OMODA C7 announced as South African Car of the Year (COTY) sponsored by Old Mutual Insure finalist

• The all-new OMODA C7 is a finalist in the 2026 South African Car of the Year competition. 
• OMODA & JAECOO’s growing influence is reflected in one-third of finalists being Chinese brands and 147% year-on-year sales growth.
• Positioned between the C5 and C9, the C7 offers premium features, advanced safety tech and strong value from R539,900.

OMODA & JAECOO South Africa is pleased to announce that the all-new OMODA C7 has been named a finalist in the 2026 South African Car of the Year competition sponsored by Old Mutual Insure.

Since its local introduction, the C7 has made a strong impression in the highly competitive midsize SUV segment, earning praise for its bold design, advanced technology, and a choice of efficient petrol and SHS plug-in hybrid powertrains. Being shortlisted as a finalist further reinforces the C7’s standing as a compelling choice for South African consumers.

According to the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ), Chinese manufacturers account for one-third of the finalists in this year’s competition. This underscores the growing influence of brands such as OMODA and its sister brand, JAECOO, in the local market, further highlighted by the marque’s rising sales in South Africa, with year-on-year growth surging 147% from 2024 to 2025.

Slotting neatly between the C5 X Series and the flagship C9, the OMODA C7 combines striking styling with everyday practicality, premium interior features, and an extensive suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, making it well-suited to both urban commuting and long-distance travel.

“We are extremely proud to see the OMODA C7 recognised as a finalist in the respected South African Car of the Year competition,” said Hans Greyling, General Manager for OMODA & JAECOO South Africa. “Having launched the C7 in late 2025, this achievement gives customers added confidence that they are choosing a vehicle that meets the highest standards in design, technology, safety and, importantly, overall value.”

The finalist recognition highlights OMODA & JAECOO South Africa’s continued momentum in the local market and reflects the brand’s focus on delivering vehicles that resonate with the expectations of modern drivers.

SA Car of the Year Chairman Thami Masemola noted that the 18 finalists represent the very best new vehicles of 2025 and will now undergo rigorous testing and evaluation by South Africa’s most trusted motoring jurors.

Under the bonnet, the OMODA C7 offers a choice of advanced powertrains, including a responsive and efficient turbocharged petrol engine as well as a cutting-edge SHS plug-in hybrid system. Both derivatives deliver refined driving dynamics, supported by sophisticated suspension and braking systems. The SHS plug-in hybrid further raises the bar with extended electric driving capability, rapid charging, ultra-low claimed fuel consumption of 5.0L/100 km, and significantly reduced CO2 emissions of just 30 g/km.

The OMODA C7 is available now at OMODA dealerships across South Africa, with pricing starting from R539,900, and is backed by industry-leading warranty and service offerings.

ENDS/