As much as the hype train has made its way through the past few years regarding the Chinese wave of SUVs, I haven’t been able to sample any model until now and I’ll hold my opinion for when it matters but, if looking at the timeline, and how well Haval have done, setting the trend over the past few years, they’ve set the motion in play. What they’ve done for brands like Chery is lay the foundation down and create the brand trust that wasn’t there for Chinese cars on arrival years back. That is a significant statement and realisation to experience. Remember what they said about Korean cars and look at Hyundai and Kia today? I suspect the Chinese brands to follow.

The recipe has been set. Offer insanely premium specs on a car that shouldn’t have it and throw it into the market that is so starved of premium options at an affordable price and see if they’re going to bite. Add to that the general economic downward trend of salary increases, upward spike of inflation and the middle class being squeezed even more, and you’ll quickly see just how attractive a car like the Omoda is. It just makes perfect sense at a tough time.

About that design…

If the design was meant to intrigue, it certainly does just that. There’s a definite interest in this type of look, perhaps due to the general stagnant scene of smaller SUVs that pretty much all have looked similar over the years. So, anything that comes along and offers something unique will win attention, as the C5 did on our test. “Is it electric?” asked many. “Naaaa, just futuristic…intensely futuristic”, was my reply to all. The space-age grill, compact LED headlights and LED DRLs are all sandwiched into the ultra-sharp front end. 18” Gloss Black alloys contrast the body details before the rear of the car’s attractions, namely the LED Cluster joined by a cross-section and matching theme with the tailpipes and bumper down low. Then there’s the roof spoiler and GT Line C-Pillar (which I love) that adds the right amount of drama to the rear of the car without overdoing it.

No doubt. The masses are as intrigued by it as I was. It’s refreshing to see, and I must confess that part of the job involves being a salesperson and mediator to explain the concept and car and field all sorts of questions. They never mentioned that in the job description. But I enjoy that element as it gives an honest first-hand review of market dynamics, good or bad, with all sorts of questions. The main one being:” Would you buy it?” I’ll answer this at the end of the story. I know I’m a tease, but you like that.

What’s it like on the inside?

First greeting you is quite the spread of digital cluster and 10.25” infotainment system that spans almost the entire front end of the section along with an unsurprising lack of physical dials sans the volume controller (only). If you’re not afraid of the future and what it holds, this theme continues from the exterior design in but with less assertion. Chery has done quite a minimalist job with the right balance of materials and physical touchpoints. The brushed aluminium inserts on the door cards, concealed switches on the armrest, and a centre console that reaches from the rear and meets the dash, housing two decent-sized cup holders, make for a comfortable environment. I’m particularly drawn to the great feel of the steering wheel, how accessible all the buttons are, and the seat itself. There are a few analogue controls, but remember that this car is aimed at a new market and anyone willing to ride the digitally enhanced technology waves.

Speaking of which, the ambient lighting adjustment will cater for any mood, and there are plenty of USB and USB-C charging points for everyone, including wireless charging. The 8-speaker sound system catered for any range of music taste I threw at it, which I particularly enjoyed.

So, how’s the drive?

In short, effortless. The 1.5l Turbo offers little lag. 115kW and 230Nm is healthy for this size car. You need to get used to an ever-so-slight delay in throttle reaction, but once it starts going, it certainly doesn’t hang about like some other models we’ve driven. Thanks to the turbo-charging nature, I suspect the delivery will be similar at the coast and inland.  

I found Chery’s application of the 9-speed CVT impressive, which, again, compared to other models with CVT, outshines. It’s smooth, and progression through to higher speeds is hardly noticeable. I’ll go on record to state that it’s the best CVT transmission application I’ve experienced.

The claimed fuel consumption figures of 6.9l/100km were always rather ambitious given the nature of our driving, which mirrored a more practical usage of a car like this, a blend of navigating urban geography on the daily split by a few open highways. Even with our figures lurking around the mid 7.5l/100km, those numbers thanks to our performance and general commuting demands, were impressive without much compromise.

Given the size of the Omoda, threading the urban back streets came with no anxiety, which to the everyday commuter should come as a welcoming gift.

 On the topic of Safety…

With its 5-star Euro NCAP rating, Chery can take accolades as they’ve prioritised this department with serious intent. Underpinned by a host of safety features like decent ABS braking, 6-airbags, ISOFIX, and general driving, the car feels planted and balanced.

In summary…

As for sampling my first taste of the new Chinese SUV wave, this was welcomed . It was an entirely new experience compared to anything I’ve tried before and something I enjoyed. The Tech spec C5 is more than just a base market entry. And as to whether or not I’d buy one? Given the value for money, It would be on my shortlist, and perhaps, given my risk-free approach to life lately, I certainly could see myself living with one. The Chinese deserve a try if you’re hunting in this market, and perhaps testing one could lure you in for a closer look.

Likes

• A CVT transmission that works

• Great comfort and minimalist design on the inside and bold design that works on the outside

• Excellent value for money

 Dislikes (Certainly not a deal breaker)

• For a bigger person, you may find the interior somewhat small cramped but perhaps that’s incentive for me to go and lose weight.

Specs:

Price: R447,900

Power: 115kW/230Nm

Fuel Consumption: 6.9l/100km (claimed)

Warranty Details: 5year/150,000km Warranty and 10 years/1,000,000km on the engine