2023 Chery Omoda 5 Review: A Budget SUV Worth Considering?

Looking for a budget-friendly small SUV that offers style and affordability? The 2023 Chery Omoda 5 might just be the perfect choice for you. With its unique exterior design and well-presented interior, this SUV stands out on the road. Priced competitively at $32,990 drive-away, it's a compelling option in the Australian market.

However, before you make a decision, it's important to address some concerns. While the Chery Omoda 5 impresses with its pricing and aesthetics, there are areas where it falls short. Safety systems and ergonomic features are among the aspects that need closer examination.

Key Takeaways:

• The 2023 Chery Omoda 5 is a budget-friendly small SUV that offers a unique style and affordable pricing.
• The Omoda 5 range starts at $32,990 drive-away, making it a competitive option in the Australian market.
• Despite its appealing price, there are concerns about the safety systems and ergonomic features of the Chery Omoda 5.
• The Chery Omoda 5 features a well-presented interior with premium materials and modern digital displays.
• Connectivity features such as Android Auto and wireless smartphone mirroring add convenience, although the system may be slow to respond.

The Chery Omoda 5 range offers two initial variants, the BX and EX, with two more expected to join later. The starting price for the BX is $32,990 drive-away, while the EX starts at $35,990 drive-away. The Omoda 5 offers competitive pricing compared to its Chinese and Japanese rivals in the small SUV segment.

Variant Options:

• Chery Omoda 5 BX: Starting at $32,990 drive-away
• Chery Omoda 5 EX: Starting at $35,990 drive-away

Additional Features:

• Premium paint option
• Red highlights
• Black roof

In terms of price and feature offerings, the Chery Omoda 5 provides a competitive option for budget-conscious buyers who are looking for a small SUV in Australia.

In a remarkable return to Australia, Chery introduces the Omoda 5, a small SUV that has been making waves in the automotive scene. Chery, a Chinese brand, is back with a renewed focus on safety and innovation, evident in the host of features that adorn the 2023 Chery Omoda 5.

The Omoda 5's driver-assist system, featuring traffic sign recognition and a power tailgate, enhances the overall driving experience. Chery claims that the safety rating for the Omoda 5, although not specified, emphasises vulnerable road user protection—a crucial aspect in today's diverse traffic landscape.

Behind the wheel, the Omoda 5 is powered by a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), promising a smooth and efficient drive. The Chery Omoda 5 also comes in an electric version, catering to the growing demand for eco-friendly options in the market.

Step inside, and you'll find a comfortable and stylish interior with features like a sunroof, climate control, and a heated steering wheel for added luxury. The front seat, equipped with USB-A ports and a user-friendly center console, caters to the modern driver's connectivity needs.

Chery's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in the Omoda 5's capped price servicing, offering peace of mind and predictable maintenance costs. Whether navigating city streets or highways, the Omoda 5's front wheels, controlled by Chery's engineering, provide a confident and responsive drive.

Having spent several days with the car, it's apparent that Chery is striving to improve the Omoda 5 continuously. Chery tells us that the Omoda 5 could be an ideal choice for those who like to drive, combining performance with practicality.

Delve into the 2023 Chery Omoda 5, and you might just find the budget SUV you've been searching for.

Equipped with a feature-rich 10.25-inch infotainment system, the Omoda 5 brings seamless connectivity to your fingertips. Android Auto and wireless smartphone mirroring elevate your on-the-go experience, granting easy access to your favorite apps and multimedia.

The infotainment system impresses with functional graphics and a user-friendly interface, ensuring effortless navigation through menus. It's worth noting that occasional lag may occur when responding to user inputs in smartphone mirroring mode, a minor trade-off for the overall connectivity experience.

In terms of convenience, the Omoda 5 goes the extra mile with voice activation capabilities, allowing you to command various functions without relinquishing control of the wheel. The inclusion of wireless charging for compatible smartphones ensures you stay powered throughout your journey. However, be mindful that the charging pad's effectiveness may vary with different smartphone models.

Venturing into the cabin, headroom becomes a notable feature, providing ample space for occupants. This is where the Omoda 5 stands shoulder-to-shoulder with competitors like the GWM Haval Jolion, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Mazda CX-30, offering a comfortable and spacious interior.

Safety is at the forefront, with the Euro NCAP rating and a driver assist system enhancing the Omoda 5's appeal. Chery's commitment to creating a vehicle that not only fits your budget but also prioritises your well-being is evident in every aspect of this SUV.

For those who appreciate a symphony on the road, the Omoda 5's Sony eight-speaker sound system delivers a pleasant audio experience. While it may not meet the highest audiophile standards, it certainly adds a delightful soundtrack to your daily drives.

Under the hood of the Chery Omoda 5 resides a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, boasting 108kW of power and 210Nm of torque. This powertrain proves commendable for city driving, offering the agility needed to navigate urban landscapes effortlessly. However, when faced with the expanses of the open road, the Omoda 5 may exhibit a hint of underpowered sensation, particularly noticeable during overtaking and highway driving.

The Omoda 5 incorporates a CVT transmission, ensuring smooth gear changes and contributing to a seamless driving experience in various conditions. It's worth mentioning, though, that the transmission can generate some noise under hard acceleration, a minor inconvenience for discerning drivers.

In terms of handling and ride quality, the Chery Omoda 5 performs admirably. It delivers a stable and comfortable ride, adept at handling bumps and uneven surfaces with ease. However, in comparison to its rivals, some users might perceive it as slightly less intuitive to drive. The Omoda 5 may lack the same level of agility and responsiveness found in other models within its segment.

Fuel efficiency comes into play, with the Chery Omoda 5 boasting a consumption rating of 6.9L/100km. While this figure is marginally higher than some competitors, it remains within acceptable bounds for a small SUV.

In the driver's seat, the Omoda 5 showcases its commitment to safety, backed by a safety rating that includes features for vulnerable road user protection. Chery, returning to Australia with the Omoda 5, positions itself as a brand keen on providing not just an affordable option, but one that excels in safety considerations.

The Chery Omoda 5 has been awarded a five-star safety rating by ANCAP, highlighting its commitment to passenger safety. However, concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of its safety systems.

During frontal offset crash tests, the Chery Omoda 5 performed well and demonstrated its ability to protect occupants. However, there are specific hard elements of the dashboard that pose a potential knee injury risk in the event of a collision.

In the side impact test, the side curtain airbags did not deploy as intended, raising questions about their reliability and effectiveness in real-world scenarios. This is an area of concern that Chery should address.

Despite these concerns, the Chery Omoda 5 is equipped with a range of safety features to enhance driver and passenger protection. Some of the notable safety features include:

• Forward and backward auto emergency braking
• Lane-departure warning
• Blind-spot assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Camera-based driver monitoring system

These safety features aim to mitigate the risk of accidents and enhance overall driving safety. However, it is essential to thoroughly evaluate their functionality and effectiveness during a test drive or research process.

The Chery Omoda 5 is a budget SUV that offers a unique style and affordable pricing, making it an attractive option for those looking for a small SUV in the Australian market. Its characterful exterior design and well-presented interior make it stand out on the road.

However, there are some concerns that need to be addressed. The safety systems of the Omoda 5 raise questions, and the comfort features may not be suitable for longer journeys. The overall driving experience may not be as smooth as some of its competitors.

Despite these concerns, the Chery Omoda 5 comes with competitive pricing and a generous seven-year warranty, offering peace of mind to potential buyers. It is important, though, to carefully consider its performance, comfort, and safety rating before making a decision.

In conclusion, the Chery Omoda 5 is a budget-friendly option worth considering, especially for those who prioritise style and affordability. However, it is crucial to assess its safety features, comfort, and overall driving experience to ensure it meets your specific needs and expectations.

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What are the key features of the 2023 Chery Omoda 5?

The 2023 Chery Omoda 5 comes with features like Apple CarPlay, safety ratings, and a budget-friendly price tag.

Does the Chery Omoda 5 have Apple CarPlay?

Yes, the Chery Omoda 5 is equipped with Apple CarPlay, providing seamless smartphone integration.

What sets the Chery Omoda 5 apart from its new car rivals?

The Chery Omoda 5 stands out with its competitive pricing, Apple CarPlay feature, and a comfortable driving experience.

Is the Chery Omoda 5 known for being enjoyable to drive?

Yes, drivers often find the Chery Omoda 5 to be enjoyable to drive due to its handling and performance.

What is the warranty coverage for the Chery Omoda 5?

The Chery Omoda 5 comes with a warranty that provides peace of mind for buyers, protecting them against certain defects and issues.

How does the Chery Omoda 5's fuel consumption compare to other SUVs?

The Chery Omoda 5 offers competitive fuel consumption compared to other SUVs in its class, contributing to its cost-effectiveness.

Does the 2023 Chery Omoda 5 come with Android Auto?

Yes, the 2023 Chery Omoda 5 is equipped with Android Auto, offering users additional connectivity options.

What is the safety rating for the Chery Omoda 5?

The Chery Omoda 5 has undergone safety testing and received a favorable safety rating, emphasising its commitment to passenger safety.

Does the Chery Omoda 5 offer all-wheel drive?

The Chery Omoda 5 does not feature all-wheel drive, but it provides a compelling driving experience with its standard drivetrain.

What are the features of the 2023 Chery Omoda 5 EX model?

The 2023 Chery Omoda 5 EX model boasts additional features and enhancements, catering to specific preferences and needs of SUV enthusiasts.