About the Chery OMODA E5
Chris Symmonds purchased this Chery OMODA E5 new for $49,990 (including all on-road costs). Chris would buy this car again. “I have said ‘yes’,” writes Chris, “but I am disappointed that the new price is $6000.00 cheaper at the moment. Good value for money. Compared to Tesla the car has all of the safety features, including 360 degree camera, heated seats, heated steering wheel. Full-size spare.”
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
Since purchase (late September 2024) I’ve only done 3900 klms. I have an issue with the radio as it will always come on when the car is turned on. I have tried to find the location to turn off the radio permanently, and could not do it.
Also the heated steering wheel is hard to find. I did eventually find the control for the heated steering wheel, but only because I went on YouTube and found out about it by chance.
The radio is still an issue and I’m waiting for my Chery dealer to have a look for the way to turn off the radio. However, I need to leave it up to two days with them as they don’t know themselves. The same issue with the heated steering wheel. As the Electric version is very new to Australia, I think the service departments of the Chery dealers are not trained enough to assist with these type of issues.
Would you believe, when I took my car in for the 10,000 km service, the service bloke didn’t even know how to move my car. I had to explain to him how to start and move my car. All he has to do is sit in the driver’s seat with the key near him, place his foot on the brake and the car is reasdy to put into drive, or reverse, etc.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
I’m very impressed with the features of the car considering the price paid. However, I’m disappointed that the drive-away price has dropped $6000 since my purchase. However, the salesman knows more about this car than the service department does. It concerns me as to how my future servicing will go every 20,000 kms. I’m hoping they know what to do correctly for my regular services.
How has the purchase and aftercare experience been with your car?
Salesman was fantastic, very helpful. The service department on the other hand? Thumbs down. Having to wait two weeks with the radio issue until they can find out how to turn off the radio so that it doesn’t come on every time my car is turned on is not the best, and also running the battery down.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
Price at purchase was great considering the features that come with this model. Car-mats were supplied at no charge to me. Great safety and style of this car, however there are lots of things that are hidden in strange locations. For example, the heated steering wheel. It is located in the air-conditioning screen. However, there is a picture of the steering wheel but nothing to tell you to touch it to turn the heating on or off. No directions either in the manual.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
Excellent for acceleration, plenty of grunt when you need it. I’m getting better than expected [economy] whilst driving it around the town. Upwards of 12.6 kwt per 100 klm. Would not advise to have the regenerative braking higher than 1 as it gets jumpy which on 3 can make you feel ill.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
There is so much technology in this car that I haven’t even touched on it all. A lot of it is hidden in places you would not expect. The instruction manual which I downloaded off the internet is not the most helpful and at times vague. Love the way it locks, even closing open windows when you walk away. Like the proximity key [and] how it works.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
It’s OK if you don’t have the regenerative braking higher than 1. Any higher and it gets a little jumpy and even worse on the 3 setting. Corners well. Steering I find responsive, the car follows the road well. I don’t have any issues with the lane-keep assist. Love the speed-limit recognition and warning. Seating in the front is comfortable. I’m 180 cm tall and have no trouble with the seating, steering wheel location. My head is only centimetres from the roof as I have the model with the sunroof.
