CHERRY OMADA 5 - REVIEW IN DETAIL

Chery Omoda 5 H Review: The Attractive Choice for Compact SUV Lovers The Chery Omoda 5 EX is indeed making quite an impression with its striking design and feature-rich offerings, all at a reasonable price point. In a competitive small SUV segment under RM118,000, Chery aims to stand out with its modern design and a comprehensive set of features. It's important to note that Chery is focused on the global market, with strong sales figures, and they are targeting an annual sales goal of 200,000 overseas units.

Introduction: Chery's return to the Malaysian market has garnered significant attention, and it's not without reason. The Chery Omoda 5 H, their range-topping offering in the hotly contested compact SUV segment, has piqued the interest of many. Priced at RM118,800 on-the-road without insurance, it competes with the likes of the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-3, Peugeot 2008, and Proton X50. What sets it apart is Chery's commitment to quality, evident in its industry-leading seven-year warranty, which includes five years of free service. Moreover, customers can opt for a transferrable 10-year or one million-kilometer engine warranty for an additional RM2,000. Exterior: The Chery Omoda 5 H impresses with its striking exterior design. It seamlessly combines style and practicality, making a bold statement in the compact SUV market. The front grille, adorned with chrome accents and diamond-like inserts, adds a touch of sophistication. The LED daytime running lights with integrated dynamic turn signals further enhance the front end's aesthetics. At the rear, the roof spoiler and high-mounted LED rear light clusters contribute to its stability and visual appeal. The Omoda 5 H variant stands out with its Phantom Grey body color complemented by red stripes on its 18-inch wheels, external mirrors, side skirts, and rear roof spoiler. Approach the vehicle, and the external mirrors unfold while welcoming lights illuminate, creating a delightful experience for the owner.

Interior: Step inside the Chery Omoda 5 H, and you'll find a cabin that exudes luxury and sophistication. The 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital cluster, resembling those of a certain luxury brand, provide a sense of familiarity. The seats, upholstered in faux leather, offer exceptional comfort, with well-bolstered support for the waist and thighs. The integrated headrests are cushioned, and seat ventilation ensures a comfortable ride, even in hot weather. The cabin's premium ambience is further enhanced by subtle accent stitching and trim elements. The interior of the Omoda 5 EX provides a premium feel, with features like electrically-adjustable and heated seats, leather-look steering wheel, and a tech-centric cockpit. The central console features wireless charging, cupholders, and a storage bin that acts as a center armrest. The infotainment system includes a touchscreen and a digital driver's display, both measuring 10.25 inches. Wireless Apple CarPlay adds convenience to the tech package. Storage space is abundant, and rear-seat passengers enjoy vents, USB charging, and door pockets.

The interior layout is clean and uncluttered, with touch-sensitive buttons for the dual-zone climate controls, offering an intuitive experience. Additional storage space under the wireless charging deck accommodates the 12-volt accessory outlet and USB ports (Type-A and Type-C). The combination of different finishes on various plastic surfaces, such as matt brushed aluminum-like arm pads and satin-copper strokes on the door cards, adds to the cabin's charm. The multi-color ambient lighting system, synchronized with the music, creates a playful atmosphere. However, some animations can be disorienting and may require adjustments.

Driving Experience: On the road, the Chery Omoda 5 H maintains a relatively quiet cabin, except for occasional interruptions from the Advanced Driver Assist System's lane departure warning system. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivers a punch in terms of performance, with 156hp and 230Nm of torque.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) with nine virtual gears provides power to the front wheels. While the tires are designed for cruising, they might struggle during full-throttle acceleration. The steering is responsive, and the suspension handles uneven road surfaces comfortably, contributing to a smooth and comfortable ride. However, the throttle response can be overly sensitive, leading to rapid engine revs. The brakes, although effective, lack initial bite. The Chery Omoda 5 H handles corners well, offering an enjoyable and agile driving experience. The stiff chassis ensures stability and supports performance bursts without noticeable flex.

It features multiple driving modes, with Eco mode offering a gradual start and Sports mode providing a more spirited experience. The adaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality is a valuable addition, particularly in heavy traffic.

The Chery Omoda 5 comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that generates 108kW of power and 210Nm of torque, transmitted through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Eco and Sport drive modes. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle. In an urban driving scenario, it recorded an average of 10.4L/100km. The Omoda 5 EX offers a comfortable ride with a CVT that provides ample power and responsiveness. The steering is quick but lacks some feedback. The suspension setup can be improved for better ride comfort on rough roads. The Chery Omoda 5 also offers driver assistance systems (ADAS) that have been updated and work smoothly. The tech features in the Omoda 5 make city driving enjoyable.

Safety: The Chery Omoda 5 has received a five-star ANCAP safety rating, with features like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and more. It's equipped with multiple airbags and a reversing camera. The EX trim adds a surround-view camera.

Niggles: Despite its many positive attributes, the Chery Omoda 5 H has a few minor drawbacks. Some may find the spinning graphics during reverse engagement unnecessary. The use of a wide-angle center rearview mirror might not suit everyone's preferences. The lane departure warning system's alerts, while focused on safety, could be better balanced to avoid distractions for capable drivers who prefer a quieter experience. Ownership: Chery provides a seven-year factory warranty, capped-price servicing for seven years, and seven years of roadside assistance. Service intervals are at 12 months or 10,000km.

Overall, the Chery Omoda 5 EX offers a compelling package for budget-conscious buyers who want modern features and a comfortable ride, though there is room for improvement in terms of suspension tuning for rough roads. Conclusion: In conclusion, the Chery Omoda 5 H strikes an impressive balance between chic modern design, functionality, and everyday practicality. With its 360-liter boot capacity (expandable to 1,075 liters), retractable sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a host of Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) features, it caters to the needs of compact SUV enthusiasts. It's an attractive choice for those seeking a vehicle with a distinct look, a willing turbocharged engine, and Chery's commitment to quality.

Chery Omoda 5 H Specifications:  Engine: 1,498cc, turbocharged  Maximum Power: 156hp at 5,500rpm  Maximum Torque: 230Nm from 1,750 to 4,000rpm  Transmission: Continuously variable transmission (CVT) with nine virtual gears  Suspension: Front MacPherson struts; rear torsion beam  Features: Six airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist system, electronic stability program, hill-start assist, tire-pressure monitoring system, hill-descent control, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, front collision warning, automatic headlights, and more.  Acceleration (0-100kph): 9.9 seconds  Top Speed: 191kph  Price: RM118,800 (on-the-road without insurance)