New Chery Omoda C3 Revealed As Global Small Car Offering

The new Chery Omoda C3 was previewed globally in Wuhu, China earlier today. Said new compact crossover SUV offering’s debut follows up from Chery’s other debutants from last week’s Auto Shanghai 2025 expo.

The new Omoda C3 features a design focused on mechanical aesthetics, with a body that includes multi-faceted geometric cuts and sharp, angular surfaces. It also sports a geometrically sculpted front fascia, and the strong side lines lead to lightning-inspired taillights at the rear.

The unit shown on stage sported a dynamic Stellar Blue exterior colorway, which enhances its energetic, mecha-inspired look, touts Chery. The attention to detail extends throughout, from the spoke design of the wheels to the angular side mirrors and the detailed headlights.

According to Chery, the Omoda C3’s dash comes straight out of sci-fi as it takes inspiration from starship command centres. Here, it features both mechanical buttons and a fighter jet-style instrument panel, creating a futuristic driving experience.

Roy Xie, Brand Manager of Omoda C3, who presented the vehicle to the media during the preview event, emphasised that the Omoda C3 is more than just a machine - it’s a companion to the driver.

Xie also confirmed that the Omoda C3 will be a global product with its official launch set to take place in Oct 2025. After which, the Omoda C3 will gradually be made available in the overseas markets, and it appears that Malaysia would be included.

From what we can gather, the Omoda C3 will share a similar powertrain setup as the Tiggo 4 HEV. It will firstly pack a 1.5-litre petrol mill, which is then augmented by a compact e-motor and 1.83 kWh lithium-ion battery pack plus a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT).

Altogether, this setup promises combined outputs of 201 HP and 310 NM. Critically, in the Omoda C3 specifically, the setup also promises limited electric driving range of up to 90 KM plus a total combined range of nearly 1,200 KM, albeit both based on CLTC standards.

The OmodaC3 debut effectively addresses Chery’s current gap in the global small-segment market as highlighted recently by Chery International President Zhang Guibing. With the reintroduction of the Chery QQ and new offerings like the Omoda C3, Chery is looking to strengthen its position in this competitive segment which it was once a major player in.

As a refresher, one of Chery’s very first offerings in Malaysia back in 2006 when it was distributed by Alado was the Perodua Axia’s sized Chery QQ which retailed from RM40,000.

Zhang also noted during the event that the global small car market is currently dominated by Hyundai with a 63% market share, followed by Toyota at 37%. With the Omoda C3, Chery aims to compete in this space, targeting the global youth market.