CHERY certainly knows how to make a grand re-entrance and set the competition ablaze.
Charging squarely into the mass sport utility vehicle (SUV) market is one thing but making a statement takes an entirely different explosive attitude.
With a whole lot of strategy and courage, the Chinese carmaker's return to Malaysia was highlighted by the official launch of two of its models.
The B-segment Omoda 5 stole the show with its solid package sealed by a shocker of pricing.
Not just a new face on the scene, the Omoda 5 is simply red hot upon its market entry.
NEW SPRING
The Omoda 5 is available in two variants, with the difference between them mostly cosmetic and with changes to certain cabin features.
The more affordable C variant and the premium H variant are front-wheel drive running on a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is paired with a nine-speed continuous variable transmission (CVT) electronic shifter to deliver 156hp and 230Nm of torque.
A full Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) package is standard for both, including lane departure warning and prevention, blind spot detection, emergency lane keeping, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, front collision warning and automatic emergency braking, auto high beam, hillstart assist, hill descent control, and tyre pressure monitoring.
The cabin houses a 10.25-inch infotainment that is compatible (wireless) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There's also wireless phone charging, ambient lighting, dual-zone air conditioning with a PM2.5 filter, reverse camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated wing mirrors, and proximity sensor keyless entry.
The H variant sports additional red highlights around the car, even on its rims. It has sequential signals and front and rear start-up lights.
It also has a 360-degree camera system, full faux leather upholstery, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, powered and ventilated front seats and a sunroof.
The three colour options for both variants are Khaki White, Phantom Grey and Dark Black.
The Omoda 5 is priced at RM108,800 (C variant) and RM118,800 (H variant).
SUMMER SURPRISE
Call it a fighter's spirit for the Omoda 5 had a massive uphill battle to make a convincing statement from the start.
There was little to go by at first glance. This writer was curious about the design but mostly thought this was simply another Chinese B-segment SUV making its way into the Malaysian market.
News about the model made its rounds last year but nothing too catching. While there was a degree of international hype, it didn't translate immediately to the local market.
As for its design, it may depend on who you ask and the literal angle which you're viewing the SUV.
A lot goes on at the front grille in particular. The whole criss-crossed diamond-like design may just be its most contentious element - myself included - but it slowly grew on me once I got to spend more time driving it.
The media's first real taste of the model pre-launch was a short affair. The first overall impressions lingered somewhere between the middle of the pack or mostly average at best.
There were concerns about how it would fare once it was launched but it looked fairly competent as an SUV with character. Ultimately, there wasn't much to excite at the time.
Everything changed soon after. First was the price, which came as a surprise to many who had thought it would be somewhere around RM130,000 to RM150,000.
Perception of the model greatly changed soon after.
Next, three was time to properly test the SUV. Clearly, Chery had taken feedback into consideration and made some localised tuning.
The initial stiff suspension was softened just a little to ensure a more comfortable drive. This also balanced out the body roll during curves, giving the driver better control and stability.
Combined with its 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and nine-speed CVT, the Omoda 5 meshes this newfound stability with one of the more powerful performance outputs for its class.
In one instance, the SUV was pitted against upper-segment vehicles that were four to five times its price and impressively kept up with the pace for the most part.
Its cabin was no slouch either and felt very much premium for its price, at least when compared to some of its competitors of the same range.
There were two main quirks that became a contentious point among those who had driven it.
One was the brakes lacking bite from gradual pressure on the pedals. Some drivers felt the need to press a little harder for a more solid reaction to kick in.
However, this writer has noted that it seems to be a thing with some of the new Chinese internal combustion engine vehicles after initial tuning, and not exclusive to the Omoda.
The second is the native cabin rearview mirror with its odd wide-angle view. It's not something one couldn't deal with but rather just not for everyone.
VERDICT
If there is one great claim, Chery can say its Omoda 5 has surpassed all expectations. This B-segment SUV is now easily one of the best in its price range.
It drives well, looks pretty (especially the H variant) is quite comfortable and is loaded with modern-day basic features.
And best of all, at RM108,800 and RM118,800, both variants are a bargain at this point. It easily beats out some strong rivals.
Ticking all the right boxes for what you're paying, there's simply no excuse to not recommend the Omoda 5.
The model easily paints Chery as a strong contender in the SUV market.
All the company needs now is the right engagement, commitment and consistency to support its product. If it can succeed in that while convincing the public that the Omoda 5 is the first sign of things to come, then it has already won its first big battle.
