SA-built Omoda C4 arrives in 2027: price, engines and what we know
Photo: MichalPL, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Omoda C4 compact SUV will be the first car Chery builds in South Africa, with production at the former Nissan plant in Rosslyn, north of Pretoria, starting in 2027 (Reuters; Carmag).
Omoda confirmed the C4 will go on sale locally in 2027 in petrol, hybrid and fully electric versions. Prices have not been announced (Carmag).
When will the first locally built Omoda C4 be ready?
The first units are expected off the Rosslyn line by mid-2027, Carmag reports. Before that, Chery says it still has to upgrade infrastructure and utilities at the plant and run a localisation programme to grow the South African supplier base (Hypertext).
How many cars will the Rosslyn plant make?
According to Carmag, the plan is to start at about 2 500 vehicles a month, then ramp up over the third and fourth quarters of 2027 towards the plant's maximum capacity of 50 000 vehicles a year.
Chery bought the plant from Nissan earlier in 2026 and held its official opening in July. Other models on the plant's planned production list include the Chery Grootman, Tiggo Cross, Jaecoo J5 and Jetour T1 and T2 (Carmag).
What will the Omoda C4 cost?
Omoda has not released local pricing or specifications yet. Carmag expects the C4 to sit below the Omoda C5, which currently sells for R339 900 to R469 900 (Carmag).
Building locally can cut import costs, but Chery has not said whether that will show up in the sticker price (Stuff).
Which engines and features will it have?
The South African range will include:
- Petrol (ICE)
- Hybrid (HEV)
- Battery electric (BEV)
Omoda has not confirmed engine outputs. Carmag understands the petrol models will use 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines, with and without a turbo (Carmag).
Cars shown overseas have a 13.2-inch portrait touchscreen, digital instruments, a 540-degree camera system and 50 W wireless phone charging, across three trim levels (Carmag).
Why does it matter for South Africa?
It gives Chery a manufacturing foothold in the country rather than relying only on imports. "The C4 will give us a place in the country's manufacturing industry," said Shannon Gahagan, head of brand and marketing for Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa (Hypertext).
Chery has not said how many jobs the plant will create.
FAQ
Will the Omoda C4 be built in South Africa?
Yes. Chery says the Omoda C4 will be its first model built in South Africa, at the Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, from 2027.
When can I buy the Omoda C4 in South Africa?
Omoda says it will go on sale in 2027. Carmag reports the first locally built units are expected by mid-2027.
How much will the Omoda C4 cost in South Africa?
Pricing has not been announced. Carmag expects it to sit below the Omoda C5, which sells for R339 900 to R469 900.
Will there be an electric Omoda C4?
Yes. The South African range will include petrol, hybrid and fully electric versions.
Who owned the Rosslyn plant before Chery?
Nissan. Chery acquired the plant earlier in 2026 and officially opened it in July.