Chery shows 2 new export models

Khodrocar - The Omoda 7 was unveiled at an event held for overseas dealers by Chery at its headquarters in Wuhu, Anhui Province. Omoda was initially the name of a Chery model but has since become an export brand, the name first being used in Russia and other former Soviet markets before expanding coverage. Omoda has more upmarket positioning than the Chery brand. The new Omoda 7 follows on from the original Omoda 5.

Currently the Omoda 7 is a PHEV with reportedly an ICE version but not an all-electric version on its way. The mid-sized SUV measures in at 4,621, 1,872 and 1,673 mm (l/w/h), with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. It rides on 20-inch wheels which feature a spiral like pattern. The platform is a stretched version of the one underpinning the Omoda 5 and the Omoda 7 features double hydraulic suspension and an advanced brake-by-wire system.

At the front the Omoda 7 has an enclosed grille with a dot matrix type pattern. Reportedly the hexagonal pattern in the front corners can light up. Following the typical style currently popular with Chinese SUV designs the Omoda 7 has a floating roof thanks to a two-tone paint scheme with black above the window line. The sharp kickback toward the D-pillar is a notable feature as are the semi-recessed door handles. These are obviously a lot cheaper than fully recessed ones and retain some of the improved aerodynamics while remaining mechanically simpler.

The interior is based on the Fulwin series and inside the Omoda 5 has a 15.6-inch screen which can slide from the center over to the passenger side like in a Zeekr X. It has 2.5 k resolution and 1,000 nit brightness and the car features control through not only the screen but also gesture and voice. Chery claim the steering wheel is in a gaming style – inspiration supposedly coming from a PlayStation 5 controller. The seats are also meant to be gaming style and are nubuck leather.

Chery claims NVH is good with 90% noise abatement and 10 dB inhibiting ability which helps quieten the cabin. Meanwhile, for audiophiles there’s a 12 + 2 speaker Sony sound system, the +2 being small speakers in the driver’s headrest for things like navigation prompts and phone calls. The Omoda 7 also features a fragrance dispenser.

Powering the Omoda 7 is Chery’s by now familiar Kunpeng hybrid system featuring a 1.5 TGDi petrol engine. Details of the hybrid component are unknown but maximum power for the engine is 115 kW with a peak torque of 220 Nm. An electric range of 95 km and combined range of 1250 km were claimed at the event but it is unknown on what cycle these distances were calculated. Similarly fuel consumption was said to be 4.98 l/100 km.

Also shown recently was the export version of the Chery Exeed Exlantix ES electric sedan which is known in China as the Sterra ES. This has a number of differences to the domestic model. Most noticeably the front is more aggressive. There are also more sporty looking wheel trims and the display model had a racy yellow paint job.

Measuring in at 4945 mm long, 1978 mm wide, with a maximum height of 1489 mm tall, the sleek sedan has a 3000 mm wheelbase. Thanks partly to the 0.205Cd drag coefficient  it has a CLTC range of up to 905 km. Higher spec versions of the domestic model have 800V architecture and battery sizes range from 60.5 kWh to 97.7 kWh. Lowest spec versions get a 185 kW motor while higher spec ones swap this out for a 230 kW motor. All wheel drive versions retain this motor and add a 123 kW unit to the front axle.

Inside the Chery Exeed Exlantix ES has the same center screen as the Omoda 7, although it doesn’t slide. Additionally there is a 12.3-inch instrument screen. Powering the cockpit is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip.