Chery unveils revamped "C5" for Australian market, formerly "Omoda 5" - streamlined branding & bigger boot space

Chery's compact SUV, the Omoda 5, has been making waves since its Russian debut last year, and Australia is now set to be the next stop in its global tour.

However, unlike the trend of spinning off the Omoda 5 into its own brand in other markets, the Chinese automaker has opted to reverse course and reintroduce it under the Chery umbrella, christening it simply as the Chery C5.

Under the hood, the Chery C5 continues to rely on its trusty 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, capable of churning out 147 PS and 230 Nm of torque. However, the CVT has been replaced with a more responsive six-speed dual-clutch transmission, lending an additional layer of refinement to the driving experience.

As we can see, despite the confusing branding name, the model is almost similar as the one showcase in Russia, with a sporty exterior on LED daytime running light with a back bar, X-shaped front bumper and body-coloured grille. 

Chery's C5 facelift eschews the polarizing red highlights previously seen on the Omoda 5, opting for a more muted, yet sophisticated palette. The black 18-inch wheels receive a fresh design, and the red accents on the bumpers, door mirrors, rocker panels, tailgate spoiler, and wheels have been replaced with black finishes, striking a more harmonious balance of understated elegance and sporty flair. 

Chery's switch to the C5 moniker seems to have had a pleasantly surprising effect - boot space has not been compromised, but instead expanded by a whopping 45 litres, bringing the total cargo capacity to an impressive 370 litres.

While a glimpse into the interior of the Chery C5 remains elusive, its design is anticipated to follow closely in the footsteps of its Russian-market predecessor. From its striking full-width air vent design and seamless widescreen display panel with dual 10.25-inch screens, to its futuristic touch-based air-con controls and bucket-style seats with integrated headrests, the cabin is expected to exude a harmonious blend of form and function.

Unveiled at a starting price of AU$29,990 (RM82,700) for the base Urban variant, with the range-topping Ultimate iteration commanding AU$34,990 (RM96,500) driveaway, the C5 promises a compelling blend of style and substance for budget-conscious buyers.

This revamp, however, raises the question: will Malaysia follow suit and adopt the newly minted "C5" moniker? With the Omoda and Jaecoo brands positioning themselves as premium players, the relatively modest, entry-level nature of the C5 appears to be at odds with the duo's ambitions. Consolidating all vehicles under the Chery umbrella could streamline the brand's messaging and better.