Chery has made a bold comeback in Malaysia, and their first offering, the Chery Omoda 5, certainly turns heads. With its sharp styling and impressive tech, this compact SUV aims to stand out in a highly competitive segment. I had the chance to take it for a spin, and here’s my take on what Chery’s latest compact SUV brings to the table.
Striking Design That Turns Heads
The first thing you’ll notice about the Chery Omoda 5 is its eye-catching design. This compact SUV has a bold and sporty presence, reminiscent of the Toyota CH-R and Lexus UX. The large grille, adorned with chrome accents, and sleek Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) give it a futuristic and aggressive look. The steeply raked windscreen and sharply angled rear window add to its athletic vibe, while the 18-inch wheels round off the sporty aesthetic.
However, that steep rear window does come with a drawback—limited rear visibility. It’s enough to see what’s directly behind you, but not much else. A bit more headroom would also be appreciated, as the sloping roofline compromises some space.
Premium Touches Inside
Once inside, the Omoda 5 continues to impress with its well-crafted interior. One of my favorite details is the velvety fabric on the wireless charging tray—it adds a touch of luxury while keeping your phone scratch-free. The quality of materials throughout the cabin is generally high, with soft-touch surfaces where you need them most, like the seats, armrests, and door panels.
The bucket-like seats are comfortable and supportive, ideal for long drives, while the interior avoids the overuse of glossy piano black finishes. However, there is a bit of a mismatch in textures, particularly between the matte center console and the ridged door panels. While not a big deal, it does feel a little inconsistent.
Speaking of the center console, it’s a mixed bag. You’ll find physical switches for some functions, but there’s also an integrated touch interface with no haptic feedback, which makes it difficult to know if you’ve activated a feature. One annoyance is the air-conditioning panel—it’s too easy to accidentally touch when using the touchscreen, which then calls up the climate control menu. This is also the only way to access seat ventilation settings, so it’s a bit cumbersome.
Technology and Infotainment
The Omoda 5 comes with two digital screens, both seemingly of the same size. The driver gets a digital meter clusterwith customizable displays controlled via the steering wheel. The central touchscreen manages the SUV’s infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You’ll also find settings for ambient lighting and the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which is packed with features like lane-keeping assist and emergency lane departure prevention.
However, the ADAS system can be a bit overzealous. The emergency lane keeping feature, for example, tends to be more aggressive than I’d prefer, especially on Malaysian roads where lane markings can be inconsistent. Luckily, you can turn it off—but only temporarily, as it resets when you restart the car.
Performance and Driving Experience
Under the hood, the Chery Omoda 5 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, producing 156hp and 230Nm of torque. Paired with a CVT with 9 virtual speeds, the engine delivers solid performance, particularly in stop-and-go traffic and during quick sprints off the line. There are no official performance figures, but the Omoda 5 feels lively enough for city driving.
You can switch between Eco and Sport modes via the drive mode selector. Eco mode offers decent acceleration while keeping things efficient, while Sport mode allows the CVT to hold revs longer, giving the Omoda 5 a sportier edge. That said, it would have been nice to have a Normal mode for more balanced driving—something that feels missing between the two extremes.
Ride and Handling
On the road, the Omoda 5 delivers a comfortable ride, with its suspension soaking up bumps and rough patches quite well. However, its comfort-oriented suspension setup does lead to a bit of body roll in corners, although nothing too dramatic.
The real downside comes in the steering feel. It’s a bit vague, making it difficult to get a precise sense of where the wheels are pointing. While you can still feel the road, there’s a certain disconnect between the steering wheel and the tires that impacts the overall handling experience. This is an area where Chery could definitely improve, as it reminded me of older-generation Korean-made cars with similarly numb steering.
Conclusion: A Stylish and Comfortable Compact SUV
Despite a few quirks, the Chery Omoda 5 is a compelling option in the compact SUV segment when you compare its price and spec against the competition. Its bold design, tech-packed interior, and comfortable ride make it a great choice for those looking to stand out from the usual crowd of compact SUVs. While its steering feel and handling could use some refinement, the Omoda 5 is a stylish alternative to competitors like the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross.
If you’re in the market for a head-turning compact SUV with plenty of features, the Chery Omoda 5 is worth considering.
