2023 Chery Omoda 5 small SUV flies in for under $30K undercutting the Toyota Corolla Cross, but is it more expensive than a GWM Haval Jolion?

The Chery Omoda 5 small SUV is ready to take on rivals such as Toyota's Corolla Cross and Mitsubishi's ASX.

Chinese carmaker Chery has revealed pricing and features for its Omoda 5 small SUV spearheading its return to the Australian market after a decade-long absence.

Due to go on sale at the end of March, Chery will launch the Omoda 5 in two grades: the entry level, which is simply called Omoda 5 for a list price of $29,900 before on-road costs and the EX for $32,900.

In comparison the most affordable Toyota Corolla Cross lists for $33,000. A Hyundai Kona starts from $26,900 and a GWM Haval Jolion kicks off at $28,490, but that's drive-away.

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Coming standard on both grades of the Omoda 5 are LED headlights and daytime running lights, 18-inch alloys wheels - but the EX gets hoops with red highlights and red brake calipers - while inside they both have double 10.25-inch displays, synthetic leather sports seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also proximity unlocking and push button start.

Both grades have a power adjustable driver’s seats, but the EX also has a power front passenger seat too, and both seats up front are heated, there’s also a heated steering wheel, a power tailgate and a sunroof.

A seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty covers the Omoda 5, while there’s also seven years capped-price servicing and roadside assistance for the same duration.

While ANCAP has yet to crash test the Omoda 5, its European equivalent Euro NCAP awarded the vehicle the maximum five-star rating in 2022.

Both grades have a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 115kW and 230Nm. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) sends the drive to the front wheels.

Inside, there are two 10.25-inch displays.

Chery said a sporty Omoda 5 will arrive in the latter half of the year with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, ahead of a fully electric variant in 2024.

“Chery’s brand philosophy is to put its customers first, which is exactly what the OMODA 5’s pricing strategy aims to do,” Chery Australia’s CEO, Andy Zhang said.

“We want as many people as possible to experience this feature-packed SUV, and we want to provide true value in the Australian new-car market.

The Omoda 5 small SUV kicks off from ,900.

“The OMODA 5 delivers on both counts, with its competitive pricing and a long list of premium features across two seriously well-equipped trim levels.”

Chery was last in Australia from 2011-2013 but left the country after being plagued by low ANCAP scores and recalls due to asbestos discovered in gaskets.

CarsGuide’s review of the Omoda 5 will be available to read on March 20.

2023 Chery Omoda 5 pricing before on-road costs