Chery Omoda 5 2023 Review

The competition in the B-class SUV market has always revolved around "features" and "price." Consumers want practical space while also expecting intelligent safety features, yet they don't want to pay for redundant functionalities. The arrival of the 2023 Chery Omoda 5 C happens to meet this demand—with a price of 108,800 MYR, it comes equipped with advanced active safety systems and electric seats, leading many budget-conscious family buyers to wonder: Can it really achieve "maximum value for money"? This test drive will focus on verifying its practicality in static experiences, balance in dynamic driving, and whether its features are truly "worth the price."

The exterior design of the Omoda 5 C takes a youthful and sporty route, with streamlined yet distinctive lines. The front features a large blacked-out grille, paired with through-type LED daytime running lights that create a strong visual impact when lit; the waistline on the car's side extends from the front to the rear, complemented by 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, enhancing the sporty feel. The rear spoiler and dual-side exhaust layout (decorative pieces) further highlight the youthful positioning. The lighting system uses LED sources throughout, with automatic headlights and rear fog lights as standard, making it quite convenient for daily use.

Sitting inside, the interior style leans towards a minimalist, tech-savvy feel. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, offering a delicate texture, and is accented with silver trims. The overall build quality is relatively high for its price range. The 10.25-inch central touchscreen and fully digital instrument cluster are connected in a dual screen-like design, providing smooth operation and clear display resolution that meet expectations. In terms of features, keyless entry, electrically adjustable seats (front driver and passenger seats and rear seats), automatic air conditioning, rear air vents, and a panoramic sunroof come as standard across all trims, which are very user-friendly for families—for example, the electrically adjustable rear seats allow for easy posture adjustments during long rides; the 220V power outlet can meet the charging needs for laptops or small appliances. However, it should be noted that the Omoda 5 C is not equipped with a parking camera system and relies solely on front and rear radar for parking assistance, which might be slightly inconvenient for beginners.

The space performance is in line with the positioning of a B-class SUV, with body dimensions of 4,400mm in length, 1,830mm in width, and 1,588mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,630mm. When the front seats are adjusted to a suitable position, a 175cm-tall passenger has about a fist of headroom in the front; rear legroom exceeds two fists, while rear headroom is about a fist. Even with five passengers, there won't be a feeling of crowding. The trunk capacity is 292L, which is adequate for daily use such as placing a stroller or suitcase, and the rear seats can be folded in a split ratio, though no specific data is provided. In terms of storage, the door storage slots, center console bin, and glove box offer practical space to accommodate everyday small items.

For performance, the Omoda 5 C is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 115kW (156PS) and a maximum torque of 230N·m. It is paired with a 9-speed CVT gearbox. During the start, the power response is quick, and a light press on the accelerator provides a decent acceleration experience; while the mid-to-late acceleration isn't particularly aggressive, pressing the accelerator firmly for overtaking prompts the gearbox to quickly downshift, offering smooth and sufficient power output. The driving modes include Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle sensitivity is increased, making it suitable for scenarios requiring rapid acceleration.

The handling and chassis performance lean towards a comfort-oriented tuning. The steering wheel is light in effort with moderate precision, making daily city driving relatively effortless. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension + rear torsion beam non-independent suspension. When going over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension can filter out most fine vibrations, maintaining a stable body posture. However, there is noticeable body roll during quick cornering, making it more suitable for family use rather than spirited driving. In terms of braking, the brake pedal has moderate travel, and the braking force release is linear, providing sufficient confidence for daily braking needs.

During the fuel consumption test, we drove 50km each in urban congested and highway conditions, with a combined fuel consumption of about 7.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 6.9L. However, considering the frequent acceleration and deceleration during the test drive, this result is still within the acceptable range. Noise control performs well, as wind noise and tire noise are not pronounced during high-speed driving, and below 60km/h, there’s barely any noticeable noise, making it suitable for long-distance travel. The seats offer good wrapping and support, and the electric adjustment function allows passengers of different body types to find a comfortable seating position.

To summarize, the core advantages of the 2023 Chery Omoda 5 C lie in its "class-leading configuration" and "affordable price." Compared to similarly priced models like the Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross, features like electric seats and advanced active safety systems (lane change assist, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking) come standard, whereas such features often require a higher-tier version in the competition. However, it does have some shortcomings, such as lacking parking cameras and a relatively standard trunk capacity.

Overall, the Omoda 5 C is well-suited for families with a budget of 100,000 to 120,000 MYR, who prioritize practicality in configurations and safety performance—especially for those who frequently travel with a full load or have a strong demand for features like electric seats and active safety systems. If you are looking for ultimate handling or extra-large space, it might not be the best choice. However, if you want a "well-rounded" family SUV, the Omoda 5 C is definitely a top consideration in its price range.

This car breaks the configuration barriers of B-segment SUVs with its "high value for money," proving that a 100,000-MYR SUV can also deliver premium experiences. For pragmatic family users, it truly is a smart choice.