Global Courant 2023-05-09 19:48:15
Main image: DSF.my
The Malaysian car market is poised to become even busier as Chinese automakers prepare to compete with popular B-segment SUVs such as the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross and Proton X50. Chinese automakers have set their sights on the Malaysian market and are ready to land SUVs with modern designs, specifications and affordable prices.
Great Wall Motors has already previewed its Haval SUVs at the Malaysia Autoshow, but Chery is leading the way with the launch of the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro in June/July. Both SUVs will be introduced in CKD (completely knock down) form, meaning they will be locally assembled from the start, with full EVs and plug-in hybrids following in the second wave.
What makes Chery’s entry into Malaysia even more daring is that it is being undertaken without the help of a local partner, unlike BYD, which has Sime Darby. Chery’s Omoda 5 has a bold, studded nose that will either be adored or despised, but the rest of the SUV’s body is expected to be less controversial. The Omoda 5 has a sculpted shape with blacked-out rear pillars and a full-width tail strip with Chery spelled out in letters. The design of the Omoda 5 is reminiscent of Lexus, which is no bad thing.
The dashboard of the Omoda 5 is modern and trendy, with merged screens developed by Mercedes-Benz and a high center console. The SUV has a minimalist design, with key controls such as AC functions hidden in the trim so you don’t have to dig into the touchscreen to access them. The Omoda 5 features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and your phone is tilted for a good view. Wireless charging is also available, as is a sunroof (although it’s manual and not very large), an eight-speaker Sony sound system and double-glazed windows to improve NVH.
Chery is one of the most internationally oriented Chinese OEMs, and the Omoda 5 reflects that with better right-hand drive conversion than Geely-Proton. The Omoda 5 is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 154 PS (115 kW) and 230 Nm of torque, hence the 230T badge. The engine is mated to a CVT with nine virtual ratios. Chery’s in-house 1.5T engine comes with a 10-year/1,000,000 km warranty, which should eliminate any reliability concerns.
On paper, the 1.5L VTEC Turbo four-cylinder engine in the HR-V produces 181 PS (178 hp) and 240 Nm, while the 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder engine in the X50 produces 177 PS (174 hp) and 255 Nm. in TGDi form (the flagship variant) or 150 hp (148 hp) and 226 Nm in PFI form. The HR-V has a CVT transmission, while the X50 has a DCT. In the full video tour, X50 Flagship owner Hafriz Shah discusses the Omoda 5’s powertrain.
With its bold looks, high specification and competitive pricing expected to be comparable to the Proton X50, the Omoda 5 will be a strong contender in the Malaysian SUV market.
