Chery Omoda 5 2025 Review

In the Malaysian B-segment sedan market, family users and young consumers are increasingly inclined to choose "balanced and well-rounded" models — those that offer sufficient space, rich features, balanced performance and fuel efficiency, all while remaining reasonably priced. The 2025 Chery O5 1.5 Turbo targets this demand precisely. Priced at RM116,800, it comes equipped with a 7-year/150,000 km warranty, Level 2 driving assistance, Sony audio system, and even electric seats for both front and rear rows. In this test drive, we primarily aim to see whether this car can truly meet the “all-rounder” expectations in daily usage and assess if its dynamic performance aligns with the official 0-100 km/h acceleration claim of 7.2 seconds.

From the exterior, the design of the Chery O5 adopts a sporty style, with fluid overall lines and a slightly forward-leaning stance. Its front features a large blacked-out grille, complemented by sharp LED headlamp clusters on both sides, giving it excellent visual identification. The lower bumper features sporty cladding, further enhancing its youthful vibe. On the sides, 18-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with 215/55 R18 tires look well-proportioned. The waistline extends from the front fender to the rear, and the slightly upturned spoiler adds a touch of dynamism to the side view. At the rear, the standout feature is the LED taillights, which have a striking effect when lit. The dual exhaust layout (decorative, with real exhaust hidden below) and diffuser-style bumper continue the sporty theme. The lighting system is equipped with full-LED lights as standard, including automatic headlights, front fog lights, and daytime running lights, enhancing practicality.

Sitting inside the car, the interior's sense of technology and quality exceeds expectations for a B-segment sedan. The dashboard adopts a layered design, with the upper part wrapped in soft-touch materials, providing a refined feel. The 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel and 12.3-inch touchscreen are combined in a dual-panel layout, offering a clear interface and smooth operation, with support for CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The multifunctional steering wheel is wrapped in leather and offers a comfortable grip, with driving assistance controls integrated on the left side and multimedia and voice control buttons on the right. Together with the standard paddle shifters, it balances convenience with driving fun. Regarding seating, the front driver and passenger seats both support electric adjustment, offering good cushioning and back support. Long drives are not overly fatiguing. The rear seats are softly padded, and legroom performs excellently, thanks to the 2,630mm wheelbase. A 175cm passenger will have around two fists of space left for their legs, and the nearly flat middle floor allows three people to sit comfortably without feeling cramped. In terms of storage space, the front row has a wireless charging pad for phones, dual cup holders, and a center armrest box. The trunk offers a capacity of 483 liters, and folding down the rear seats further expands the space, thoroughly meeting the needs for daily use and short trips.

In terms of power, the 1.5T turbocharged engine delivers a maximum output of 156 PS and a maximum torque of 230 N·m, paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 7.2 seconds. During actual driving, the power response at the start is very lively; a light press on the accelerator provides a noticeable push-back feel. Acceleration at mid and high speeds is also adequate, and when overtaking, pressing the accelerator sees quick downshifts, providing smooth and consistent power output. There are three selectable driving modes: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Sport mode, throttle sensitivity increases further, and paddle shifters respond faster, making it suitable for users who enjoy spirited driving. In terms of the chassis, the combination of front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension is considered a high-spec setup in this segment. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively absorbs most of the vibrations, preventing excessive body bounce. During cornering, the suspension offers good support, effectively minimizing body roll, which inspires greater driver confidence. The steering system is precisely tuned with minimal play, clear directional feedback, and is very easy and smooth to operate.

The balance between handling and comfort is well-executed. The steering wheel's turn resistance is moderate, light at low speeds, and stable at high speeds, making it easy for daily commuting or highway driving. The suspension system handles urban bumps well, such as manhole covers and gravel roads, with excellent filtering effects, providing comfortable experiences for rear passengers. As for noise control, engine noise is almost inaudible when idling, while wind and tire noise are kept at an excellent level among its peers during high-speed drives, not affecting in-cabin conversations. In terms of fuel consumption, we drove equally on urban roads and highways, achieving a combined fuel consumption of approximately 6.8L/100km. For a 1.5T model, this performance is quite fuel-efficient. Regarding driving assistance features, ACC adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane change assist are all available. The 360° panoramic view camera is especially practical, offering high clarity which is particularly useful for parallel parking and navigating narrow roads.

In conclusion, the core advantages of the 2025 Chery O5 1.5 Turbo are evident: in the B-segment car market, it provides an extensive range of features (such as electric seats for both front and rear rows, Sony 8-speaker audio, and L2-level driving assistance), decent performance, and spacious interior at a price of 116,800 MYR. Combined with a 7-year/150,000km extended warranty, it offers exceptional value for money. Compared to competitors like the Honda City and Toyota Vios, the Chery O5 has advantages in terms of features and performance. When compared to the Changan UNI-V, it offers more interior space, making it more suitable for family users.

This car is particularly suitable for two groups of people: the first includes family users who prioritize balanced performance. With spacious interiors, practical features, and economical fuel consumption, it can meet all the needs of daily commuting and family trips. The second includes young individuals seeking a sense of technology and driving pleasure. The dual-screen setup, paddle shifters, and sporty design cater to the aesthetics and habits of younger users.

Overall, the 2025 Chery O5 1.5 Turbo is a B-segment car "with no obvious weaknesses." It has found its niche in a highly competitive market by offering high value for money and rich features. If you're looking for a car that balances family needs and a personal driving experience, it's worth adding to your consideration list.