2024 Chery OMODA C9 AWD Review

Entering the fourth quarter of 2024, competition in Malaysia's D-segment SUV market continues to heat up. Many brands are focusing on features and performance to attract users seeking both family practicality and driving pleasure. At this juncture, Chery has launched the OMODA C9 AWD, emphasizing the 2.0T+8AT power combination, full-time four-wheel-drive system, and L2-level driving assistance as its core selling points. Despite this, it is priced at an affordable RM188,800 within the same class. We got our hands on a test car, and the main goal is to verify whether its features truly deliver, assess the practicality of its performance and four-wheel drive, and determine if its overall performance matches the positioning of a "high-value-for-money D-segment SUV."

From the front, the design of the OMODA C9 AWD is highly recognizable. Its large blacked-out front grille paired with a through-type LED daytime running light appears visually robust, aligning with the SUV image. The dot-matrix chrome embellishments inside the grille are fairly refined and don't look cheap. The body side lines are more angular, with the waistline extending from the front fender to the rear of the car, complemented by 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, achieving good proportional harmony. The chrome trim at the bottom of the doors and the black cladding around the wheel arches add a sporty touch. The rear design is relatively simplistic, featuring a through-type LED tail light, a popular design trend. When lit, it offers decent recognition. The silver skid plate below the rear bumper and dual exhaust layout on both sides make the rear design less monotonous. The vehicle's paintwork is solid, and the seam uniformity is within the normal range for its price point.

Entering the interior, the overall design leans towards a minimalist tech style. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials and paired with silver trims and piano black panels. The materials used are considered upscale at this price range, but the piano black panels can easily collect fingerprints, requiring regular cleaning. The most prominent feature of the central control area is the 12.3-inch floating touchscreen which connects seamlessly with the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel, forming a dual-screen design. The operation is smooth, supporting CarPlay and Android Auto with comprehensive functionality. The steering wheel is made of genuine leather, with a moderate grip and well-arranged multifunction buttons that are user-friendly. It also offers electric adjustment, and the standard HUD head-up display makes it more convenient to view driving information.

In terms of space, the vehicle dimensions of 4775mm×1920mm×1671mm and a wheelbase of 2800mm place it in the upper-middle range of D-segment SUVs. The front seats support 8-way electric adjustment and provide good wrap-around comfort for long drives. The front passenger seat features 4-way electric adjustment. The rear space is very spacious, with a height of 175cm leaving more than two fists of legroom and about one fist of headroom, making it feel open. The rear floor's center hump is not very high, ensuring comfort for the middle passenger. For storage, the front central armrest box has a large capacity, and the door storage bins can accommodate large bottles of beverages. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 660L, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, making it adequate for a stroller or luggage. The rear seats are also equipped with independent air-conditioning vents and USB charging ports, showing thoughtful attention to detail.

Powertrain-wise, the OMODA C9 AWD is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power output of 192kW (261PS) and a peak torque of 400N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In actual driving, the power response is very prompt. It doesn't feel sluggish when starting, and light pressing on the accelerator provides a good sense of acceleration. The mid- to high-end acceleration is also powerful; pressing the accelerator hard for overtaking prompts the transmission to downshift quickly, delivering direct power output, giving you confidence when overtaking on highways. The transmission has a very clear shifting logic, and gear changes are smooth during daily driving, with hardly any noticeable jerks. When switching to sport mode, the shift timing is delayed, and the power output becomes more aggressive, suitable for moments when you're in the mood for spirited driving.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel feels lightweight, making daily driving very relaxing. The steering precision is fairly accurate with no noticeable slack. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, which is tuned toward comfort. It can filter out most road bumps, and when driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension rebounds crisply without excessive shaking. However, when taking corners at high speeds, the body may experience some leaning. After all, it's an SUV, and this performance is within a normal range. The inclusion of the all-wheel-drive system provides better stability on slippery roads or during light off-road conditions. We tested it on unpaved roads in the suburbs, and the AWD system responded quickly, distributing power in a timely manner. Its off-road capability is decent, but since it's not a hardcore off-road vehicle, tackling extreme off-road terrains is not recommended.

In terms of fuel consumption, we tested it by driving equally between urban roads and highways, resulting in a combined fuel consumption of approximately 9.5L/100km. For a 2.0T SUV, this performance is average, and the fuel consumption shouldn't pose a significant burden for daily use. The braking performance is commendable, with a very linear pedal feel and evenly distributed stopping power. During emergency braking, the vehicle remains stable without noticeable nose-dive effects.

Regarding driving comfort, the sound insulation is well-executed, and at high speeds, wind and road noise are kept within reasonable levels, ensuring that passengers inside the vehicle are not disturbed during conversation. The seats are very comfortable, with soft padding and good support, making long rides less tiring. The air conditioning system cools down quickly, and the rear independent air conditioning can meet the varying needs of different passengers.

Overall, the OMODA C9 AWD has clear core advantages: strong performance, with the 2.0T + 8AT combination considered mainstream in its class; abundant features, with standard configurations such as Level 2 driving assistance, HUD, panoramic sunroof, and 14 speakers, making it highly cost-effective; and spacious interior, suitable for family use. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Honda CR-V 1.5T AWD or the Toyota RAV4 2.0L AWD, the OMODA C9 AWD offers more powerful performance, richer configurations, and a more affordable price, emphasizing its value-for-money advantage.

However, it does have some minor shortcomings, such as the piano lacquer panels being prone to fingerprint marks and the interior's level of luxury still having room for improvement. Its fuel efficiency is average and not particularly outstanding. Overall, the OMODA C9 AWD is ideal for families that prioritize performance and features, as well as young people who value cost-effectiveness. If you're looking for an SUV that balances daily family use with occasional light off-road drives, this is a great choice.