Chery H5 2.0 (M) Review
21 Dec 2010|27,503 views
With just 10 years experience in making and selling cars, Chery is the one of the youngest vehicle manufacturers in China. And the company is on track to produce 1 million cars this year - well ahead of forecast.
Chery has about 20 models in its range, including hatchbacks, sedans and vans. Although it's the latter segment that has not seen great sales since 2009, it is expected to improve by the end of this year.
With the H5 driving up to our shores, the luxury van is expected to increase the sales of the Chinese brand with its aggressive exterior and high comfort levels. Despite facing tough competition such as the Toyota Hiace and Hyundai Starex, Chery seems confident that they can successfully breakthrough the market.
Question is - can it last?
Exterior
Launched in August this year, the H5 could almost pass off as a new generation of Toyota Hiace. Not that it's a copycat car, rather it's a compliment about how far Chery has come in terms of its design in a relatively short period of time in the automotive world.
Chery has about 20 models in its range, including hatchbacks, sedans and vans. Although it's the latter segment that has not seen great sales since 2009, it is expected to improve by the end of this year.
With the H5 driving up to our shores, the luxury van is expected to increase the sales of the Chinese brand with its aggressive exterior and high comfort levels. Despite facing tough competition such as the Toyota Hiace and Hyundai Starex, Chery seems confident that they can successfully breakthrough the market.
Question is - can it last?
Exterior
Launched in August this year, the H5 could almost pass off as a new generation of Toyota Hiace. Not that it's a copycat car, rather it's a compliment about how far Chery has come in terms of its design in a relatively short period of time in the automotive world.
 |
In fact, the fascia of the van looks far more sleek and aggressive as compared to its Nihonjin competitor. With its carefully crafted surfaces, including a generous creation of wide windows all round, attention is drawn to the 14-seater Chinese.
Round the back, things get far simpler but no less neater. A chromed piece with Chery's logo blends as a bulge on its hidden rear door handle with the usual red-cased rear lamps by the sides. No complains here, considering the fact that the van's styling, while not stunning, is substantial and pleasant.
 |
Interior
But it was a tad disappointing, then, to find that the vehicle's impression of its interior quality and design didn't quite match up to its exterior. Inside, the massive grey dashboard looks tacky while the radio can be a little stubborn. It looks like none other vehicles we've tested before.
That said, in accommodating higher number passengers, the Chery H5 has no deficiencies. With the overall length of 5410mm, the voluminous rear space swallows up to 12 lengthy passengers with ease.
But it was a tad disappointing, then, to find that the vehicle's impression of its interior quality and design didn't quite match up to its exterior. Inside, the massive grey dashboard looks tacky while the radio can be a little stubborn. It looks like none other vehicles we've tested before.
That said, in accommodating higher number passengers, the Chery H5 has no deficiencies. With the overall length of 5410mm, the voluminous rear space swallows up to 12 lengthy passengers with ease.
Plus, the H5 has no small windows that are commonly associated with vans. The large glass windows make the cabin feel even roomier as compared to the fully enclose Hiace.
Comfort wise, the H5 scores pretty well. Front passenger may be happy to know that the suede seats are soft and well-padded. But it's the rear passengers who will be having the last laugh.
Apart from the comfortable leather benches, passengers seated at the back will get the additional advantage of having ample head and legroom. The only set-back is the brown and beige coloured seats that send out a negative impression of the H5 looking grimy.
Comfort wise, the H5 scores pretty well. Front passenger may be happy to know that the suede seats are soft and well-padded. But it's the rear passengers who will be having the last laugh.
Apart from the comfortable leather benches, passengers seated at the back will get the additional advantage of having ample head and legroom. The only set-back is the brown and beige coloured seats that send out a negative impression of the H5 looking grimy.
 |
The Drive
On the go, the huge 2.0-litre TCI turbocharged engine is no klutz. It handles competently when driven like a commercial carrier. And although its steering is very light, the van has a surprisingly good straight-line tracking which makes driving this two tonne vehicle an easy task.
The enthusiasm and power of the van should also come as no surprise as it beats the Hiace hands down in terms of its power and torque figures. With a maximum of 170bhp and 235Nm of torque, the Chery H5 has adequate power to overtake even on the highways. Head beyond the 80km/h mark and noises from the engine and tyres can be heard relatively clearly.
Given its stature as a commercial vehicle, the suspension of the van is decidedly comfort-biased. It soaks up dips and bumps without any drama, maintaining its full responsibility of transporting passengers with the utmost comfort possible.
On the go, the huge 2.0-litre TCI turbocharged engine is no klutz. It handles competently when driven like a commercial carrier. And although its steering is very light, the van has a surprisingly good straight-line tracking which makes driving this two tonne vehicle an easy task.
The enthusiasm and power of the van should also come as no surprise as it beats the Hiace hands down in terms of its power and torque figures. With a maximum of 170bhp and 235Nm of torque, the Chery H5 has adequate power to overtake even on the highways. Head beyond the 80km/h mark and noises from the engine and tyres can be heard relatively clearly.
Given its stature as a commercial vehicle, the suspension of the van is decidedly comfort-biased. It soaks up dips and bumps without any drama, maintaining its full responsibility of transporting passengers with the utmost comfort possible.
Conclusion
Although Chery has remained among the top ten Chinese car makers and has been the biggest selling brand behind Volkswagen, Toyota and Hyundai, the perception of the brand has been pretty negative.
If you're the kind who prefers to go with looks over size, the H5 might not be for you. It has an interior like no other (pardon the pun). But for the price of $76,000 (as of 30th Nov 2010), this van certainly has the size and space to meet all your commercial needs.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Although Chery has remained among the top ten Chinese car makers and has been the biggest selling brand behind Volkswagen, Toyota and Hyundai, the perception of the brand has been pretty negative.
If you're the kind who prefers to go with looks over size, the H5 might not be for you. It has an interior like no other (pardon the pun). But for the price of $76,000 (as of 30th Nov 2010), this van certainly has the size and space to meet all your commercial needs.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
With just 10 years experience in making and selling cars, Chery is the one of the youngest vehicle manufacturers in China. And the company is on track to produce 1 million cars this year - well ahead of forecast.
Chery has about 20 models in its range, including hatchbacks, sedans and vans. Although it's the latter segment that has not seen great sales since 2009, it is expected to improve by the end of this year.
With the H5 driving up to our shores, the luxury van is expected to increase the sales of the Chinese brand with its aggressive exterior and high comfort levels. Despite facing tough competition such as the Toyota Hiace and Hyundai Starex, Chery seems confident that they can successfully breakthrough the market.
Question is - can it last?
Exterior
Launched in August this year, the H5 could almost pass off as a new generation of Toyota Hiace. Not that it's a copycat car, rather it's a compliment about how far Chery has come in terms of its design in a relatively short period of time in the automotive world.
Chery has about 20 models in its range, including hatchbacks, sedans and vans. Although it's the latter segment that has not seen great sales since 2009, it is expected to improve by the end of this year.
With the H5 driving up to our shores, the luxury van is expected to increase the sales of the Chinese brand with its aggressive exterior and high comfort levels. Despite facing tough competition such as the Toyota Hiace and Hyundai Starex, Chery seems confident that they can successfully breakthrough the market.
Question is - can it last?
Exterior
Launched in August this year, the H5 could almost pass off as a new generation of Toyota Hiace. Not that it's a copycat car, rather it's a compliment about how far Chery has come in terms of its design in a relatively short period of time in the automotive world.
|
In fact, the fascia of the van looks far more sleek and aggressive as compared to its Nihonjin competitor. With its carefully crafted surfaces, including a generous creation of wide windows all round, attention is drawn to the 14-seater Chinese.
Round the back, things get far simpler but no less neater. A chromed piece with Chery's logo blends as a bulge on its hidden rear door handle with the usual red-cased rear lamps by the sides. No complains here, considering the fact that the van's styling, while not stunning, is substantial and pleasant.
|
Interior
But it was a tad disappointing, then, to find that the vehicle's impression of its interior quality and design didn't quite match up to its exterior. Inside, the massive grey dashboard looks tacky while the radio can be a little stubborn. It looks like none other vehicles we've tested before.
That said, in accommodating higher number passengers, the Chery H5 has no deficiencies. With the overall length of 5410mm, the voluminous rear space swallows up to 12 lengthy passengers with ease.
But it was a tad disappointing, then, to find that the vehicle's impression of its interior quality and design didn't quite match up to its exterior. Inside, the massive grey dashboard looks tacky while the radio can be a little stubborn. It looks like none other vehicles we've tested before.
That said, in accommodating higher number passengers, the Chery H5 has no deficiencies. With the overall length of 5410mm, the voluminous rear space swallows up to 12 lengthy passengers with ease.
Plus, the H5 has no small windows that are commonly associated with vans. The large glass windows make the cabin feel even roomier as compared to the fully enclose Hiace.
Comfort wise, the H5 scores pretty well. Front passenger may be happy to know that the suede seats are soft and well-padded. But it's the rear passengers who will be having the last laugh.
Apart from the comfortable leather benches, passengers seated at the back will get the additional advantage of having ample head and legroom. The only set-back is the brown and beige coloured seats that send out a negative impression of the H5 looking grimy.
Comfort wise, the H5 scores pretty well. Front passenger may be happy to know that the suede seats are soft and well-padded. But it's the rear passengers who will be having the last laugh.
Apart from the comfortable leather benches, passengers seated at the back will get the additional advantage of having ample head and legroom. The only set-back is the brown and beige coloured seats that send out a negative impression of the H5 looking grimy.
|
The Drive
On the go, the huge 2.0-litre TCI turbocharged engine is no klutz. It handles competently when driven like a commercial carrier. And although its steering is very light, the van has a surprisingly good straight-line tracking which makes driving this two tonne vehicle an easy task.
The enthusiasm and power of the van should also come as no surprise as it beats the Hiace hands down in terms of its power and torque figures. With a maximum of 170bhp and 235Nm of torque, the Chery H5 has adequate power to overtake even on the highways. Head beyond the 80km/h mark and noises from the engine and tyres can be heard relatively clearly.
Given its stature as a commercial vehicle, the suspension of the van is decidedly comfort-biased. It soaks up dips and bumps without any drama, maintaining its full responsibility of transporting passengers with the utmost comfort possible.
On the go, the huge 2.0-litre TCI turbocharged engine is no klutz. It handles competently when driven like a commercial carrier. And although its steering is very light, the van has a surprisingly good straight-line tracking which makes driving this two tonne vehicle an easy task.
The enthusiasm and power of the van should also come as no surprise as it beats the Hiace hands down in terms of its power and torque figures. With a maximum of 170bhp and 235Nm of torque, the Chery H5 has adequate power to overtake even on the highways. Head beyond the 80km/h mark and noises from the engine and tyres can be heard relatively clearly.
Given its stature as a commercial vehicle, the suspension of the van is decidedly comfort-biased. It soaks up dips and bumps without any drama, maintaining its full responsibility of transporting passengers with the utmost comfort possible.
Conclusion
Although Chery has remained among the top ten Chinese car makers and has been the biggest selling brand behind Volkswagen, Toyota and Hyundai, the perception of the brand has been pretty negative.
If you're the kind who prefers to go with looks over size, the H5 might not be for you. It has an interior like no other (pardon the pun). But for the price of $76,000 (as of 30th Nov 2010), this van certainly has the size and space to meet all your commercial needs.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Although Chery has remained among the top ten Chinese car makers and has been the biggest selling brand behind Volkswagen, Toyota and Hyundai, the perception of the brand has been pretty negative.
If you're the kind who prefers to go with looks over size, the H5 might not be for you. It has an interior like no other (pardon the pun). But for the price of $76,000 (as of 30th Nov 2010), this van certainly has the size and space to meet all your commercial needs.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
Chery H5 2.0 (M)
CAT B|Petrol|9.5km/L
Horsepower
127kW (170 bhp)
Torque
235 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Chery H5
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