What Is This?

For better or worse, this brand, and in particular, this model, is no stranger to the general public in Malaysia, what with all the attention it has gotten in recent months. If you never knew what an Omoda was before, you’re likely to know about it now, one way or the other. “Bad publicity is still publicity” as some would say, and that’s how a brand or product becomes ‘sticky’ in one’s mind.

Regardless, the Omoda 5 is one of Chery’s first models to mark the brand’s return to Malaysia (the other being the Tiggo 8 Pro). Chery has since added more models to its local line-up but the Omoda 5 can still be considered the bread-and-butter model since it sits in the very popular and hyper competitive B-segment.

When new to this market, what gained a lot of attention was the front end, with its eye-catching geometric grille that spans nearly the entire fascia, with just enough space for the headlights on either side and the daytime running lights / indicator lights right above them. The curved front end then leads to a coupe-ish profile and contrasting sharp and angular rear. At the rear, the faux dual exhaust in the lower bumper trim might upset you but take solace that there is an actual pair of exhaust tips underneath. And while there are hints of other brands’ design cues present, it is overall pretty much its own. Although its face can divide opinion, the general reaction seemed to lean on the positive side.

What Is Inside?

The test car is the more expensive H variant, in Phantom Grey with black 18″ wheels and sporty red accents that distinguish it from the cheaper variant. But all that red seemed to have stayed outside because the cabin uses a shade of gold for the trim. That aside, the interior is a pretty good place to be in, with the sunroof and 64-colour ambient lighting (though only in front) providing a simple but classy atmosphere. This could be a hint as to the sort of demographics Chery is targeting with this i.e. the younger set who would most likely not ferry passengers very often, even though the rear seats are quite spacious for a B-segment.

You gain entry via the proximity detection of the key fob, which also locks the vehicle when you walk away; the proximity function also opens the 360-litre boot when you stand next to it for a few seconds.

Inside, taking centrestage on the dashboard are 2 widescreen displays measuring 10.25″ each for vehicle information and infotainment purposes. In the H variant, the infotainment unit is paired with an 8-speaker Sony sound system (2 more than the base variant) which does more than a decent job with your streamed audio (the radio function works too if you are FM-inclined). The infotainment system comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, as well as a “Hello Chery” voice control which allows for the wake-word to be customised e.g. “Hey bro”.

Along with the flat-bottomed steering wheel, the front seats with integrated headrests bring the ‘sporty’ vibe inside though this limits adjustability and takes away a place for tarpau hooks. As consolation, the driver does get adjustable lumbar support and both seats also have cooling function and provide adequate support. Overall, the material choices and design make the interior look and feel more upmarket than its price tag. If there is one complaint, it is the inclusion of glossy piano black trim which is a magnet for fingerprints.

Other notable features include a 15W wireless charging pad, dual zone climate control, front armrest storage with cooling, a pair of USB Type A ports and a USB Type C up front.

What Makes It Go?

The Omoda 5 gets a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 156 hp @ 5,500 rpm and 230 Nm @ 1,750 – 4,000 rpm to the front wheels via a 9-speed CVT (continuously variable transmission), and officially does the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds. In my time with the Omoda 5, I found it to be fairly frugal, averaging at 8.7l/100km despite being in city traffic for most of the time, and idling during photoshoots. For the driver, there are Eco and Sport driving mode options to choose from depending on your mood and the thickness of your wallet. A related component with mode adjustment is the electrically powered steering wheel (available with reach and rake) and this I feel, is a necessity.

How Does It Feel?

I say this because I have no preference for an ultra light steering that lacks feedback, though after having experienced the traffic and roads in China, I accept that this wouldn’t be a big deal there. I also realise there are customers here who don’t like burning a lot of calories to work the steering. But for those who like a bit (a very tiny bit) of an arm workout, the steering’s Sport mode (which can be separated from the driving mode) isn’t perfect but is better than nothing. And this setting gets saved so you don’t have to mess around with menus every time you restart the vehicle.

The suspension set-up gets MacPherson struts in front and a Twist Beam (torsion beam) at the rear which now feels rather amateur when compared to its relatives with multi-link rears. That said, I have driven some wonderfully tuned cars with torsion beam rears so this is a matter of opportunity not taken. The suspension is pliant overall, tackling ruts and bumps quite competently, which makes it suited for driving around KL and PJ. It just didn’t provide a lot of confidence to take corners in a very excitable manner. Perhaps the combination of stock 18” GitiComfort tyres and wet roads have something to do with that, but even when the conditions are right the Omoda 5 feels like it isn’t meant for carving tight corners at high speeds.

The acceleration though, is smooth and responsive for the most part, once you get used to how the powertrain reacts to throttle pedal input. Some turbo lag is naturally expected but is not significant. Engine noise, as well as that from the exterior, are suppressed quite effectively by the acoustic glass and lends to a more serene cabin. When using the Integrated Cruise Assist, there is little you need to do except continuing paying attention to traffic and keeping your hands on the steering wheel. This driving assistance moves you along quite nicely and is a great feature for long distance driving. In heavy city traffic however, it seems to always want the driver to take over which isn’t great for those who like their car to ‘drive’ for them.

Further, I take issue not with the braking prowess of the Omoda 5, but the brake pedal feel. There seems to be a ‘quiet zone’ in the first couple of centimeters of brake pedal travel before you can feel the braking. It was an odd feeling at first though I eventually got used to it and adapted, as most owners would, I presume.

A strange thing about the brakes though… I had on numerous occasions slammed on it hard (on purpose, and on an empty road) to simulate sudden emergency braking, yet at no time did I feel the expected judder from the anti-lock braking system (ABS). However, the stopping was on point (and as competent as the tyres could without skidding), and sudden enough to activate the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS). But I can’t explain the lack of juddering sensation which is common in other vehicles. Another thing to note is that the vehicle will not move (with ‘D’ engaged) if the driver’s seat belt isn’t buckled. This seems to be a common feature in Chery vehicles and is a welcomed one. 

What Is There To Like?

The Omoda sub-brand is designed to be Chery’s brand for overseas markets and the Omoda 5 is its first with simultaneous development for left- and right-hand-drive versions. As a product, it offers good value when you take into account the design, materials and features provided. The 7-year (or 150,000 km) vehicle warranty along with the 5-year free service (with conditions) should also offer buyers some confidence. Chery’s recent aftersales record also showed its intent on providing customers with ownership comfort and peace of mind. Separately, there is an option to pick a 10-year (or 1 million km) powertrain warranty or a 7-year service package with 10-year warranty.

If you are looking for something within RM120,000 that provides you comfort and tech in a daily runabout that still gets attention, the Omoda 5 fits the bill.