Lambo-inspired 2026 Omoda C3 makes debut

Chery’s youthful and recently formed Omoda sub-brand has pulled the drapes off the 2026 Omoda C3 small SUV ahead of its launch in China this October.

Named either the Omoda C3 or Omoda 3 (depending on region), the new small SUV has yet to be officially locked in for our market, but Chery Australia has reportedly confirmed its interest in the compact SUV that’s been built to rival the likes of the Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Juke.

Featuring an aggressive angular design, Chery’s stylists say the new C3 was inspired by mech – or giant robots – that appear in Japanese manga or anime graphic novels… to us it just so happens to look like a shrunken Lamborghini Urus.

That explains its angular arches, crisp lines, pointy nose and a wide grille with lighting that features an LED light signature that's said to look like lightning bolts.

As well as a sharply rising beltline, the Omoda C3 gets a full-width rear light bar and a pair of L-shaped tail-lights.

If you don’t think the styling is sporty or striking enough, Omoda says later it will introduce an “official racing package”, suggesting a full body kit with a large rear spoiler and front splitter.

Within, there’s said to be a “starship-inspired cockpit” that includes a large portrait touchscreen that incorporates different themes for both the infotainment and digital instrument cluster.

Helping appeal to a younger audience the Omoda C3 comes with wireless controllers to play games using the touchscreen. The centre console even includes storage space created for portable gaming devices.

Making a cheeky reference to the Lamborghini the C3 owes much of its design to, the start button is located under a Lambo-like cover, while faux carbon-fibre interior trim and ambient lighting is said to jazz up the cabin at night.

There’s no word yet on what powers the C3 but a range of small petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and possibly all-electric powertrains are expected.

Following the introduction of the 4200mm-long Omoda C3, Chery has confirmed that two further small models will follow announcing a 4000mm-long C2 and an even-smaller 3800mm-long C1.

Back in Australia, Chery has already confirmed it will launch Omoda as a standalone brand in the second half of this year, joining its premium Jaecoo nameplate that has just been introduced here.

Chery currently sells the Omoda 5 Down Under but following the launch of the new Omoda sub-brand, it’s thought the compact SUV will drop the Omoda branding.

As far as timing goes, it’s thought the new Omoda C3 is expected to land a long time after the Omoda rebirth as some reports suggest right-hand drive markets like the UK won’t see the new small SUV until October 2026 – a year after its Chinese release.

Instead, expect the mid-size Omoda 7 and flagship Omoda 9 to spearhead the car-maker's Australian debut.

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