2022 Honda HR-V rival launching in Malaysia soon, 197 PS Chery Omoda 5

• On paper, Chery Omoda 5 has what it takes to rival established Japanese SUVs like HR-V and Corolla Cross
• Immediate impact to Japanese brands to be very minor, limited dealer network at launch
• In a longer term, product pipeline and prospects are good for Chery

What happens when car designers are given a free reign to design a car without much restrain? The end result would be something like the Chery Omoda 5, a brand-new SUV from the Anhui-based manufacturer. It is a subcompact crossover (B/C-segment) that will rival established competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross and Honda HR-V. 

The Chery Omoda 5 doesn’t resemble anything else on the road, thanks to its absolutely massive front grille, flanked by slim LED daytime running lights at the top edges. In fact, peek close at the grille and you’ll notice some intricate detail that Chery has designed. Eye-catching? You bet.

It’s business as usual towards the sides, though Chery designers grafted on a sloping roofline on the Omoda 5, creating a coupe-like silhouette. Orange highlights placed throughout the exterior help break the monotony of the Omoda 5, including along the A-pillars and below the door trim.

Also Read: Chery Omoda 5 confirmed for Malaysia launch, watch out Toyota Corolla Cross!

Stepping inside, the Omoda 5 greets you with a surprisingly luxurious-looking cabin, swathed with two-tone, blue-and-white leather upholstery. The Omoda 5 offers two 12.3-inch displays inside, one for infotainment duties, and the other serves as a digital instrument cluster.

Speaking of infotainment, the Omoda 5 offers support for Baidu CarLife as well as Apple CarPlay via its large screen. We reckon export market models could swap CarLife for Android Auto.

Also Read: Bold and brash, Chery Omoda 5 debuts in China: 1.6T with 197 PS and 290 Nm, global exports in 2022

Like any modern-day SUV worth its salt, the Chery Omoda 5 also offers an electric parking brake (EPB) with Auto Hold, a 360-degree view monitor, and drive mode selector.

Powering the Chery Omoda 5 is a turbocharged 1.6-litre TGDI petrol engine good for 197 PS and 290 Nm. Electrified versions of the Omoda 5 will be offered in the future too.

Also Read: Chery returning to Malaysia in Q3 2022 - Jaguar Land Rover tech, rivalling Proton X50 / X70

What about Malaysia?

Chery Malaysia just announced that production of the Chery Omoda 5 has begun at its Anhui facility. The Omoda 5’s first export market will be Russia, followed by Europe. Chery has also confirmed that introduction in right-hand drive markets like Australia and Malaysia. 

As such, we reckon that the Chery Omoda 5 will only arrive after the introduction of the Tiggo range in Malaysia, which will commence in Q3 2022.

Also Read: Geely says no Boyue Pro for us, Chery says Malaysians deserve the best Pro models

The Proton X70 and X50 have proven that when priced right, Malaysian buyers will accept Chinese products. Of course, Proton's established dealer network also helped Geely, something which Chery lacks so its impact to Honda will be a lot more muted.

Watch this space for more updates.