Omoda C9 PHEV launched in Malaysia – 1.5T petrol, 537 PS/650 Nm PHEV, 145 km EV range WLTP; RM209k

First previewed in October last year before estimated pricing was indicated, the Omoda C9 PHEV has now been officially launched in Malaysia, priced at RM208,800 on-the-road without insurance. The C9 PHEV comes to market initially as a fully imported (CBU) model for a limited run of 50 units, and these will be followed by locally assembled (CKD) units which are already in production in Shah Alam.

Buyers who book the C9 PHEV between March 18 and April 30 additionally receive the launch package that consists of a RM3,000 duit Raya rebate, and a complimentary vehicle-to-load (V2L) connector valued at RM730. A limited number of fully imported (CBU) units of the C9 PHEV will be offered with one year of complimentary insurance coverage valued at RM6,000, while stocks last.

Compared to its ICE-powered twin, the C9 PHEV packs a version of the Super Hybrid System (SHS) from the Jaecoo J7 PHEV, though the C9 PHEV gets a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) to enable the ICE to also drive the wheels at lower speeds, contributing to stronger acceleration.

Here, the powertrain is comprised of a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 143 PS and 215 Nm, with a dual-motor setup in front consisting of a P2 integrated starter-generator that outputs 102 PS and 170 Nm, and a P2.5 traction motor producing 122 PS and 220 Nm.

These are accompanied by a 238 PS/310 Nm motor driving the rear axle, providing all-wheel-drive and a combined output of 537 PS and 650 Nm, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. Top speed is a claimed 180 km/h.

The electric side of the C9 PHEV powertrain draws from a 34.46 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that provides up to 145 km of EV range on the WLTP testing standard, and in conjunction with a 70 litre fuel tank, offers a claimed 1,100 km of hybrid range.

The battery can be recharged at up to 70 kW DC, which yields a 30-80% SoC in 25 minutes, while 6.6 kW AC charging takes around 5.5 hours to top up from 30-100%; a 10-100% charge at 2.7 kW AC takes 12 hours. At a drive event in South Africa, our own Jonathan Lee in the C9 PHEV has achieved an effective range of 1,190 km, with 939 km driven and in indicated 251 km of range remaining.

For the driver, the C9 PHEV offers six drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sand, Off-Road, Snow and Sport, three levels of energy regeneration, and the option to switch between full EV and HEV modes. Continuous damping control (CDC) for the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension offers Soft, Medium and Hard settings which can be selected by the driver, in addition to an automatic mode.

Rolling stock for the C9 PHEV is a set of 20-inch alloy wheels shod in Michelin e-Primacy tyres measuring 245/50R20, though while the ICE-powered C9 gets a full-sized spare, the C9 PHEV gets a tyre repair kit. Jaecoo claims the same luggage capacity numbers for the C9 PHEV as those of the petrol C9, which are 660 litres with the seats up and up to 1,783 litres with the rear seats folded.

Exterior equipment on the C9 PHEV includes LED adaptive headlamps with sigma-style DRLs and automatic high beam, headlamp washers, welcome lighting sequence, dynamic turn signals in front, LED tail lamps, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding and heated door mirrors with memory, powered tailgate, and roof rails. Access is by an NFC key that grant keyless entry, along with remote window and tailgate opening.

Interior kit in the C9 PHEV consists of leather upholstery for the seats, instrument panel and multifunction steering wheel, the latter on a four-way power-adjustable column. Seats get heating and ventilation in the front and rear rows, with the driver’s seat getting six-way power adjustment, and the front passenger seat getting four-way power adjustment.

The driver gets a 12.3-inch instrumentation display – with a head-up display – while alongside it is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, accessible by voice command with the “Hello Omoda” prompt. Smartphone integration is by Android Auto, while audio is by a 14-speaker, 390-watt Sony system, including two dedicated speakers in the driver’s headrest.

Mobile devices can be charged on a 50-watt ventilated, wireless charging pad, with a 12-volt power socket, one USB-A and one USB-C for the front row; the rear seats also get outlets which are one USB-A and one USB-C each.

Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning features here, including second-row air vents and an in-car fragrance system. This includes a negative-ion and ozone air refreshing system, air quality management, and automatic defogging.

For driving assistance systems, functions in the C9 PHEV include adaptive cruise control, integrated cruise assist, traffic jam assist, constant cruising, intelligent active speed limit, front departure information, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear collision warning, door opening warning, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, emergency lane keeping, lane change assist, front collision warning, AEB, emergency brake assist, secondary collision mitigation, auto parking assist and a 540-degree camera system.

Also part of its safety features are ABS, EBD, brake assist, electronic stability programme, traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, electronic speed limiter, tyre pressure monitoring, front and rear seat belt reminder, child safety lock, ISOFIX child seat mounts, auto locking (unlocking upon engine off or collision), telematics with find-my-car feature, and eight airbags.

Priced at RM208,800 on-the-road without insurance, the Omoda C9 PHEV in Malaysia is covered by a seven-year, 200,000 km vehicle warranty, and this is joined by a 10-year, one million km engine warranty while its electric drive components, comprised of the battery, electric motors and power electronics are covered by a 10-year, 200,000 km warranty.