Chinese carmaker Chery, the country’s most successful exporting automotive brand, has made a big comeback in Malaysia with two of their most successful models. Those with a slightly better memory may recall Chery being offered in Malaysia previously, with lacklustre models like the Eastar and Maxime MPVs, the QQ supermini, and the Tiggo SUV. 

Chery assures that things are different now – the brand has set up a local subsidiary to handle sales & distribution, unlike previously when it appointed a dealer instead. While the ‘Tiggo’ nameplate has returned for the Tiggo 8 Pro, the brand has also launched its B-segment SUV competitor, in the form of the Omoda 5 priced from RM108,800 for the C variant, and RM118,800 for the H.

Measuring 4,400mm long and 1,830mm wide and riding on a 2,630mm wheelbase, the Omoda 5 is slightly longer and wider than the Honda HR-V and larger in every dimension than the PROTON X50. Its more emotive design also marks a stark departure from the more conventional Honda & PROTON too. There’s no mistaking this for anything else.  

Then there’s the powertrain – while the Omoda 5 also takes the turbocharged route here, with its 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo putting out 156hp and 230Nm. Power goes exclusively to the front wheels via a 9-speed CVT automatic gearbox too. This makes it a little less powerful than the turbocharged Honda HR-V and flagship PROTON X50, but does better than the lower-powered versions of PROTON’s crossover.  

The distinctive looks of the Omoda 5 begin with its face, where a large chrome-pinned grille is flanked above by a set of LED daytime running lights that double-up as scrolling indicators. Beneath those sit a pair of full-LED headlights with automatic high-beam functionality, giving the Omoda 5 a look that very few others dare to offer. 

Rolling stock is handled by 18-inch multi-tone alloys, while the rear of the Omoda 5 takes more Lexus-like cues with a pair of slim full-LED taillights that stretch across the tailgate. The ‘Chery’ script sits up high, while down below you’ll find a pair of (fake) exhaust exits on a heavily-sculpted lower bumper. While certainly a busy design, the Omoda 5’s focus on engaging looks geared towards younger buyers certainly fits the brief, though more conservative buyers will likely prefer what both Honda and PROTON offer instead.

The interior of the Omoda 5 is alot less divisive – derivative, more like. The dashboard takes a very horizontal design to emphasise width, replete with a full-width AC vent design sitting beneath twin 10.25-inch screens that handle infotainment and driver displays. HVAC controls are mounted on a touch panel beneath the centre vents, beneath which sit a pair of wireless phone chargers wrapped in grippy suede-like material. This pairs well with the standard wireless Apple Carplay & Android Auto, and provides a good viewing angle too. 

Ergonomics is a key factor for the marque, as evident by the relatively generous use of tactile buttons and switches to control major functions. We’re made to understand that Chery has engineered the switchgear to provide a “positive sensation” during use according to one of their executives, but we’ll have to refrain from comment until we review the Omoda 5 properly.

A quick aside on the HVAC system, you’ll find a dual-zone climate control system here as standard, though the higher H variant adds ventilated powered front seats, a powered tailgate, and a sunroof. There’s also an 8-speaker Sony audio system for the Omoda 5 H (six in the C), and a 360º camera that replaces the standard reverse camera in the entry-level variant.

Exterior differences between the C and H are limited to just some splashes of red throughout the place, including on inserts in the alloy wheels. The other key differentiator are the indicators – scrolling units are limited to the H, while the C models get ‘conventional’ units instead.  

Safety is managed by a generous list of active and passive safety systems. On the former, the Tiggo 8 Pro offers adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert & assist, blind-spot monitoring with door-open warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also offers hill descent control, tyre-pressure monitoring, and hill-start assist – we’d like to see if anyone would ever off-road an Omoda 5… 

Chery is assuaging customer concerns about reliability and serviceability in two ways: First, it has announced 31 operating showrooms nationwide that can handle sales & aftersales from point of launch, with more expected to open in the near future. Second, all new Chery models will come as standard with a 7-year/150,000km warranty and 5-years free service (with free labour for every alternate service). The first 3,000 Chery customers will also benefit from an industry-leading 10-year/1,000,000km powertrain warranty – for the 3,001st customer onwards, this coverage will set them back an additional RM2,000. 

It’s very clear that Chery, like many Chinese brands, have big ambitions. Malaysia will be a key market for them, having invested in assembly facilities in Kulim, Kedah and rolling out not just the Omoda 5 but the larger Tiggo 8 Pro in CKD-form from the get-go. Brand bosses have committed to Malaysia as their right-hand drive assembly and R&D hub too, eager to add value to the mature Malaysian automotive economy and to create high-value jobs in the sector. 

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GALLERY – 2023 CHERY OMODA 5 C 1.5T CVT