Outlandish Omoda 4 and frugal Omoda 5 hybrid revealed in China
The Omoda 4 is the final production version of the previously showcased Omoda 3.
Image: Supplied
Omoda has some exciting plans for the compact crossover market. The new Omoda 4, revealed at the Chery Group’s International User Summit held in Wuhu, China, over the weekend, shows this brand's bold new direction.
But why does it look so familiar? The Omoda 4 is the production version of the Omoda 3, which was revealed in China back in April. Following extensive customer input, the company has renamed its most compact model, concluding that the ‘4’ figure is more in line with its market positioning.
It also makes sense given that the Omoda 4 measures more than 4.4 metres in length, as Omoda & Jaecoo CEO Shawn Xu revealed to UK car. This makes it slightly longer than the existing Omoda C5, and the new compact model’s wheelbase has also reportedly been stretched.
The Omoda 4 is expected to reach South Africa in 2026.
Image: Supplied
The new compact entry-level model is set to launch in South Africa in the first half of 2026, and it will be called the C4 in our market.
“South Africa is an incredibly important market for Omoda and Jaecoo,” said Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for O&J SA. “With the introduction of the Omoda C4 in early 2026, we’re expanding our range to meet the growing demand for vehicles that combine expressive design, cutting-edge technology, and outstanding value, all without compromise.”
The Omoda 4 was designed squarely with Gen Z in mind, and it’s no surprise that its Lamborghini-like looks were penned by a design team whose average age is 28 years old.
“The style completely rethinks conventional ideas,” Omoda said of its new ‘Cyber Mecha’ design philosophy.
“From the sharp front lights and angular side lines to the mechanically detailed rear design, every element combines to create an SUV that looks like no other.”
The cabin supports “immersive” in-car entertainment and allows for numerous customisation options, Omoda says.
Its edgy new design language is called Cyber Mecha.
Image: Supplied
Powertrain details have yet to be released, but it is reported that the Omoda 4 will be offered with conventional petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains, depending on the market.
Omoda C5 goes hybrid
Omoda also used the Chery Group Summit to pull the covers off its new Omoda 5 SHS plug-in hybrid.
Building on the success of the Omoda 9 and Jaecoo J7 SHS models, the Omoda 5 SHS features a series-parallel hybrid drivetrain that offers a system output of 165kW. The vehicle also boasts a 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds, the company says.
The Omoda 5 is now available as a plug-in hybrid.
Image: Supplied
Electric range figures are not yet released, but the new compact SHS model is said to offer a WLTP range of 1,000km on a combination of electric and petrol power.
At the Summit, Omoda also showcased its new Omoda 7, equipped with the latest Automatic Parking Assistance (APA) system, which supports over 1,000 different parking scenarios. After intelligently identifying the environment, it can autonomously complete both entry and exit manoeuvres. It also has a Remote Parking Assistance function that allows drivers to guide the vehicle in or out of tight parking spots while standing outside of the vehicle.
What else does Omoda have in store?
In addition to the Omoda 4, the company is planning to launch smaller Omoda 1 and Omoda 2 models, both of which will measure less than four metres in length.
A comprehensively updated Omoda 5 is also on the cards for later in 2026, Car reports.
The Omoda 7 will be launched in South Africa shortly.
Image: Supplied