For the Omoda S5, a member of the Chery family, designers used the 2018 Chery Arrizo 5 Plus as a starting point. Tailored to the needs of the local market, it received a refreshed look that aligned with the new Omoda sub-brand, including a branded radiator grille featuring a three‑dimensional diamond pattern.
Despite the model’s age, the S5’s exterior appears contemporary: a dominant front end, a sleek silhouette from the side, and taillights that blend with the LED accent on the tailgate. Together, these elements echo current automotive styling trends and suggest a target audience of younger buyers.
The cabin offers generous space and comfort. The front seats provide lateral support, and the steering wheel adjusts in both height and reach, accommodating taller drivers. The digital instrument cluster integrates neatly into the dashboard and remains legible in bright sunlight. By contrast, the multimedia display disappoints with thick bezels and limited brightness; its angle relative to the instrument panel sometimes causes a noticeable glare. It supports CarPlay and Android Auto, enabling navigation streaming from a connected phone.
A dedicated smartphone platform on the center console includes wireless charging. However, a notable caveat emerged: during use, the phone overheated and flashed a warning indicator. The overheating was possibly amplified by a hot day and an open sunroof letting in extra heat.
Inside, the sedan’s ambiance feels restrained compared with the exterior’s flash. There is no ambient lighting, and the interior does not showcase the more daring design touches seen in the related Arrizo 8. The door panels lean toward a practical, understated look with standard finishes rather than premium decorative details. Overall, the interior design reads as solid and utilitarian for the Omoda lineup.
For ride-sharing customers, the S5 presents a compelling option within a typical “comfort” tariff. While Omoda positions itself as a youth-oriented brand, the sedan only hints at that energy in the distinctive front grille; the C5 crossover remains the more visually engaging first model of the Russian market, in this regard.
Rear-seat passengers will find ample legroom. At 183 cm tall, the tester found it comfortable behind the driver. Rear-seat options vary by configuration: heated rear seats or dual-zone climate control, but not both together, which can be confusing for buyers.
The S5 offers two 1.5-liter four-cylinder engines: a naturally aspirated unit (113 hp, 138 Nm) and a turbocharged variant (147 hp, 210 Nm). Both configurations use a CVT; a manual transmission is not offered. The test drive covered the top Ultra grade with the turbo engine, highlighting the powertrain’s responsiveness.
Despite a modest interior, the S5 is engaging to drive thanks to a well-tuned suspension, precise steering, and solid soundproofing. The turbo’s linear acceleration proves helpful for overtakes on real roads, with a 0–100 km/h time of 9.7 seconds. Estimated fuel economy on the combined cycle is 6.9 L/100 km, though real-world consumption during the test ranged higher at about 8.5 L/100 km on active driving.
Parking aids come in the form of a capable all-around camera system that’s familiar to Chery owners, providing clear and quick feedback. A built-in video recorder adds a practical edge, enabling playback on the multimedia screen or transfer to external media. In the base Life configuration, the S5 with the 113-horsepower engine starts at 2.16 million rubles and includes a surround-view system, 16-inch alloys, LED headlights, remote engine start, and a 10.3-inch infotainment display.
The Ultra top version with the turbo engine is priced at 2.47 million rubles. This grade adds 17-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, heated rear seats, and upgraded driver aids, along with a finer steering wheel and enhanced washer nozzle systems.
In price terms, the S5’s entry configuration can rival some lower-tier rivals in its class, particularly when lined up against the latest Lada models. By the close of the year, pricing for the competing Chinese sedan is expected to settle near these levels as well.
During the launch period, representatives indicated plans to broaden the Omoda lineup in Russia, with two additional new models slated to join the range later in the year, signaling ongoing expansion for the brand in the region.
Notes: The observations above reflect driving impressions, equipment, and configuration specifics as reported during the latest local evaluation. All statements regarding performance, fuel economy, and features are based on the tested configuration and manufacturer specifications available at the time of testing.