Chery has launched the first car from Omoda, its luxury sub-division, in South Africa – the new C5.
The crossover has a starting price of R447,990 for the entry-level Tech, putting it in similar territory with another recently launched Chinese car – the BAIC Beijing X55 – where the top-spec Premium model retails for R464,900.
Chinese car brands have become an increasingly attractive option for local motorists over the last few years owing to their affordability and extensive feature lists, and these two latest models are no different.
We put these two SUVs head to head to see which one offers the best bang for your buck.
Powertrains
Both the Beijing and Omoda share a front-wheel-drive platform and a 1.5-litre petrol powerplant, though with different outputs and transmissions.
The X55 has the larger output of the two, offering a power rating of 130kW and 305Nm compared to the C5’s 115kW and 230Nm.
For the transmissions, BAIC has opted for a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic while Omoda is sticking with a CVT, resulting in a slightly better fuel consumption of 6.9l/100km for the lesser-powerful C5 compared to the X55’s 7.2l/100km.
On the other hand, the Beijing expectedly has greater performance as it can reach 100km/h in 7.8 seconds – 2.1 seconds faster than its competitor.
Features
Starting with the equipment offered by both crossovers, buyers can expect LED headlights and daytime running lights, keyless entry and start, hill assist, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, a wireless phone charger, a leather multifunction steering wheel, sports seats with six-way adjustability, and a 10.25-inch digital driver display.
Where they differ, the Omoda Tech comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, vinyl and cloth upholstery, six speakers, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with voice commands and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
In contrast, the X55 Premium features 19-inch alloys, rain-sensing wipers, light-sensing headlights, electronically-adjustable front seats with lumbar support and heating and ventilation functions, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, eight speakers, and a refrigerator under the central armrest.
Its media screen is slightly smaller than the Omoda’s at 10.1 inches, but the more crucial distinction is the fact that the BAIC does not support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Pricing
The BAIC Beijing X55 1.5T Premium has a South African starting price of R464,900.
This includes a 5-year/150,000km warranty and a 5-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance plan.
The Omoda C5 230T Tech has a local starting price of R447,990.
Each purchase comes with a 5-year/150,000km warranty, a 5-year/60,000km service plan, and an additional 10-year/1-million kilometre engine warranty for the first owner.
Omoda C5
BAIC Beijing X55
Keyword: New Omoda C5 vs BAIC Beijing X55 – What a R450,000 Chinese crossover offers in 2023