Chery Australia has expanded its small SUV range yet again, with the new entry-level 2024 Chery Omoda 5 FX variant priced from $27,990 drive-away.
The new bargain-basement FX grade’s introduction marks a $6500 reduction in the Omoda 5’s starting price and comes just weeks after GWM Australia shaved $2000 off the admission price of its newly facelifted Haval Jolion to $26,990 drive-away.
While Japanese and Korean competitors led by the Hyundai Kona – Australia’s second most popular small SUV) remain priced above $30,000 plus on-road costs – the small SUV price war between Chinese car-makers will enter a new phase later this year with the replacement for the MG ZS, which currently Australia’s top-selling small SUV priced from $22,990 drive-away.
The new Omoda 5 FX’s standard equipment list is headlined by 17-inch alloy wheels, fabric seat trim with synthetic leather bolsters, single-zone climate control, a six-speaker sound system and halogen projector headlights.
A wireless phone charger, smart entry, push-button start, a 10.25-inch infotainment system with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat are also still standard.
But the new FX misses out on equipment from the former entry-level BX variant (now $33,990 drive-away) including 18-inch alloys, synthetic leather trim, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, eight-speaker SONY sound, 50W wireless device fast-charger, frameless rear-view mirror, ambient interior lighting and an acoustic windscreen.
Under the bonnet is the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine as seen elsewhere in the Omoda 5 range, still outputting 108kW/210Nm and driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
A seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty covers all Omoda 5 variants, though we’re yet to learn if that applies to the upcoming battery-electric Omoda E5 due in coming months.
How much does the 2024 Chery Omoda 5 cost?
1.5T FX 2WD – $27,990
1.5T BX 2WD – $33,990
1.5T EX 2WD – $36,990
1.6T GT 2WD – $38,990
1.6T GT AWD – $41,490
* All prices are drive-away