First local details of Chery Omoda 5 firm
Plug-in hybrid powertrain and a continuously variable transmission headline inbound Chinese ‘NEV’Chery has started to detail its first global model, the 2022 Chery Omoda 5, which is due to infiltrate Australia’s electrified SUV segment in the second half of this year in an effort to mimic the local success of MG and GWM-Haval.
The latest word from the Chinese brand is that the ‘NEV’ (new energy vehicle) will launch in Australia powered by a ‘DHT’ (dual-motor technology) hybrid powertrain paired to an 11-speed automatic transmission, however, intel from overseas suggests this transmission will actually be a continuously variable unit with 11 pre-set ‘ratios’.
“During your drive, the control system calculates in real time the most suitable working gear, and together with Chery's proprietary hybrid integration technology, ensures the optimal balance between power, comfort and economy,” Chery said in a statement.
Details are similarly thin on the ground surrounding that dual-motor technology powertrain, but the nine different driving modes – single- and/or dual-motor electric drive, range extended mode, engine direct drive, single- and/or dual-motor energy recovery, charge in motion and/or park – suggest it will be a plug-in hybrid donk – something Chery promised would eventuate back at the Omoda 5’s Guangzhou motor show reveal.
A battery-electric version is also said to be on the way, but that powertrain hasn’t even been reviewed yet.
Underpinned by an all-new architecture, Chery says the Omoda 5, as well as the rest of it new models, “meets and exceeds the laws and regulations of China, Europe and America and the NCAP requirements of all countries” – even though previous product has failed to meet local standards.
“As Chery’s top heavyweight model, Omoda 5, combined with the excellent quality and assured safety performance of Chery cars, this premier car will absolutely meet the expectation of Australian consumers on quality and safety as well as style and fun,” a spokesperson said.
“This flagship is fully equipped with the highest new energy technologies, to deliver a safe and high-quality travel performance and driving experience to local consumers.”
As a plug-in hybrid, the Chery Omoda 5 will inevitably square off against other plug-in hybrid compact and medium SUVs like the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV, Kia Niro and MG HS PHEV, not to mention traditional hybrids like the Mazda MX-30 and Toyota C-HR.
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