Driving the new Chinese built Chery Omoda 5 SUV today – a small stylish and
somewhat individual front drive SUV in two grades, the Omoda BX at $32,990
drive-away, I drove the better-equipped Omoda CX at $35,990 drive-away powered
by a 1.5-litre turbo petrol four cylinder driving the front wheels through a CVT
automatic. The performance adequate rather than lively, getting a little raucous
on full throttle, economy around town quoted at 6.7L/100km, however I managed
7.8L/100 on regular unleaded. Chery has stacked the Omoda 5 with a host of
driver assist technology but for the most part its unrefined – the lane keep assist
one area that needs attention while ride and handling is underdone – a soft,
uncontrolled suspension with over assisted steering makes this small SUV easy
to drive but it lacks poise and is jittery on a rough surface. Seat comfort excellent
as is interior room and fit and finish although one rear seat belt failed to retract as
it should. Overall, a fine first effort from Chery but it needs more refinement and
fine tuning – it offers enormous inclusions and value, but its driving attributes are
simply outclassed by the likes of Nissan’s Qashqai, Toyota’s Corolla Cross,
Mazda’s CX-30, and the Chinese built MG ZS. I’m David Berthon

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