Review: 2023 Chery Omoda 5

In the age of a maturing Chinese automotive industry, the country's largest vehicle exporter, Chery, has returned to the Australian market in 2023 with the Omoda 5.

The manufacturer returns after an eight-year hiatus changing tack to now sell directly into the market and brings with it significant R&D updates and a revamped look.

The Omoda 5 is a feature-rich and ultra-stylish mid-sized SUV that we recently had the opportunity to spend some time with, and from first impressions, we think there's a good chance that it might just be the best value for money vehicle on the market.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

If you have a read of the specs list, you'll notice that Chery has crammed the Omoda 5 full of features that other manufacturers commonly option out for extra cost. Chery has continued the value-adding exercise into the trim selections with the base model, BX, lacking very little in comparison to its higher-spec alternative, EX trim. This means buyers wishing to purchase the base model aren't subject to a bare-bones version of the car - an often-used marketing technique to push buyers into higher trims.

From first looks, it's obvious that Chery is keen to sit at the forefront of aesthetics amongst its competitors. The futuristic styling begins with the integrated star diamond grill that wraps around the sides into sweeping lines that streak down the side profile and converge in a dynamic fastback-style rear complete with edgy piano-style matrix LED tail lights.

Stepping inside, you get a plush set of sports seats in the front wrapped in synthetic leather with integrated headrests and a steering wheel that feels great in hand. The driver's seating position is ideal with the centre console designed in a raised position to act perfectly as an armrest and the customisable ambient lighting strip around the cabin lets you set the perfect mood, which is especially nice on a night-time drive.

DRIVEABILITY

In late 2023, we can expect to see an electric version of the Omoda 5 but for now, it features a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. We loved the get-up-and-go of this engine and found it great for zipping around the city where the quick bursts of acceleration available were ideal for overtaking or getting the jump at the lights. The acceleration tapers out when getting up to highway speeds but the car will reach 100km/h in about 9.9 seconds from a stand-still.

We found maneuvering in the Omoda 5 a piece of cake with super light steering that felt like driving a compact hatchback. The maneuverability continued in the parking lot with the rear-view camera, front & rear parking sensors and automatic emergency braking ensuring we avoided any issues with tight parking spaces. If you opt for the top trim, you'll receive greater assistance with the inclusion of the 360-degree view camera.

The Omoda 5 is value-packed in terms of driver assist & safety features with both trim levels receiving Chery's full suite of technology. On top of common features like lane departure warning & prevention, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition (among many others), some technologies that stood out to us were blindspot detection, rear cross-traffic alert & braking, traffic jam assist, driver monitoring system and intelligent headlamp control.

LIVEABILITY

Chery is currently awaiting an ANCAP safety rating for the Omoda 5 which is expected to be released soon. However, if its five-star Euro NCAP rating is anything to go by, you can expect it to receive full credit in the Australian market. Some of the safety features available include a set of front dual/side-, front middle-, & side curtain airbags, middle seat three-point seatbelt, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and seatbelt reminders all around. This bodes well for the Omoda 5, not just being an affordable choice for families, but also a safe one.

The Omoda 5's most exciting feature in terms of infotainment technology would have to be the intelligent voice control that gives you the ability to control certain features of your car verbally. The technology is personified by a happy little figure sitting in the corner of your infotainment screen. It's not a profound addition to your car but it certainly gives it a bit of soul especially when it performs cute gestures like wearing headphones when you've got your beats pumping.

In terms of practicality, we love the wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging station combo. Chery has chosen to forego the inclusion of a native navigation system, which doesn't bother us considering they have made smartphone connection as convenient as can be. This allows them to avoid frustrating issues such as outdated maps and latch onto the likes of Google & Apple Maps for real-time traffic updates.

In addition to the wireless charging station, the Omoda 5 has a USB Type-C fast-charging outlet up front as well as a classic USB-A outlet. These are situated next to a large cubby in the lower section of the centre console which, in combination, are ideal for charging a small laptop or tablet on the go. The boot is sizeable and offers plenty of space for groceries or a couple of suitcases while the second-row seats offer plenty of room for kids albeit the headroom for taller adults may be a bit compromised due to the fastback style of the car as the roof sweeps down towards the rear.

Despite falling into the affordable category, we were impressed that the Omoda 5 features an 8-speaker audio system from the iconic brand Sony. Other notable technologies that belie its modest price tag include the one-touch auto electric windows all around, keyless entry, remote engine start, automatic folding door mirrors and automatic rain-sensing wipers.

COST

As mentioned earlier, the Omoda 5 comes in two trim levels although we don't see a huge difference in value between the two as the lower-level BX variant is still absolutely chock-full of technology.

In the higher-level EX trim, the extras include red brake callipers, a 360-degree view camera, front & rear welcome lighting, front seat heating, steering wheel heating, powered passenger seat adjustment (driver's seat is standard in both trims), open door puddle light, second-row ambient lighting, illuminated sun visors, power tailgate, and a power sunroof.

Pricing for the BX at Motorama Chery starts at a cool $32,190 drive away while the EX is just a few grand more at $35,490 drive away.

In keeping with its value-packed theme, the Omoda 5 is backed by a triple-threat of seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, seven-year capped price servicing, and seven years roadside assistance.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the Omoda 5 surpassed our expectations quite significantly. You'll be hard-pressed to find another car on the market with this many features compared to its price.

It'll be interesting to see how Chery continues to build their brand in Australia in the long run, but if the Omoda 5 is anything to go by, we reckon it'll make quite the impact, especially amongst its affordability-oriented competitors.

If you're in the market for a new car and would like to see what Chery has to offer, book a test drive with Motorama Chery today.

Review: 2023 Chery Omoda 5