2023 Chery Omoda 5 launched in Malaysia – B-SUV rival HR-V 1.5T CVT, C and H variants, from RM109,000
Finally, Chery’s return is official. Not long ago, Chery Malaysia officially launched the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro SUVs as the first models in the brand’s new era in Malaysia. TLDR: Omoda 5 comes in two variants – C priced RM108,800 while the H-head is yours for RM118,800. You should read on, though, as it’s the only new entrant from an old brand.
It’s been a long pregnancy – our exclusive in December 2021 broke the news of Chery’s re-entry into our market and Chinese car manufacturer The first official event here takes place in October 2022. Since then, we’ve been bringing you a preview of what’s coming from the company’s facility in Wuhu, as well as the first posts on local specs omoda 5 And Tiggo 8 Pro. All of that culminates in tonight’s ‘epic launch event’.
In case you’re wondering about the ‘back’ part, or aren’t old enough to remember, Chery was brought back by Tan Sri Cam Soh Thiam Hong’s Alado in the 2000s and we’ve got models like the QQ minicar , Tiggo SUV and Eastar MPV in the ‘Chery Alado’ era. We even had a Chery made her world debut here in 2015!
This time there were no local partners, as Chery decided to do things his own way in a very difficult market to penetrate. Even the mighty BYD has the backing of major player Sime Darby. In addition, there will be 31 agents launchedwill open more by the end of 2023. That’s a staggering number perhaps unmatched in the Malaysian auto market, as far as we can remember.
Another sign of bravery is that the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro were launched in CKD form, with no initial small batch of CBUs for ‘testing’ but domestic assembly. at Inokom in Kulim right from start. This is no small undertaking, as even Proton – with its huge factory, long-standing supplier network and nationwide auto position – has kicked off sales of complete imported Geely SUVs.
A bold approach indeed, leading up to the Omoda 5 you see here. This is a B-segment SUV with a design that shows love or hate. Whether you like that big nose or not, it attracts attention and that’s definitely a good thing for a new brand.
The rest of the SUV body will be less divisive. It is a sculptural shape with black painted rear pillars and a full length strip for the tail, with Chery spelled out in letters. Very current. Turning my face aside, I see a bit of Lexus in the Omoda 5, which isn’t a bad thing. What do you think?
In terms of dimensions, the Omoda 5 is 4,400 mm long and 1,830 mm wide, 70 mm longer and 40 mm wider than the Honda HR-V. Sitting on 18-inch wheels, the bodywork is solid at 1,588 mm, just two mm below Honda’s standards. The Chery’s 2,630 mm wheelbase is 20 mm longer than the HR-V. It dawned on me that the Omoda 5’s finely carved shape and large details were a stark contrast to the clean lines and clean design of the latest HR-V. Which is better than you?
The dashboard of the Omoda 5 follows a similar trend, with the combined sports screens pioneered by Mercedes-Benz and the tall center console. While it looks beautifully minimalist, you don’t have to delve into the touchscreen to perform important controls such as AC functions, which are hidden in the trim – a nice touch .
By the way, pop the hood (strut) and you’ll find a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 156 hp (115 kW) and 230 Nm of torque, hence the badge 230T. Drive to the front wheels through a CVT gearbox with nine virtual ratios. To combat negative perceptions about Chinese products or reliability concerns, Chery Malaysia is offering a 10 year/1 million km warranty.
Output wise, where does the Chery’s domestic 1.5T stand? The HR-V’s 1.5L VTEC Turbo four-cylinder makes 181 PS (178 hp) and 240 Nm, while the X50’s turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder makes 177 PS (174 hp). and 255 Nm in TGDi (Flagship variant) or 150 PS (148 hp) and 226 Nm in PFI form. The HR-V uses a CVT continuously variable transmission while the X50 uses a DCT transmission. By the way, in China there is an Omoda 5 variant with a capacity of 194 hp/290 Nm 1.6T with a seven-speed DCT transmission.
We come to the specs, and the Omoda 5 is well-equipped even at the lower end of the two trim levels, known as C. Two 10.25-inch dashboard screens are standard and the infotainment system Infotainment also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. There’s also wireless charging and your phone sits in a corner for easy viewing. Ambient lighting, dual-zone air conditioning with PM 2.5 filter, reversing camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated rearview mirror and proximity sensor keyless entry are also included. What about double glazed windows to increase NVH performance?
Take the top-spec H and Chery adds full leatherette upholstery (fabric combination in C), a sunroof (manual sunshade) and an eight-speaker Sony sound system (six non-speakers). branded in C). H is also equipped with electric and ventilated front seats (manual in C) and electric tailgate. There is also a 360-degree camera system for parking assistance.
From the outside, the C and H are separated by the high-spec car’s red highlights on the lower front grille, side mirrors, lower doors and even the rear spoiler. It is rare for a color trim package to include wheels, but Chery did for the Omoda 5 H. The headlights, taillights and daytime running lights are all LED, but the H has sequential signal and display. lights before/after starting.
On the safety front, a full ADAS driver assistance package is standard on both, which includes lane departure warning and prevention, blind spot detection, emergency lane keeping, rear cross traffic alert, low-speed adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and AEB, and automatic high beams. There’s also hill start assist, downhill control and tire pressure monitoring.
The color options are safe – you can only choose from Khaki White, Phantom Gray and Dark Black. As mentioned, the H samples have a prominent red color. If you choose the white H, there is also a black hood option. Once again, Omoda 5 starts at RM108,800 for C and H you see here is RM118,800. For reference, Proton X50 Flagship retails for RM113,300) and HR-V Turbo VALUE priced at RM 135,900.
Chery Malaysia also revealed its warranty package tonight, which is 7 years or 150,000 km for the car, plus 5 years of free service (rotating, free labor). The engine warranty is a whopping 10 years or a million kilometers. But what’s fascinating is the remarkable engine warranty for the first 3,000 customers. It then returns seven years/150,000 km, joining the rest of the vehicle. But if you really want the 10 years/1 month plan, top up the RM2,000 for the extended warranty.
So, what do you think of this Chery look and price/package? Battery powered EV version coming soon.
