Ahead of its official launch in Malaysia, Chery Malaysia has invited us over to its hometown in Wuhu, China, to check out its cars – including a first look at the all-new 2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and Omoda 5. The two models will be part of Chery Malaysia’s ‘Phase One’ launches, which will happen on July 6.
While pricing will not be announced until the official launch next week, we do already know quite a bit about both of these cars now, especially since they’ve now been previewed in Malaysia recently at Malaysia Auto Show 2023.
The Chery Omoda 5 is a B-segment crossover, which will rival against the likes of the Honda HR-V, Proton X50, and Toyota Corolla Cross. At launch, it’ll be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with 147 hp and 230 Nm, paired to a ’10-speed’ CVT gearbox to send drive to the front wheels.
Aside from its striking looks, the Chery Omoda 5 will also come equipped with many creature comfort niceties, including a floating twin 10.25-inch display on the dashboard with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a Sony sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting system, and leather upholstery.
Chery Malaysia also said that a 1.6-litre variant, and a fully-electric Omoda 5 EV model, will be launched at a later date. The former is said to happen next year, and will boast a turbocharged inline-four engine making 194 hp and 290 Nm, paired to a seven-speed DCT gearbox.
The Tiggo 8 Pro, meanwhile, will see Chery go up against the Proton X90, thanks to its seven-seater configuration. Unlike what was previewed last year, we Malaysians will actually be getting the latest iteration of the SUV model, which was only unveiled globally in this very trip to China.
On the outside, the all-new Chery Tiggo 8 Pro’s design was given a slight nip and tuck, consisting of a new galaxy-inspired grille with a light up Chery emblem up front, new taillight design, and a cool 3D third braking light near the roof-mounted spoiler behind.
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The highlight of this new model, though, is on the inside – which gets a complete revamp into something that one might even call “Mercedes-Benz-like”. Highlights here include a twin 12.3-inch floating screen set-up on the dashboard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wooden touch panel for your climate controls, as well as detailed knurling on many of its interior trims.
At launch, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro will be offered with a single powertrain option, consisting of a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four mill with 250 hp and 390 Nm, paired to a seven-speed DCT gearbox sending drive to the front wheels. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant will also be launched here in Malaysia, rumoured to happen later this year.
Both the Chery Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro will be sold here as locally assembled (CKD) models, built at Inokom’s manufacturing facility in Kulim, Kedah. Production for the models have already begun.
Aside from looks and equipment, how do these cars feel and drive? Find out in the video above.
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