No date has been given but it could happen this year
Chery Malaysia has recently issued a press release confirming the imminent arrival of its latest compact crossover called the Omoda 5. According to the company, the vehicle will be launched in Russia, Europe and Australia first before it makes its way to our shores. However, no further details have been given so far.
First introduced at the 2021 Guangzhou Auto Show, the Omoda 5 is a huge departure from any previous Chery offerings we’ve seen before. In fact, its sharp styling looks light-years ahead of the brand’s more recent models like the oddly named Tiggo 8 PLUS Kunpeng e+.
Styled based on the new Art in Motion design language, the Omoda 5 features a frameless diamond matrix grille and split headlights, with T-shaped LED daytime running lights positioned just below the bonnet shut line and the main units on the bumper.
At the rear, there’s arrow tail-shaped lights, which are connected by a gloss black trim in the middle of the tailgate. The show car that made its debut in Guangzhou came with 18-inch dual-tone wheels with orange accents, which also appear on the lower sides, roof and spoiler.
The interior looks quite premium, thanks to the dual 10.25-inch HD curved screen, flat-bottomed steering wheel and sport seats. There’s also a high centre console where the gear knob, cupholders and what appears to be electronic parking brake are placed.
Power comes from a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that makes a healthy 197 hp and 230 Nm. The engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that channels the output to the front wheels. PHEV and EV versions of the Omoda 5 are also being developed, if reports are to be believed.
Measuring in at 4,400 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, 1,585 mm in height and 2,630 mm in wheelbase, the Omoda 5 is closer to the likes of the Toyota Corolla Cross and Honda CR-V size-wise. However, being a compact crossover, it could be priced around the same ballpark as the Honda HR-V, Proton X50 and Hyundai Kona.
PRESS RELEASE
On February 8, the first OMODA 5 unit rolled off the assembly line at Chery’s manufacturing headquarters in Wuhu, Anhui Province, China. OMODA is Chery’s new global product series, representing the company’s in-depth insight and thinking on rejuvenation and globalization. OMODA 5 is the first global model under the series and the first product under the Chery 4.0 era.
Company leaders including Yin Tongyue, Zhang Ping, Li Lizhong, Gao Xinhua, Jia Yaquan, Zhang Guibing, Jin Yibo, Xu Youzhong and Huang Zhaogen were in attendance at the ceremony that day to commemorate the line-off of the OMODA 5.
Chairman Yin Tongyue said in his speech that the project team, led by project manager and assistant to the company’s general manager, Dr Xu Youzhong, delivered a great achievement as operations resumed after the Chinese New Year break. The OMODA 5 is an important model for the company as it is the company’s first global model developed based on international demand, and a key product for entry into the European Union and right-hand drive markets.
He hopes that OMODA 5 will set new standards for Chery in terms of customer satisfaction, competitiveness, digital mindsets, manufacturing and quality, while further innovating business models and yielding good results both domestically and globally.
Gao Xinhua, executive deputy general manager of the company, said that the OMODA 5 has been in development for 18 months to be a truly global product. Since its global debut at the 2021 Guangzhou Auto Show, it has received good feedback both in China and abroad. A product of extensive self conducted research and development, OMODA 5 satisfies global standards through the realization of a unified global platform and reflects the company’s new ideas.
Deputy general managers of the company, Jia Yaquan and Zhang Guibing, said that the marketing team is optimistic about international and domestic markets, taking into account OMODA 5’s significance and strengths.
According to Dr Xu Youzhong, the company’s assistant general manager, OMODA 5 represents Chery’s in depth insight and mindset on rejuvenation and globalization, while reaching new heights in power, technology and other aspects to primarily target young consumers in the 25-30 age group.
OMODA 5’s first international destination will be Russia, followed by the European Union, Australia, Malaysia and other markets around the globe.
