Chery C5 replaces Omoda 5 SUV

AS CHERY prepares to launch its Omoda brand Down Under, it has made the decision to change the name of its Omoda 5 SUV to ‘C5’ – a nameplate previously associated with Citroen’s now-defunct sedan range.

Priced from $29,990 drive-away, or $2000 more than the outgoing Omoda 5 FX, the Chery C5 will be offered in two trim grades – Urban and Ultimate – offering much the same level of specification as before.

For the Chery C5 Urban we find equipment highlights including 17-inch alloy wheels, dual 10.25-inch instrumentation and infotainment screens, six-speaker audio, voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, LED daytime running lights, acoustic front door glass, seven airbags, and a “full suite of advanced driver assistance systems”.

The Ultimate grade (from $34,990 drive-away) offers 18-inch alloy wheels, red-painted brake callipers, an eight-speaker Sony-branded audio bundle, powered tailgate, faux-leather upholstery with front-seat heating, dual-zone climate control, powered sunroof, wireless device charging pad, and a 360-degree camera system.

Importantly, the C5 also introduces several mechanical upgrades including a six-speed dual-clutch transmission in lieu of the Omoda 5’s continuously variable unit, and the multi-link rear suspension arrangement previously offered in the high-grade Omoda 5 GT in place of the former torsion beam setup.

Elsewhere, changes include a restyled frontal mask with now-standard LED headlights and restyled grille, and on the inside multi-colour LED ambient lighting. The cargo area of the model also changes, growing 10 litres to 370 litres.

“Fine tuning an already competitive product, these changes represent another step forward for the Chery brand within Australia” said Chery Australia chief operating officer Lucas Harris.

“We are committed to offering a class-leading driving experience and unbeatable value for money with all our vehicles and the MY25 C5 is a testament to this.”

Mr Harris said the all-electric Omoda E5 will also be renamed ‘E5’ to follow the same naming convention as its C5 sibling.

The Chery C5 will be available in showrooms from this month and will continue to be backed by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, seven years of capped-price servicing, and up to seven years of roadside assistance.

Since its launch in Australia in May 2023, the Chery Omoda 5 has moved quickly to become one of the best sellers in its class. In the most recent year-to-date sales figures, we note cumulative sales of 1837 units, placing the Omoda 5 in twelfth place behind a barrage of Small SUV rivals.

To the end of April 2025, the Small SUV under $45K segment has been led by the Hyundai Kona with 6806 unit sales (or 13.1 segment share points).

It leads the MG ZS with 6539 unit sales (12.6 per cent), GWM Haval Jolion with 5583 units (10.7 per cent), Chery Tiggo 4 with 4503 units (8.7 per cent), Mitsubishi ASX with 4484 (8.6 per cent), Toyota Corolla Cross with 4413 units (8.5 per cent), Mazda CX-30 with 3914 units (7.5 per cent), Subaru Crosstrek with 3549 units (6.8 per cent), Kia Seltos with 2867 units (5.5 per cent), and Nissan Qashqai with 1986 units (3.8 per cent).

2025 Chery C5 pricing*:

*National drive-away price.