They’re back. Chinese car maker Chery has returned to the land down under, this time as a full factory effort. Having been here before, with limited success, the arrival of the brand’s Omoda 5 coupe-styled crossover marks the start of a new era.
While a relatively new face in Australia, Chery is one of China’s biggest and best-established automotive brands, and one with a significant global footprint. Its 2022 sales topped 1.2 million vehicles.
The OModa 5 is a stylish and feature-packed SUV that blends practicality with efficient performance and importantly, a 7-year warranty, along with seven years of roadside assistance and seven years capped-price servicing.
Available in two trim levels, the Omoda 5 and Omoda 5 EX, it’s powered by Chery!s proven turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine, producing 115kW and 230Nm, which drives the front wheels via a 9-step CVT.
Perky performance is matched by impressive efficiency, with combined fuel use rated at 6.9-litres/100km from its 50-litre fuel tank. Both variants feature 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and DRLs and remote start.
Keyless entry with push-button start and a noise-reduction windshield with silent wipers are standard across the range too. The base model grabs synthetic leather seats and twin-zone climate control with rear vents.
You’ll also find a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, one-touch power windows in all four doors and stylish ambient lighting in the front of the cabin. Helping you stay connected is a premium-focused twin-screen digital dash.
There’s a 10.25-inch driver display and a 10.25-inch central infotainment screen, with the latter delivering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless device charging and an eight-speaker stereo system complete a segment-best entertainment package.
Chery’s “Hello Chery” voice-control feature allows drivers to operate key functions too. The Omoda 5 EX builds on this extensive features list with red brake callipers and detailing, along with “OMODA” puddle lighting, and ambient interior lighting in the second row.
Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, a power-adjust passenger seat, a powered boot and a powered sunroof complete a generous equipment list.
Externally, the Omoda 5 features a one-piece star diamond grille, a futuristic side silhouette that helps to improve its aerodynamic performance by reducing drag and improving handling.
The LED light signature is another standout feature, with sharp T-shaped running lights and piano-style tail lights delivering an unrivalled road presence at night. Both Omoda 5 grades are equipped with a full suite of high-tech safety systems as well.
This includes lane change assist, lane departure warning and departure prevention, blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control with cruise assist, front collision warning, rear cross traffic alert and braking, AEB, traffic jam assist, speed control and emergency lane keeping.
Full pricing and specification details will be confirmed closer to the vehicle’s official on-sale date, which is due to happen before the end of March. Chery plans to roll out two more Omoda 5 variants and its Tiggo Pro SUV range before year’s end.
