2026 Chery Omoda C3 compact SUV previewed

Omoda has used TikTok to tease what's set to be its most affordable model yet following the Chery-owned sub-brand posting a video tease of its inbound Omoda C3 SUV ahead of its launch later this week at the Shanghai motor show.

Set to sit in its expanding line-up beneath the current Omoda 5, the new Omoda C3 is thought to be a size smaller to match the dimensions of popular small compact SUVs like the Hyundai Venue, Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Juke.

No technical information has yet been released but the C3 SUV looks like it will feature styling that draws more than a little inspiration from the $400+k Lamborghini Urus, with the design renderings suggesting an aggressive angular side surfacing.

Inside, the C3's cabin looks like it will feature a symmetrical cabin architecture that, again, will be unashamedly sporty, although expect both the exterior and interior styling to be toned down for production.

Chery has already announced that Omoda will be launched as a standalone brand in in the second half of 2025 but as part of the changes the Omoda 5 and Omoda E5 will both be renamed the Chery C5 and Chery E5.

It's not been confirmed what Omoda's first local offering will be, but it could be the new C3 - although expect another rename before the launch as Citroen currently owns the C3 nameplate.

The Omoda C5 and C7 will both be launched with plug-in hybrid power at the Shanghai motor show, sharing the advanced electrified powertrain that is already in service with the Jaecoo J5.

Expect the C5 and C7 to come with Chery's Super Hybrid System, that in the Jaecoo J7 SUV, combines a 105kW/215Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo with a 150kW and 18.3kWh battery, plus a new CVT-style transmission that drives the front wheels.

Together the J7 produces a healthy 255kW and 525Nm of torque and blends that with an EV range of 90km on the WLTP test cycle and a total range with a full charge and brimmed tank of 1200km.

At Shanghai, Omoda's sister brand Jaecoo has also announced it will reveal a battery-powered version of its J5, with a full announcement expected shortly.