Chery’s small SUV has had a quick re-brand for 2025, landing in Australia as the Chery C5 with a fresher face, a new dual-clutch gearbox and a sharper price tag. It still runs the familiar 1.5-litre turbo four (108 kW/210 Nm) but swaps the old CVT for a slick six-speed DCT and adopts multi-link rear suspension for better ride quality. Fuel use remains a reasonable 6.9 L/100 km on the combined cycle.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Punchy 1.5-litre Chery C5 engine pulls strongly, now backed by a crisper DCT
- Seven-year/unlimited-km warranty and capped-price servicing
- Genuinely premium cabin tech (dual 10.25-inch screens, wireless CarPlay) in the base Urban
- Independent rear suspension brings more polish over lumpy city roads
Cons
- No all-wheel-drive option yet
- Limited colour palette – lovers of pastel blues need not apply
- Cabin plastics still lag behind Japanese rivals
- Brand resale remains an unknown in Australia
How Much Does It Cost?
Here is the happy news for anyone counting their dollars: the 2025 Chery C5 slips in well under the psychological $30K barrier, with the Urban variant landing at $29,990 drive-away. Step up to the leather-trimmed, Sony-sound-equipped Ultimate and you are still only parting with $34,990 drive-away, keeping the out-the-door figure below $35K. In other words, the 2025 Chery C5 pricing strategy stays laser-focused on value, giving buyers a feature list that would cost thousands more in many rivals.
Features and Benefits
The 2025 Chery C5 packs in impressive features, especially considering its competitive pricing in the compact SUV segment. The entry-level C5 Urban comes equipped with dual 10.25-inch digital displays, one for the infotainment and another for the instrument cluster, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice command functionality, a six-speaker audio system, and stylish 17-inch alloy wheels. Opting for the premium C5 Ultimate trim adds even more comfort and tech, including a 360-degree camera system, an eight-speaker Sony audio upgrade, wireless smartphone charging, dual-zone climate control, heated synthetic leather front seats, a power-operated sunroof and tailgate, plus sportier 18-inch alloys with eye-catching red brake calipers. Altogether, the Chery C5 stands out by delivering substantial value, blending technology, comfort, and style in an appealingly affordable package.
Safety
Safety is a strong suit for the Chery C5. It boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. Standard safety features include:
- Seven airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
These features contribute to the C5‘s robust safety profile, making it a competitive choice for safety-conscious buyers.
Running Costs
With a claimed fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km, the C5 is economical for daily commutes. Chery also offers a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 7 years of roadside assistance, providing peace of mind for budget-conscious buyers.
Comparison To Its Competitors
With a $29,990 starting sticker, the 2025 Chery C5 undercuts or matches key rivals such as the MG ZS, Hyundai Venue and Mitsubishi ASX while packing more safety tech out of the box. Interior presentation is closer to a Mazda CX-30 than you might expect, although that Mazda counters with a more polished drive. The C5’s fresh suspension tweaks do close the gap, but enthusiast drivers may still lean towards a Kia Seltos GT-Line. Where the Chery wins decisively is in features-for-dollars and warranty length.
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Conclusion
The 2025 Chery C5 emerges as a strong contender in the compact SUV segment, especially for buyers prioritizing value and features over brand prestige. Its combination of modern design, comprehensive safety features, and competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for those seeking a budget-friendly yet well-equipped vehicle. While it may not cater to driving purists, the C5 delivers where it counts for the average Australian driver.
Rating: 8.5/10
The Chery C5 earns a solid 8.5 out of 10, reflecting its strengths in value, features, and safety. It’s a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for a modern and well-equipped compact SUV.