IIMS 2023: Chery Omoda 5 crossover makes ASEAN debut, October for PH

Aside from the 2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid, another interesting crossover debuted at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2023.

Chinese carmaker Chery unveiled the Omoda 5 crossover for the Indonesian market on February 2023. This is the first time that the model has been sold in ASEAN.

Production of the Omoda 5 started in China on February 2022. It was later sold in Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Israel.

Reports have confirmed that the Omoda brand will enter the Philippine market soon through a separate distributorship from Chery Philippines.

Geared towards the younger set and highlighting modern and trendy design, Omoda will likely release the Omoda 5 as its initial offering in the country. The brand is looking at a fourth-quarter 2023 launch. 

Lexus-esque styling

With styling cues from the similar-sized Lexus NX crossover, the Chery Omoda 5 may look familiar to some car fans.

This is most apparent at the rear with the wraparound LED taillights, raked rear windscreen, and pert lower bumper.

The side profile is also reminiscent of the luxurious Japanese crossover, although the crimped rear-quarter window gives the Omoda 5 a distinct design signature.

It is a Chery with its massive trapezoidal grill and pointed LED daytime running lights. Much like modern Hyundais, the main beams are in the lower bumper.

Fancy touches to the Omoda 5 include colored accents on the 18-inch, two-tone alloy wheels, door mirrors, and side moldings. It also has a floating roof because of the contrasting black color.

In terms of size, it will compete with B-segment crossovers such as the Honda HR-V, the Toyota Corolla Cross, and the popular Geely Coolray.

Sleek, sporty cabin

Step inside the Omoda 5, and the one-piece front seats with large bolsters give the crossover a sporting flavor.

The gauge cluster and the infotainment system are neatly integrated into one unit, each 10.25 inches big. Chery said the car is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

There’s also a large shelf for the wireless charging system, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and LED accents in the interior trim.

The Omoda 5 also comes with an active safety suite that includes the following:

• Lane Keeping System

• Traffic Sign Recognition System

• Adaptive Cruise Control

• Integrated Cruise Assist

Turbocharged performance

Under the hood, the Omoda 5 packs a turbocharged 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine.

For the Indonesian market, it packs 147 PS and 230 Nm of torque. This is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

In other markets, the Omoda 5 produces 200 PS and 290 Nm of torque. There is also a naturally aspirated version of the 1.5, along with mild-hybrid and full-hybrid versions.

The Omoda 5 has two variants in Indonesia:

• Z – 328 million IDR (around ₱1.18 million, as of press time)

• RZ – 398 million IDR (around ₱1.44 million, as of press time)

Would the Omoda 5 be an excellent introduction for the Chinese brand in the Philippines? 

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