CHERY OMODA 5

SMALL SUV HOBBLED BY 'ASSISTANCE' THAT OVERSTEPS THE MARQUE

- JOHN LAW

CHERY HAS been absent from Australian shores since a quiet departure in 2014. Known for selling Australia's cheapest car - the Daewoo-Matizlook-a-like J1 - and a near-clone of a second-gen RAV4, the J11, the Chinese carmaker's return is accompanied by an all-new car.

The Omoda 5 is not just a new small SUV for Australia, it's Chery's flagship global vehicle. It gets a brand-spanking platform, fresh engines, and a sophisticated (on paper at least) technology package.

Chery is renowned for daring to 'copy' mainstream manufacturers' design details (the aforementioned J1 was embroiled in a lawsuit with General Motors China) and the new Omoda 5 upholds this tradition. It features a Tesla-inspired wireless charging pad, Kia-like infotainment system, Thor's hammer LED lights from Volvo, and a grille that reminds us of the Hyundai Tucson. Still, it's no Land Wind X7 the shape and combination of design flourishes are unique to the Omoda 5.

As is typical for Chinese entrants, such as GWM and LDV before, the Omoda 5 arrives with the intention of undercutting traditional players' price points. Ergo, you can expect to pay the same for a top-spec Chery as you would for a low- to mid-spec Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30 or Nissan Qashqai.

Chery initially promised national drive-away pricing for Australia, though backed down before launch due to the complexities and nuances between states, so the range starts at $29,900 before on-roads costs; here we've driven the up-spec $32,900 EX.

On top of 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital cluster, wireless charging, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, dual-zone climate control and vinyl upholstery, the EX brings red exterior trimming, a sunroof, a power passenger seat to match the driver's, a power tailgate, seat heating and a 360-degree camera.