New brand
In China, the model is known as the Chery Omoda 5, while in the target market it is marketed as the Omoda C5. The brand has established itself as the third Chery label in the Russian market, following Chery itself and the premium Exeed. This approach mirrors Chinese automakers’ tendency to create a family of brands within a single corporate group, where a clear niche can appear on the surface but the lineup often blends with related models as shoppers explore options.
For example, Chery, Omoda, and Exeed pursue a shared objective of offering a full crossover family. Curious buyers visit a nearby showroom, with additional outlets planned in the near term. They frequently hear managers positioning Omoda to customers as a modern, integrated part of daily life.
Could this be a coupe crossover? It’s a possibility worth considering. Coupe crossovers once occupied a premium space, and today they are increasingly rare, making the Omoda C5’s silhouette a distinctive proposition in its segment.
Looks stylish
The Omoda line is clearly aimed at a younger demographic. Winning that audience globally demands more than just a strong spec sheet. Market trends show that many consumers want to stay connected—using smartphones, apps, and online services—while placing driving thrill and traditional mechanics into a secondary role.
Manufacturers are effectively marketing new models as fashionable, relevant companions for modern life. This strategy resonates with millennials who value style and connectivity.
Whether this segment is substantial in Russia remains to be seen, but the Omoda C5 is positioned to attract buyers drawn to a coupe-like form at a comparatively accessible price in today’s market.
With a ground clearance around 190 mm noted in official specs, tests have measured approximately 155 mm in practice. Paired with front-wheel drive, this setup prioritizes on-road performance and efficiency on paved surfaces.
Richly equipped
The cabin reveals some hard plastics and occasional gaps where metal from door frames peeks through, yet the Chinese lineup fills those gaps with generous equipment. Base configurations include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, washer systems and a heated windshield, along with remote start.
The next trim adds heated rear seats and ventilated front seats. It also brings climate control, adaptive cruise control, a modern multimedia system with a large display, a rearview camera, parking sensors, and 18-inch wheels. The first level offers these features to a degree, with additional equipment available on higher trims.
Advancing to the next trim level introduces LED headlights, an electric liftgate, and curtain airbags while the base crossover provides four airbags. The most feature-rich Omoda C5 equips a complete suite of driving aids led by adaptive cruise control.
Overall, the Omoda C5 delivers good road illumination, fostering a sense of agile handling and confident driving on varied roads.
Everything is sharper for a smartphone
Every Omoda model includes wireless smartphone charging and a well-organized space for devices. Two charging platforms are positioned high enough to keep cables tidy, reducing the need for a dedicated phone holder. A practical slot aids cable management, earning praise for its efficiency.
The charging ports are located just below, with a discreet channel guiding cables for a clean interior. The layout emphasizes simplicity and practicality.
The interior presents a neat, user-friendly design. In the base configuration, seats are upholstered in fabric with a black leather center and brown leather on the top, creating a refined contrast.
Faster or more expensive?
The Omoda C5 is powered by a 147-horsepower turbocharged engine paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. Across three trims, prices range from 2.43 to 2.7 million rubles, all listed before current promotions. This same powertrain also appears in other models within the same corporate family.
For comparison, the Tiggo 4 Pro offers a turbocharged engine within a similar price range of 2.34 to 2.4 million rubles, though equipment levels may be simpler. Exeed LX uses the same engine and sits in the 3 to 3.4 million ruble range. Notably, around the 3 million ruble mark, the LX can lack curtain airbags, while the Tiggo 4 Pro generally does not include them.
Omoda appears to strike a balance for buyers seeking a compact, stylish Chinese SUV with sensible pricing.
Nominated for the Grand Prix & Behind the Wheel
New models have the opportunity to participate in the Driving Grand Prix for 2023, which recognizes models introduced in 2022 or those that have undergone a generation change. The aim is to highlight innovations from fresh brands, such as Omoda C5.
Vote – win a prize!
Participants in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix poll help determine the year’s top car introductions. As a thank you for taking part, three gifts are raffled among respondents who complete the survey. The campaign runs for a set period, inviting all readers to participate.
COMPLETE THE 2023 DRIVING GRAND PRIX QUESTIONNAIRE
All details about the event are collected in a dedicated section of the site for readers to review and participate.