Chery A5 2.0 (A) Review
04 Feb 2011|28,591 views
Just early last year, we tested Chery's A5 1.6-litre manual - not nearly as good as what we expected. And just a couple of weeks ago, we brought out the brand's big boy H5 out for a spin. Fit and finish wasn't good, seats looked a tad tacky and the electronics just didn't seem to give in.
But we didn't give up.
Despite all the rolled eyes and disappointing sighs, we decided to give the Chinese marque another opportunity. Being one of Chery's more popular family vehicles, we took out the A5 2.0-litre automatic.
Well, time to stop the jokes. This sedan is a solid, commendable effort from the Chinese automaker. It may not be the best, of course, but it sure has exceeded our expectations in certain aspects.
Exterior
The subtle front end sings reminiscence to a Nissan Sunny which isn't exactly a bad thing because Chery made the semi-circled shaped headlamps up front dominating, with small fog lamps that sits nicely at the bottom of the bumper. For a car of its size, Chery did pull off the front rather well, matching the huge, piercing headlamps with the thick chromed grille that smacks right in the centre.
But we didn't give up.
Despite all the rolled eyes and disappointing sighs, we decided to give the Chinese marque another opportunity. Being one of Chery's more popular family vehicles, we took out the A5 2.0-litre automatic.
Well, time to stop the jokes. This sedan is a solid, commendable effort from the Chinese automaker. It may not be the best, of course, but it sure has exceeded our expectations in certain aspects.
Exterior
The subtle front end sings reminiscence to a Nissan Sunny which isn't exactly a bad thing because Chery made the semi-circled shaped headlamps up front dominating, with small fog lamps that sits nicely at the bottom of the bumper. For a car of its size, Chery did pull off the front rather well, matching the huge, piercing headlamps with the thick chromed grille that smacks right in the centre.
 |
However, Chery designers may not have given much thought about the sides of the car though. It appears flat and swoopy, with no distinct lines to illustrate its beltline. The only visible line that can be seen is the chromed strip that runs across the doors. And because of this, the roof arches like a Volkswagen Beetle - a design that somehow doesn't fit for a sedan.
The angular styling continues at the back, taking cues from the American marque, the Cadillac CTS. It's straight to the point but a little less graceful and it's certainly a good effort from Chery, although it could have been better. The rear lamps, somehow, just don't work for me, with the transparent circle casing peeking through the tail lights.
 |
Interior
Yes, it gets better inside.
Although the exterior styling was a little fussy, the cabin of the Chery A5 exceeded our expectations. Fit and finish weren't good enough but Chery has certainly improved over the years.
The beige interior was pleasant to the eyes and the dashboard was surprisingly leather soft. Furthermore, with audio controls available on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, the A5 has an edge over many Japanese brands.
Apart from clearly laid out buttons, seats are fairly comfortable with high seating position while rear seat passengers get to enjoy the luxury of space in the Chinese marque.
Yes, it gets better inside.
Although the exterior styling was a little fussy, the cabin of the Chery A5 exceeded our expectations. Fit and finish weren't good enough but Chery has certainly improved over the years.
The beige interior was pleasant to the eyes and the dashboard was surprisingly leather soft. Furthermore, with audio controls available on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, the A5 has an edge over many Japanese brands.
Apart from clearly laid out buttons, seats are fairly comfortable with high seating position while rear seat passengers get to enjoy the luxury of space in the Chinese marque.
This comes as no surprise, as its length and width of 4.5 metres and 1.75 metres respectively is comparable to Kia Cerato Forte. Not being able to haul three adults at the back of a Chery A5 is, in reality, a myth
Speaking of space, the boot capacity is pretty substantial with two luggage and a couple of hand-carry bags fitting in with ease.
Overall, the car's interior satisfies the evolved notion that, perhaps, not all China-made cars are shabby. Of course there's always room for improvements, which Chery should. And based on this A5, I'd say Chery is on the right track.
Speaking of space, the boot capacity is pretty substantial with two luggage and a couple of hand-carry bags fitting in with ease.
Overall, the car's interior satisfies the evolved notion that, perhaps, not all China-made cars are shabby. Of course there's always room for improvements, which Chery should. And based on this A5, I'd say Chery is on the right track.
 |
The Drive
Unfortunately, the praises stop here as the drive was a tad disappointing.
On the go, the 2.0-litre powerplant is uncertain and there's always a time when you wish you had more power to dominate the roads. By the way the power is delivered leaves you shaken rather than stirred.
The gearbox is often hesitant and harsh, especially in the first few cogs. And the sound the engine makes does little to enhance your driving pleasure.
The sedan that was doing well in terms of its looks, inside and out, has decided to go against us with its drive.
This sedan drives like an old school automobile, has a perky character and possesses a level of insistence hardly associated with its segment. Apart from the light steering wheel, you can often hear cogs changing with intermittent staggering movements at lower speeds. And when you shift from reverse to drive (or vice versa), the transmission takes some time to engage.
Unfortunately, the praises stop here as the drive was a tad disappointing.
On the go, the 2.0-litre powerplant is uncertain and there's always a time when you wish you had more power to dominate the roads. By the way the power is delivered leaves you shaken rather than stirred.
The gearbox is often hesitant and harsh, especially in the first few cogs. And the sound the engine makes does little to enhance your driving pleasure.
The sedan that was doing well in terms of its looks, inside and out, has decided to go against us with its drive.
This sedan drives like an old school automobile, has a perky character and possesses a level of insistence hardly associated with its segment. Apart from the light steering wheel, you can often hear cogs changing with intermittent staggering movements at lower speeds. And when you shift from reverse to drive (or vice versa), the transmission takes some time to engage.
The good thing is, however, there is enough latitude and torque for a leisure drive in the city. And if you can ignore the wind and engine noises, the 1.3 tonne car is almost capable of overtaking on the highway.
Conclusion
Although the Chery A5 did exceed certain expectations, we are unable to deal with the drive it produces. At a current price of $106,999 (as of 27 Dec 2010), it won't be the choice of the masses as there are other options that might just be worth considering.
If you are the kind who prefers looks and space over the driving experience, this may just be a decent buy. But if you're not up for a stubborn character for a car, you could go for a Kia.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
Although the Chery A5 did exceed certain expectations, we are unable to deal with the drive it produces. At a current price of $106,999 (as of 27 Dec 2010), it won't be the choice of the masses as there are other options that might just be worth considering.
If you are the kind who prefers looks and space over the driving experience, this may just be a decent buy. But if you're not up for a stubborn character for a car, you could go for a Kia.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Just early last year, we tested Chery's A5 1.6-litre manual - not nearly as good as what we expected. And just a couple of weeks ago, we brought out the brand's big boy H5 out for a spin. Fit and finish wasn't good, seats looked a tad tacky and the electronics just didn't seem to give in.
But we didn't give up.
Despite all the rolled eyes and disappointing sighs, we decided to give the Chinese marque another opportunity. Being one of Chery's more popular family vehicles, we took out the A5 2.0-litre automatic.
Well, time to stop the jokes. This sedan is a solid, commendable effort from the Chinese automaker. It may not be the best, of course, but it sure has exceeded our expectations in certain aspects.
Exterior
The subtle front end sings reminiscence to a Nissan Sunny which isn't exactly a bad thing because Chery made the semi-circled shaped headlamps up front dominating, with small fog lamps that sits nicely at the bottom of the bumper. For a car of its size, Chery did pull off the front rather well, matching the huge, piercing headlamps with the thick chromed grille that smacks right in the centre.
But we didn't give up.
Despite all the rolled eyes and disappointing sighs, we decided to give the Chinese marque another opportunity. Being one of Chery's more popular family vehicles, we took out the A5 2.0-litre automatic.
Well, time to stop the jokes. This sedan is a solid, commendable effort from the Chinese automaker. It may not be the best, of course, but it sure has exceeded our expectations in certain aspects.
Exterior
The subtle front end sings reminiscence to a Nissan Sunny which isn't exactly a bad thing because Chery made the semi-circled shaped headlamps up front dominating, with small fog lamps that sits nicely at the bottom of the bumper. For a car of its size, Chery did pull off the front rather well, matching the huge, piercing headlamps with the thick chromed grille that smacks right in the centre.
|
However, Chery designers may not have given much thought about the sides of the car though. It appears flat and swoopy, with no distinct lines to illustrate its beltline. The only visible line that can be seen is the chromed strip that runs across the doors. And because of this, the roof arches like a Volkswagen Beetle - a design that somehow doesn't fit for a sedan.
The angular styling continues at the back, taking cues from the American marque, the Cadillac CTS. It's straight to the point but a little less graceful and it's certainly a good effort from Chery, although it could have been better. The rear lamps, somehow, just don't work for me, with the transparent circle casing peeking through the tail lights.
|
Interior
Yes, it gets better inside.
Although the exterior styling was a little fussy, the cabin of the Chery A5 exceeded our expectations. Fit and finish weren't good enough but Chery has certainly improved over the years.
The beige interior was pleasant to the eyes and the dashboard was surprisingly leather soft. Furthermore, with audio controls available on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, the A5 has an edge over many Japanese brands.
Apart from clearly laid out buttons, seats are fairly comfortable with high seating position while rear seat passengers get to enjoy the luxury of space in the Chinese marque.
Yes, it gets better inside.
Although the exterior styling was a little fussy, the cabin of the Chery A5 exceeded our expectations. Fit and finish weren't good enough but Chery has certainly improved over the years.
The beige interior was pleasant to the eyes and the dashboard was surprisingly leather soft. Furthermore, with audio controls available on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, the A5 has an edge over many Japanese brands.
Apart from clearly laid out buttons, seats are fairly comfortable with high seating position while rear seat passengers get to enjoy the luxury of space in the Chinese marque.
This comes as no surprise, as its length and width of 4.5 metres and 1.75 metres respectively is comparable to Kia Cerato Forte. Not being able to haul three adults at the back of a Chery A5 is, in reality, a myth
Speaking of space, the boot capacity is pretty substantial with two luggage and a couple of hand-carry bags fitting in with ease.
Overall, the car's interior satisfies the evolved notion that, perhaps, not all China-made cars are shabby. Of course there's always room for improvements, which Chery should. And based on this A5, I'd say Chery is on the right track.
Speaking of space, the boot capacity is pretty substantial with two luggage and a couple of hand-carry bags fitting in with ease.
Overall, the car's interior satisfies the evolved notion that, perhaps, not all China-made cars are shabby. Of course there's always room for improvements, which Chery should. And based on this A5, I'd say Chery is on the right track.
|
The Drive
Unfortunately, the praises stop here as the drive was a tad disappointing.
On the go, the 2.0-litre powerplant is uncertain and there's always a time when you wish you had more power to dominate the roads. By the way the power is delivered leaves you shaken rather than stirred.
The gearbox is often hesitant and harsh, especially in the first few cogs. And the sound the engine makes does little to enhance your driving pleasure.
The sedan that was doing well in terms of its looks, inside and out, has decided to go against us with its drive.
This sedan drives like an old school automobile, has a perky character and possesses a level of insistence hardly associated with its segment. Apart from the light steering wheel, you can often hear cogs changing with intermittent staggering movements at lower speeds. And when you shift from reverse to drive (or vice versa), the transmission takes some time to engage.
Unfortunately, the praises stop here as the drive was a tad disappointing.
On the go, the 2.0-litre powerplant is uncertain and there's always a time when you wish you had more power to dominate the roads. By the way the power is delivered leaves you shaken rather than stirred.
The gearbox is often hesitant and harsh, especially in the first few cogs. And the sound the engine makes does little to enhance your driving pleasure.
The sedan that was doing well in terms of its looks, inside and out, has decided to go against us with its drive.
This sedan drives like an old school automobile, has a perky character and possesses a level of insistence hardly associated with its segment. Apart from the light steering wheel, you can often hear cogs changing with intermittent staggering movements at lower speeds. And when you shift from reverse to drive (or vice versa), the transmission takes some time to engage.
The good thing is, however, there is enough latitude and torque for a leisure drive in the city. And if you can ignore the wind and engine noises, the 1.3 tonne car is almost capable of overtaking on the highway.
Conclusion
Although the Chery A5 did exceed certain expectations, we are unable to deal with the drive it produces. At a current price of $106,999 (as of 27 Dec 2010), it won't be the choice of the masses as there are other options that might just be worth considering.
If you are the kind who prefers looks and space over the driving experience, this may just be a decent buy. But if you're not up for a stubborn character for a car, you could go for a Kia.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
Although the Chery A5 did exceed certain expectations, we are unable to deal with the drive it produces. At a current price of $106,999 (as of 27 Dec 2010), it won't be the choice of the masses as there are other options that might just be worth considering.
If you are the kind who prefers looks and space over the driving experience, this may just be a decent buy. But if you're not up for a stubborn character for a car, you could go for a Kia.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
Chery J5 2.0 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13.2km/L
Horsepower
104kW (139 bhp)
Torque
182 Nm
Acceleration
13.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Chery J5
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