Chery Maxime 2.0 CVT Standard (2015) Review

In Malaysia's compact SUV market, 7-seater models have always been a popular choice among family users—not only for daily commuting but also for weekend family outings or short trips. The 2015 Chery Maxime 2.0 CVT Standard, as a value-for-money contender in this segment, highlights its 2800mm long wheelbase, 7-seater configuration, and a 5-year/150,000 km warranty as its core selling points. This time, through an actual test drive, we take a look at whether it can truly meet the needs of local families.

In terms of exterior design, the Maxime leans towards a steady and conventional style, with flowing but not overly aggressive lines. The front features a moderately sized grille adorned with chrome accents, connecting halogen main headlights and LED daytime running lights, giving it a decent level of recognition. The sides of the body have simple lines, and the 16-inch wheels match the size of the body well, not appearing too small. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a horizontal layout, with the rear fog lights and reverse radar sensors clearly visible. The overall design prioritizes practicality over fashion, aligning with the positioning of a family-oriented vehicle.

Stepping into the interior, the first thing to notice is the predominantly dark-tone decor. The dashboard layout is simple, with a hard plastic material on the upper section and some soft-touch materials wrapping the lower section, giving a feeling of average tactile quality. The instrument panel features backlit mechanical dials, with information displayed clearly and legibly. The multifunction steering wheel supports basic functions like volume adjustment and call answering, making it convenient to operate. The central control area is equipped with a 220V/230V power outlet, which is quite practical for users needing to connect external devices. The air conditioning system is a single-zone manual control, but independent rear air vents come standard, ensuring rear passenger comfort. As for seating, the front row is manually adjustable, the middle row supports a 60:40 split fold, and the rear row can be folded in a 50:50 split. When fully folded, a spacious cargo area is created, suitable for storing items like a baby stroller or suitcases.

Space performance is one of Maxime's core strengths, with its 2800mm wheelbase ranking among the top in its class. The front row offers ample space, with a 175cm tall passenger having a fist's worth of headroom after adjusting the seat. The middle row provides two fists of legroom, and even when fully occupied by seven people, middle-row passengers won't feel cramped. The space in the third row is relatively tight, making it more suitable for children or adults on short trips. In terms of storage, the door-side storage compartments, central armrest box, and front cup holders are all practical in size, effectively meeting the need for storing small daily items.

In the powertrain department, the Maxime is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 138 PS with peak torque output at 4300 rpm, paired with a CVT transmission. During actual driving, the power response during takeoff is not particularly sharp but sufficient for urban commuting. Pressing the accelerator about one-third gives a smooth acceleration. For mid-speed overtaking, the gearbox simulates gear shifts when applying more throttle, providing a linear power output without noticeable jerks. Switching to Sport mode slightly enhances throttle sensitivity, but the overall power performance remains geared towards family-oriented comfort, rather than catering to users seeking vigorous driving experiences.

In terms of handling and chassis, the tuning of the front MacPherson independent suspension is on the softer side. When going over speed bumps or bumpy roads, it can filter out most of the minor jolts, ensuring comfort for rear passengers. However, when cornering at high speed, the body tilt is quite noticeable, requiring a slower pace. The steering wheel is light, making daily parking and U-turns very easy, but the steering precision is average and lacks driving pleasure. The braking system performs steadily, with the combination of front ventilated discs and rear ventilated discs providing sufficient braking force, ensuring stable body posture during emergency braking.

In fuel consumption tests, we drove 50km in congested urban areas and 50km on highways, achieving an average fuel consumption of approximately 8.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official 7.7L. Considering the local road conditions and the weight of this 7-seater, this result is within an acceptable range. Regarding noise control, the cabin remains relatively quiet at idle. However, wind noise and tire noise progressively increase after 80km/h, but they do not interfere with normal conversations. Overall, the performance meets the standards of a family car.

Compared with models in the same segment, such as the Proton X70 or the 7-seater version of the Honda CR-V, Maxime offers a lower price, a longer wheelbase, and significant space advantages. Additionally, the 5-year/150,000km warranty policy reduces post-purchase usage costs. However, in terms of brand recognition and interior quality, it is slightly inferior to joint-venture models. Overall, Maxime is more suitable for families prioritizing practicality in space and with a limited budget, especially for consumers needing to frequently transport family members or load items.

In conclusion, the 2015 Chery Maxime 2.0 CVT Standard is a 7-seater SUV focused on space and cost-effectiveness for families. Although it doesn't stand out in terms of power and handling, it fulfills daily usage needs. If you are looking for a spacious family car with long warranty coverage, it would be a practical choice.