The Malaysian automobile market, particularly the already crowded SUV house, is about to get hotter actual quickly. Chinese language carmakers have our market of their sights and are making ready to take the struggle to B-segment bulk sellers Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross and the Proton X50.
In some ways, the latter – which let’s not neglect, is their peer, simply with a Malaysian badge – confirmed that Malaysians can settle for Chinese language automobiles with fashionable design and specs, at decrease than Japanese costs. Nice Wall Motor will probably be bringing its Haval SUVs in, as previewed finally week’s Malaysia Autoshow, however Chery is way additional forward of the curve.
The Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Professional will probably be launching in June/July and each SUVs will debut in CKD type – yup, no preliminary small CBU batch to ‘check the waters’ however native meeting (at Inokom in Kulim, Kedah) proper from the beginning, with full EVs and plug-in hybrids lined up for the second wave. One other daring transfer is Chery doing Malaysia – a really tough market to penetrate – alone and with no native accomplice. Even the mighty BYD has Sime Darby.
Unsure which is bolder, Chery going it alone in Malaysia or the Omoda 5’s studded nostril, which is one thing you’ll both love or hate. The remainder of the SUV’s physique needs to be much less divisive. It’s a sculpted form with blacked out rear pillars and a full-width strip for the tail, with Chery spelled out in letters. Very present. Face apart, I see a little bit of Lexus within the Omoda 5, which is not any unhealthy factor. What do you suppose?
The Omoda 5’s dashboard is equally on-trend, sporting co-joined screens pioneered by Mercedes-Benz and a excessive centre console. Though it’s properly minimalist, you don’t should dive into the touchscreen for very important controls akin to AC capabilities, that are stealthily embedded within the trim.
Chery is probably essentially the most international-minded Chinese language OEM, and the Omoda 5 will get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wi-fi too, and your telephone rests on an angle for straightforward viewing. Talking of telephones, there’s additionally wi-fi charging. Additionally on are a sunroof (not very large although, and it’s handbook) and an eight-speaker Sony sound system. And the way about double-glazed home windows to spice up NVH?
There’s extra, so be part of the complete tour within the video, the place Hafriz Shah additionally praises Chery’s right-hand drive conversion, which is healthier than Geely-Proton’s efforts.
Pop the hood (struts) and also you’ll discover a 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 154 hp (115 kW) and 230 Nm of torque, therefore the 230T badge. Drive goes to the entrance wheels by way of a CVT with 9 digital ratios. We are able to verify that the engine will get Chery’s 10-year/1,000,000-km guarantee, which ought to put to mattress reliability issues.
The place does Chery’s in-house 1.5T stand on paper? The HR-V’s 1.5L VTEC Turbo four-pot makes 181 PS (178 hp) and 240 Nm, whereas the X50’s 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder generates 177 PS (174 hp) and 255 Nm in TGDi type (Flagship variant) or 150 PS (148 hp) and 226 Nm in PFI guise. The HR-V makes use of a CVT whereas the X50 goes the DCT route. Our man runs an X50 Flagship, so what does he consider the Omoda’s powertrain? Watch the video.
Consumers will get a number of specs and design for the cash, however at what cash? This fully-loaded top-spec model will probably be priced between the X50 Flagship (RM113,300) and HR-V Turbo V (RM134,800), and we’re anticipating the RRP to be nearer to the Proton than the Honda. Will we see some raised eyebrows? The official launch is simply across the nook now, so keep tuned.
