First Chery prototypes headed to Oz for local feedback
A trio of new Chinese SUVs – OMODA 5, Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro – are destined for Sydney next monthChinese brand Chery has taken the next step towards its Australian relaunch later this year, by sending four development vehicles Down Under for local evaluation by potential customers, dealers and the media ahead of their official release.
Due to arrive in NSW from Shanghai next month, the first new Chery vehicles to land in Australia for seven years include production-ready right-hand drive prototypes of the Chery OMODA 5 small SUV, Tiggo 7 Pro medium SUV and the larger Tiggo 8 Pro SUV.
The first model due to launch here will be the Chery OMODA 5, of which two examples are being sent to our shores as part of the local evaluation program.
Chery is clearly taking its Australian return very seriously, launching its local website and social media channels, and using the latter to poll prospective customers on how much they think the OMODA 5 1.5T should cost here when it goes on sale.
Currently, of the five price brackets spanning $28,000-$39,990, the overwhelming majority of respondents – 66 per cent – voted for the most affordable ‘$28,000-$29,990’ option. It’s important to note all of the proposed figures exclude on-road costs.
That sort of pricing will put the OMODA 5 right in the heart of the local compact SUV market, however, it would be at an immediate price disadvantage compared to the MG ZST and Haval Jolion. Both Chinese-made small SUVs start at less than 28,000 drive-away.
If Chery’s local social media posts are any guide, the OMODA 5 range will be kicked off by an internal combustion variant powered by a 115kW/230Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine.
A plug-in hybrid powertrain has already been confirmed as part of the line-up too, as has a battery-electric version which will arrive “in the next several years”.
Chery has indicated the OMODA 5 will be available in Australia with a full suite of 16 advanced safety aids, including lane-keep assist and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as a voice assistant system.
The Tiggo 7 and 8 are now also expected to form Chery’s initial Australian launch range from around October or November, as part of a local SUV and even ute market assault that is reportedly targeting 70,000-plus sales by 2027, which on current figures would make Chery a top five brand here.
Related: Chery goes live with Australian website
Related: First local details of Chery Omoda 5 firm
Related: Chery planning ute and SUV assault in Australia
For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast
Join the conversation at
Or email us at
Or email us at
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
