Things are hotting up for the marque on Malaysian shores

Ahead of its official launch in Malaysia, Chinese marque Chery has taken a step to connect with fans in the local market by launching their official Omoda 5 Facebook fan page. This is a clear indication that not only will the car be coming to our market, but that Chery has every intention of engaging with fans and followers to spur interest ahead of its official introduction.

For context, the Chery Omoda 5 is a B-segment SUV that will take on cars like the PROTON X50, the Honda HR-V, the Toyota Corolla Cross and Subaru XV. At 4,400mm long, 1,830mm wide, 1,585mm long on a 2,630mm wheelbase, it’s actually longer and taller than the Honda and on a longer wheelbase too, but it’s slightly narrower. 

Motive force comes from a 1.6-litre turbo-gasoline direct-injection engine (part of their ‘Kunpeng’ family of engines), which Chinese reports say produces 197PS and 290Nm. A 7-speed dual-clutch auto sends power to the front wheels, and Chery claims there will be electrified and fully-electric versions of the Omoda 5 in the pipeline. 

The Omoda 5 is no doubt a very striking machine, as part of Chery’s ‘Art in Motion’ design language. With its borderless front grille, dual-tier front lighting system (with adaptive beam, like a Perodua Ativa AV), coupe-like roofline and full-width taillights, it’s clear that the Omoda 5 will be very distinctive when it eventually arrives on local roads.

Continuing the theme inside you’ll find dual 12.3-inch infotainment & instrument displays (like Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX), plush materials, a flat-bottommed steering wheel, and a raised central tunnel with your HVAC controls. It’s obvious that Chery’s trying to go posh with their current generation of vehicles but with no indicative pricing ahead of launch, it’ll remain to be seen if design alone will be enough to set the marque apart in the local market. 

GALLERY: Chery Omoda 5 (Foreign Market)