The Omoda C9 Is Having Continued Sales Success After More Than A Year
The Omoda C9 has managed to carve out a significant share of the Malaysian SUV market. Positioned as a flagship D-segment SUV, it blends luxury features with mass-market pricing.
Here Below We Share Some Key Points Behind the Omoda C9’s Sales Success
1. Pricing Strategy
The Omoda C9 enters the D-segment SUV market starting at RM168,800 for the 2WD variant and just RM188,800 for the AWD model. By undercutting traditional Japanese D-segment rivals (such as the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-8) while offering features typically found in Continental luxury SUVs costing over RM300,000, it delivers an impressive price-to-feature ratio.
2. High-Performance Turbocharged Powertrain
Under the bonnet, the internal combustion variant feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 257 horsepower and 400Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
For buyers seeking hybrid efficiency, the Omoda C9 PHEV elevates performance further:
Total Output: 537 PS and 650 Nm of torque via a 3-motor hybrid architecture.
0–100 km/h: 4.9 seconds.
Electric Range: Up to 145 km (WLTP) on pure battery power.
3. Continuous Damping Control (CDC) Suspension
To handle Malaysia’s varied road quality, the C9 includes a Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adaptive suspension system. Capable of adjusting damping forces up to 100 times per second, the system allows drivers to toggle between Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes, maintaining body control without sacrificing ride smoothness.
4. High-End Executive Cabin Experience
Inside, the C9 features a dual-screen 24.6-inch HD curved display (many Malaysians want a large screen and features that they might never use), integrated ambient lighting and high-grade leather upholstery. Driver and front passenger comfort is enhanced by ventilated power-adjustable seats, built-in air fragrance systems and a panoramic glass roof (which really is not necessary in our rising midday heat).
5. Acoustic & Audiophile Features
The cabin features double-laminated acoustic glass (normally found in premium rivals) that minimises road noise at high speeds. Sound reproduction is handled by a 14-speaker Sony premium audio system, complete with headrest speakers for clear driver navigation alerts.
6. Comprehensive Safety Architecture & ADAS Suite
Safety performance is backed by an 8-airbag system (including a front center airbag) and a 5-star Euro NCAP structure. Its Level 2+ Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) package includes:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go (ACC)
- Lane Centering & Blind Spot Monitoring
- 540° HD Panoramic Camera (with transparent chassis view)
7. Industry Best Warranty & Ownership Program
To alleviate long-term reliability concerns around new automotive brands, Omoda & Jaecoo introduced an extended warranty scheme to give owners a peace on mind.
- Standard Coverage: 7-Year / 150,000 km vehicle warranty.
- Early Bird & Powertrain Package: 10-Year / 1,000,000 km warranty for the engine and electric drive components.
Driving Impressions & Test Drive Performance
The 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine develops 261 PS and 400 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed Aisin torque-converter automatic transmission. Overtaking at highway speeds (80–120 km/h) on the North-South Expressway is effortless. Having a traditional torque-converter automatic over a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) pays off in low-speed crawling traffic, delivering smooth, lurch-free power delivery around town which is common driving in our high traffic inner cities. Throttle response off the line in ‘Normal’ mode feels slightly relaxed, requiring a firmer stab on the pedal to get moving briskly and this is delivered without hesitation with the spooling turbocharger.
At speed, the CDC system keeps body roll tightly controlled, giving the C9 high-speed composure reminiscent of European SUV’s. Over uneven urban roads and speed bumps, the suspension setup leans heavily toward a plush but secure sensation. However, it can occasionally feel slightly delayed in settling after sharp speed humps.
Final Recommendation: 2WD or AWD?
If maximum comfort, rainy-weather traction, and adaptive suspension matter to you, the AWD variant (RM188,800) is well worth the RM20,000 premium. However, for everyday city driving where raw power and cabin tech are the primary priorities, the 2WD variant (RM168,800) stands out as one of the best value-for-money SUVs on sale in Malaysia today.
