The maker departed the country in 2015 after being jettisoned by its Australian importer, now the brand is returning and is fully backed by head office in China.
Chery is a different proposition this time around. Gone are the sub $10,000 cars that were hallmarks of its first instalment and in its place is the Omoda 5 compact SUV.
Prices will be finalised before the vehicle goes on sale in March, but Chery brand manager, Andrew Haurissa, says that it’ll be less than $40,000 and start with a three.
This price puts it on a collision course with some of the country’s most popular vehicles such as the Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos and Toyota Corolla Cross.
It’ll be available in 40 dealerships nationwide and available in all state and territory capital cities from launch.
The global car industry has had massive supply chain issues that has choked supply for the past few years, but Chery says it has no such problems.
The brand has big aspirations with hopes to carve out eight per cent of the market or about 10,000 sales this year and it’ll have the ability to source and deliver those numbers this year.
Chery has not started taking orders of the Omoda 5.
Based on last year’s sales figures from the Federal Automotive Chamber of Industries, this would mean the Omoda 5 would outsell established players such as the Subaru XV, Kia Seltos and the Haval Jolion.
Chery is likely hoping to emulate the success of fellow Chinese brand MG that is now a mainstay in the top 10 best selling brands in the country. The MG ZS compact SUV is the bestseller in its class with more than 22,000 sold in 2022.
The Omoda 5 will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 115kW and 230Nm delivered to the front wheels. All-wheel drive versions will follow later this year and an all electric model will debut in 2024.
Chery hopes its long list of standard equipment will help convince buyers to move away from mainstream brands.
The base Omoda 5 has 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting front and back and faux leather upholstery.
Chery says tech will be a big selling point for the Omoda 5.
It comes standard with dual 10.25-inch displays, one for the driver’s instruments and the other for the infotainment functions.
There is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a big dual device wireless charging pad, similar to the one found in a Tesla Model Y.
Chery is also trumpeting it’s ‘Hello Chery” function that responds commands such as
“Open sunroof” or ”Open tailgate”.
There is also a wide range of active driver aids and it received a five star safety rating in Europe.
The more expensive Omoda 5 EX variant gains a sunroof, power tailgate, heated front seats and steering wheel and both front seats are now electrically adjustable.
Flashy touches include ambient interior lighting, welcome puddle lights and red brake calipers.
Chery is backing its vehicles with a seven-year/unlimited km warranty and capped price servicing and roadside assistance for the same period.