Chery, one of fastest growing car brands Malaysia has ever experienced. When bookings for the Chery Omoda 5 were opened in July 2023, it collected more than 3,000 bookings within just 10 days.

However, Chery’s meteoric rise was soon tempered with a few highly publicised incidents that left some doubts among would-be customers.

Look, every carmaker faces issues at some point. What really matters is how they handle those issues. Chery Malaysia has demonstrated a proactive, no-nonsense approach to fixing the problem, showing a level of transparency that’s worth noting.

So, should you buy a Chery Omoda 5 now? The short answer: Yes. Here’s why.

Safety First, Always

First things first, let’s talk safety. The 2024 Chery Omoda 5 bagged a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating under the 2021-2025 protocol.

Why Does the ASEAN NCAP Rating Matter?

The ASEAN NCAP is like a safety report card for cars, testing them on how well they protect passengers in a crash, assist the driver, and even keep pedestrians safe. For the Omoda 5, it’s not just a passing grade - it’s an A+. In fact, it boasts the highest score in its segment to date,  scoring a commendable 88.64 points, proving that Chery is serious about protecting you and your loved ones.

What does that mean in real-world terms? Well, in the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) category, the Omoda 5 pulled off a near-perfect 29.42 out of 32 points. When it comes to keeping the kiddos safe (Child Occupant Protection), it scored 44.26 out of 51 points.

The Omoda 5 also aced the Safety Assist category, with 20.49 out of 21 points, and racked up 12.00 out of 16 points for Motorcyclist Safety. In short, it’s packing all the right safety tech.

But the Omoda 5 doesn’t just stop at being crash-proof -  it’s also loaded with high-tech safety features that can make life behind the wheel easier and safer. Imagine having a co-pilot who helps you avoid danger before it even happens.

The ADAS driver assistance package comes standard, offering adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, front collision warning with AEB, lane departure warning and prevention, and even blind spot detection. There’s also rear cross-traffic alert, so you’re less likely to back into anything (or anyone).

Need help on tricky inclines? Hill start assist and hill descent control have your back. And with tyre pressure monitoring, you can avoid those nasty surprises that come from driving with under-inflated tyres.

Value for money champ

The Chery Omoda 5 doesn’t just wow with its ASEAN NCAP 5-star rating - it’s also one of the best-looking cars in its class. No beer goggles are needed to appreciate this SUV’s sharp lines, sleek LED lighting, and distinctive front grille.

Beyond its looks, Chery offers an impressive value proposition. With a starting price of RM 99,800 and a list of features stretching so long that few rivals can match, it’s hard to find a better value-for-money purchase than the Omoda 5.

Both the entry-level Comfort and high-spec Honor variants feature nearly identical exterior equipment. Full LED lighting is standard, complete with automatic headlamps and a striking lightbar at the back, giving the Omoda 5 that high-tech edge. Even the 19-inch wheels come standard, making it feel more premium than its price tag would suggest.

Packed with High-Tech Features

Step inside, and the Omoda 5 continues to impress. The cabin’s highlight is the Mercedes-inspired twin 10.25-inch screens, standard across both trims. They’re snappy, intuitive, and ready to sync up with wireless Android Auto even before you fully start the car. Add to that the plush leather upholstery and high-quality materials, and the Omoda 5 feels far more expensive than its price suggests. Small touches like the damped glove box and cooled centre console add to the overall premium feel.

Families will appreciate the 8-speaker Sony audio system, a 15W wireless charger, and a boot that offers 360 litres of storage—expandable to 1,075 litres. It’s got all the creature comforts, from a sunroof to ambient lighting, that help elevate the experience for everyone on board.

Peace of Mind with Best-in-Class Warranty

Chery backs up the Omoda 5 with an impressive warranty package, offering a 7-year/ 150,000 km mileage warranty as standard. For those seeking even greater assurance, an optional 10-year, 1-million-km engine warranty is also available. Maintenance cost is kept in check by a 5-year free service package.

This best-in-class coverage reflects Chery’s confidence in the Omoda 5’s reliability and long-term performance, providing peace of mind for buyers who want lasting value and low maintenance costs.

The Omoda 5 may not be the best driving experience we’ve had in a family SUV, but it sure is one that works the hardest to earn your Ringgit.

Moving Forward: Lessons Learned

The Chery Omoda 5 might have had its fifteen minutes of fame for the wrong reasons, but here’s the bottom line: Chery’s done everything by the book to fix the issue. They’ve shown they’re serious about safety, with the five-star ASEAN NCAP rating to prove it. And their swift recall response shows they prioritise customer safety above all else.

So, is it safe to buy a Chery Omoda 5 now? As mentioned earlier, yes. With its safety credentials, it might just be one of the safest bets in the segment right now. It's time to move past the incident and recognise the Omoda 5 for what it is – a feature-packed, safety-first SUV that's also a looker.