonstrates well-balanced capabilities - whether meeting urban family needs with its spacious interior and safety features, or meeting off-road demands with its full-time four-wheel-drive system. Safety provisions are comprehensive too, with eight airbags combined with ABS, blind spot monitoring, and other features forming a complete protective network that boosts driving confidence.

In summary, the Omoda C9's strengths are clear: powerful performance, stable handling, and high driving enjoyment. Although flaws like the unreliable seat memory function or low-speed noise don't impair its core competencies, they're still worth the manufacturer's attention for improvement. In my view, this vehicle suits family users or drivers seeking well-rounded performance perfectly.