‘Hello Chery’

Chery has issued an MY24 drive-away pricing schedule for its Omoda 5 small SUV, with the recent re-entrant to Australia’s new car market also announcing a supplementary performance enhanced variant called the Omoda 5 GT 1.6T in two versions.

The entry level Omoda 5 BX 1.5T 2WD is pitched at $34,490 driveaway, with the better equipped, also front-wheel drive, EX 1.5T adding $2500.

The two new GT 1.6T models are in front and all-wheel drive configuration, the former priced at $38,990 drive-away and the latter adding a $2500 premium at $41,490 driveaway.

The Omoda 5 was previously priced, excluding on-road costs, at $29,990 for the entry model, which tallies to a modest price rise when the now included on-road costs are factored in.

This, of course, does not apply to the GT which is a new model.

The Omoda 5 has a couple of direct China-sourced competitors in the GWM Haval Jolion, from $28,490 drive-away, and the MG ZS T, from $26,990 drive-away. Other potential competition at the affordable end of the small SUV segment comes from the decade-old Mitsubishi ASX, priced from $24,490 plus on-road costs, and the Mazda CX-30 from $32,990 plus on-road costs.

Chery Australia’s Mitchell Tulk said the company had some of its MY24 models ‘on the water’, with deliveries of the front-wheel drive GT due into dealerships this month.

The Omoda 5 was introduced in Australia last year and has chalked up good sales of 5370 units in the hotlycontested small SUV segment, dominated by MG’S ZS model with nearly 30,000 units sold last year.

GWM Haval’s Jolion ticked over 11,252 unit sales during the same period.

The five-star ANCAP rated Omoda 5 is a tech-heavy vehicle boasting extensive driver assist and comfort-related features as well as what is called a ‘surprise and delight’ kit.

The styling is edgy and engine performance in the 1.5T at least is good, with the stronger 1.6T expected to be better again.

Goauto has booked a drive of the

GT for next month, once Chery Australia lands a few examples.

The new GT’S might hold more appeal than the smaller 1.5T variants thanks to extra power, torque and independent rear suspension in lieu of a torsion beam.

The 1.6T turbocharged petrol four pot is good for 137kw at 5500rpm and 275Nm at 2000rpm with drive through an ‘advanced and smooth-shifting’ seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption for the frontwheel drive is rated at a claimed combined 6.8 litres per 100km and 7.4L-100km for the AWD.

Engine output for the 1.5T remains 115kw-230nm and fuel combined fuel consumption is 6.9L-100km.

New features for 2024 include a digital radio, frameless rear-view mirror with auto dimming function and a more powerful 50-watt wireless device charger. Specific badging on the boot lid defines the GT variants.

The latest Omoda 5 maintains what Chery Australia says is the same level of excellence in terms of safety features and a range of smart technologies including cutting edge infotainment systems, connectivity options comprising Apple Carplay and Android Auto plus Chery’s ‘Hello Chery’ voice control system.

A factory bonus of $1500 applies to stocks of the run-out MY23 Omoda 5 until January 31.