Chery Omoda 5 SUV previewed in Malaysia – HR-V, X50 rival with daring design; 1.5T CVT and 1.6T 7DCT

As you’d have heard by now, Chery is again in Malaysia after an extended sabbatical, and the Chinese language carmaker held a preview for the media and enterprise companions at Setia Alam at this time. It was the returning model’s first occasion.

The model – which some would possibly bear in mind for the bug eyed QQ minicar and funds Eastar MPV from its first outing right here – is now all about SUVs. Fashions earmarked for Malaysia embrace the Tiggo Professional vary of SUVs (4, 7 and eight) and this hanging factor referred to as the Omoda 5.

It won’t be apparent at first look, however the Chery Omoda 5 is a B-segment SUV that’s concerning the measurement of the Honda HR-V and Proton X50. The footprint of that swoopy form is 4,400 mm lengthy and 1,830 mm large, which is 15 mm longer and 40 mm wider than the present HR-V. At 1,585 mm tall, it’s 5 mm decrease than Honda’s B-SUV, and the Chery’s 2,630 mm wheelbase is 20 mm longer. In the identical ballpark.

In China, the Omoda 5 has seven variants together with some with the 1.6 litre TGDI engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission and AWD. The 194 hp/290 Nm 1.6T is sweet for 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. There’s additionally a extra economical 2WD 1.5 litre TCI + 9CVT powertrain with 154 hp/230 Nm, and the automotive you see right here has this combo. How do we all know? Search for the tailgate badge. The ‘230’ is the torque determine.

The Omoda 5 can even have a brand new power (China’s time period for electrified automobiles) model in its house market, with the agency’s plug-in hybrid powertrain as seen within the Tiggo 8 Professional e+. Chery additionally has plans for a full-electric Omoda 5 EV with a 64 kWh battery and 450 km vary. Extra pertinent for Malaysians, a minimum of for the marque’s launch mannequin, is the 1.6T ICE.

The figures are par for the course, however the promoting level of this “futuristic fastback crossover” is its “Artwork in Movement” design. I see some Hyundai within the entrance and a touch of Lexus RX on the rearmost pillars, however there’s nobody explicit SUV that the Omoda 5 references. What it does is present an enormous dose of drama within the B-SUV section, unseen for the reason that Toyota C-HR.

Step inside Chery’s newest and your jaw will stay low. The Omoda 5’s seats look very sporty with their built-in headrests, and the dashboard design trendy and minimalist. The Mercedes-Benz-style digital instrument panel and infotainment display combo is branded as a 20.5-inch twin display, and the horizontal AC vent strip can also be modern.

There’s a flat-bottomed steering wheel with the Chery script (as an alternative of the brand on the Tiggos) and there’s a excessive centre console to finish the cockpit really feel. The latter creates a go by under the gear lever that’s additionally a storage space, however what I discover distinctive is the angle of the telephone recess – it holds two telephones vertically and the angle permits for straightforward viewing.

One can select from 64 ambient mild colors and the illumination follows the heartbeat of the music. Talking of that, mild is embedded within the trim strip under the AC vents, and so are the AC controls – very neat.

It’s a automotive of at this time, so the Omoda 5’s package checklist consists of all of the necessities. You’ll discover voice management, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree round view monitor, and full ADAS suite with six airbags. Sunroofs are vital in China and there’s one right here. The principle dashboard moulding and higher door caps are in mushy plastic and the seats are in leather-based. Look intently and also you’ll see Sony branding on the audio system.

So, what do you consider the Chery Omoda 5? As if the design isn’t hanging sufficient, this demo unit comes with a novel pastel inexperienced physique with a white roof and all-black blade-style 18-inch wheels. A Honda HR-V Turbo V (the preferred variant) goes for RM134,800 and the highest RS Hybrid is RM140,800. At what worth would the Omoda 5 be aggressive in our market?

By the way in which, this unit doesn’t symbolize the eventual native specs that Malaysia will get – planning continues to be within the early levels and no launch timeline was given. The preview was to indicate Chery’s intent and showcase its newest merchandise.

GALLERY: Chery Omoda 5 in Malaysia

GALLERY: Chery Omoda 5 in China