Chery Maxime Review

In Malaysia's C-segment car market in 2015, the demand for 7-seater models was slowly growing. Consumers wanted enough passenger space without compromising too much on their budget — the Chery Maxime 2.0 CVT Premium was aimed exactly at this niche market. Its core selling points are straightforward: a 2800mm long wheelbase that accommodates a 7-seater layout, a 5-year/150,000 km warranty, and more comprehensive base configurations compared to similarly priced joint-venture competitors. The purpose of this test drive is to see if this car truly meets family users' core needs for space, practicality, and reliability.

From a distance, Maxime's exterior takes a steady and elegant approach, without too many flashy designs. The front features a horizontally designed chrome grille paired with halogen and LED combination headlights on both sides. While its recognizability isn't particularly high, it appears coordinated. The lines of the lower front bumper are rather straight, giving a sense of groundedness appropriate for a family car. On the side, the 4730mm length combined with the 2800mm wheelbase gives it a long side profile. The waistline stretches from the front fender to the rear, which, though simple, extends the visual effect. The 16-inch wheels are moderately sized, paired with 205/55 R16 tires, matching its family-oriented positioning. The rear design is relatively simple, with an LED tail light assembly echoing the headlights. The lower rear bumper features minimal decoration, maintaining a unified style. It’s the kind of design that doesn’t make mistakes but also won’t make heads turn.

Sitting inside, the first thing to notice is the overall interior layout — a symmetrical center console design with intuitively placed buttons and knobs, making it easy to use. In terms of materials, the upper part of the dashboard uses mostly hard plastic, though key areas like the door armrests are wrapped with soft materials. Though not luxurious, it’s reasonable for its price range. A multifunction steering wheel comes as standard, with integrated controls for volume adjustment and answering calls, which is convenient. The instrument cluster consists of backlit analog gauges, with clear displays that make speed, RPM, fuel levels, and other information easy to read at a glance. In terms of features, keyless entry, a 220V/230V power outlet, and rear air conditioning vents are included, all of which are practical. The 220V power outlet, in particular, is very useful for families needing to charge electronic devices in the car. For seating, the front row features manually adjustable seats with decent support, ensuring comfort even over long periods. The second row of seats supports a 60:40 split-folding configuration, while the third row supports a 50:50 split-folding option. When folded, the rear cargo space expands significantly, which is more than adequate for carrying large items daily.

One of Maxime's core advantages is its spaciousness. The 2800mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom for second-row passengers. A passenger measuring 175 cm in height would have about two fists' worth of knee space from the back of the front seats. The third-row space is relatively compact, making it suitable for children or adults on short trips; for longer trips, it might feel slightly cramped. As for storage space, the door panels feature storage slots, and there is a compartment under the center console, both of which are sufficient for daily needs. When all 7 seats are in use, the trunk can accommodate two 20-inch suitcases. Folding down the third row significantly increases cargo capacity, making it highly practical.

In terms of dynamic driving, Maxime is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 138PS and a peak torque output at 4300 rpm, paired with a CVT transmission. During start-up, the power response is not particularly sensitive, and you need to press the accelerator deeply to feel significant acceleration. However, for a household car, this performance is sufficient to handle daily commuting and urban road conditions. After switching to different driving modes (if available), the difference in power output is not very noticeable. The CVT transmission provides good smoothness, with almost no jerky shifts, making it suitable for stable driving.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is relatively light, and female drivers will not find it strenuous, but there is noticeable play and the precision is average. The suspension features a front MacPherson independent setup, which provides decent filtering for speed bumps or small bumps in the city, but larger potholes can result in noticeable vibrations for rear passengers. At high speeds, the vehicle stability is quite good. However, when the speed exceeds 120 km/h, wind and tire noise significantly increase, which affects comfort to some extent. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7.7L/100km. Based on the actual test drive, it is about 8.5-9L/100km under city road conditions, while on highways it can drop to about 7L/100km. This performance can be considered average for a 1.59-ton, seven-seater vehicle.

Regarding braking performance, the front and rear ventilated disc brakes perform stably. The brake pedal has a linear feel, and during emergency braking, the vehicle's posture is well-controlled without significant nose-diving. As for noise control, the cabin remains relatively quiet when driving at low speeds, but wind and tire noise become noticeable at high speeds. However, this level of performance is considered standard among vehicles in the same price range. The seat comfort is decent with average wrapping but sufficient support, so long-term sitting does not cause much discomfort.

In summary, the core advantages of the Chery Maxime 2.0 CVT Premium are clear: the 2800mm wheelbase offering spacious seven-seat capacity, practical features (such as a 220V power outlet and rear air conditioning), and a generous 5-year/150,000-kilometer warranty. Compared with seven-seat vehicles in the same price range from joint ventures, its space and feature advantages are more apparent. Although its power and handling may not stand out, it completely satisfies the needs of daily family use. This car is most suitable for those who prioritize space and practicality on a limited budget — for example, families who frequently travel together or occasionally need to transport large items. If you're looking for a stable and reliable household experience rather than the fun of spirited driving, Maxime would be a good choice.