Omoda C7 and Jaecoo J5 take the limelight at this year’s Festival of Motoring
It’s a wrap. This year’s Festival of Motoring has come and gone, and once again, it proved why it’s a highlight on the local automotive calendar. Enthusiasts from all over the country descended on Kyalami to enjoy and see the vehicles on show.
And while there were several legacy brands, one thing was just hard to ignore, and that is the growing presence of Chinese brands that are not just testing the waters; they are here to compete head-on in South Africa’s mainstream market.
Among them were Omoda and Jaecoo, which both pulled the wraps off new SUVs: the Omoda C7 and the Jaecoo J5. Speaking of the C7, when it finally launches in the coming months, it will slot neatly between the smaller C5 and the larger C9. Its futuristic design language sets it apart, complemented by a frameless X-shaped grille and flanked by slim LED daytime running lights. Details such as flush-fitting door handles, sculpted LED rear lights, and 19-inch alloys add to the overall styling, which we find to be stunning.
Inside, the story continues. The cabin feels premium, with its design DNA clearly linked to the wider Chery Group family, yet still giving the C7 its own identity. There’s a 15.6-inch sliding infotainment screen, complemented by a sharp 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. When we slipped behind the wheel at FOM, the first impression was one of quality with soft-touch materials everywhere, quilted leather seats, and refined finishes that don’t look out of place. As for space, it is generous, ticking a key box for families who want something stylish without compromising on practicality.
When it finally launches, it will be powered by a choice of either a conventional petrol engine or a hybrid unit with combined outputs of 255kW and 525Nm plus a range of around 1,200km. This could be the same system that powers the Tiggo 7 PHEV, which we found very hard to fault both in performance and efficiency.
On the Jaecoo stand, the brand ripped the covers off its J5, essentially a smaller version of the popular J7 that’s currently on sale in SA. As a trendy compact crossover SUV, the J7 looks absolutely stunning, especially from the front, though it bears resemblance to a popular SUV from a British manufacturer.
It will be offered in three trim levels: Vortex, Glacier and Inferno, which, according to Jaecoo, will have a range of strong standard equipment levels, such as alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a 13.2-inch infotainment system, and power-operated front seats, to name a few. And knowing how feature-packed most Chinese cars are, we have no reason to doubt that.
In typical Chinese fashion, the range will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine that drives the front wheels. As for the transmission, it will likely use a 7-speed DCT similar to its J7 counterpart.
As far as safety is concerned, it will come with a host of safety features depending on the variant. For example, the Glacier and Inferno will come fitted with adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure prevention, and emergency lane keep assist.
All in all, this year’s Festival of Motoring reminded us of just how quickly the local car scene is changing. The legacy players still have what it takes, but it’s the Chinese newcomers that are running the show. With cars like the Omoda C7 and Jaecoo J5 making debuts, it’s clear these brands aren’t here to play supporting roles; they’re aiming for the top. And if the buzz around their stands at Kyalami was anything to go by, South African buyers are ready to give them serious consideration.
