Chery says not just SUVs, sedans on radar

CHERY Australia chief operating officer Lucas Harris says the Chinese importer is keen to spread its wings beyond its current all-SUV portfolio, with particular interest in the Toyota Camry-sized Arrizo 8 sedan (pictured).

Speaking with GoAuto at the launch of the brand’s first all-electric model – the Chery Omoda E5 – in Canberra this week, Mr Harris said that while his current focus is on establishing the brand’s range of SUV models Down Under, the possibility of other body styles is on the radar, with internal combustion and plug-in hybrid versions of Chery’s stylish mid-size sedan on the Aussie wish list.

“While it makes sense to get started in the market with the volume-segment models, we have some great sedan products that might do well here,” he hinted.

“The Arrizo 8 we have overseas is an amazing car, and I’ve been lucky enough to have driven both the plug-in (hybrid) and ICE version.

“The latter has a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that offers more power than it should,” he laughed.

“It’s a huge amount of fun to drive and is luxuriously appointed inside. I think Australian buyers would really like it, and I really hope that we can bring that product to market.”

Against the all-hybrid 2025 Toyota Camry, we find the five-seat Arrizo 8 sedan measures 4757mm in length (versus 4914mm), 1832mm in width (versus 1840mm), and 1471mm in height (versus 1445mm). It rides on a 2790mm wheelbase (versus 2825mm for Camry). Kerb weight is listed at between 1428kg and 1471kg depending on grade (versus 1565kg for Camry).

Depending on market, the Arrizo 8 is available with a choice of 1.6-litre (145kW/290Nm) or 2.0-litre (190kW/390Nm) turbocharged and direct injected four-cylinder petrol engines, each paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels.

The Arrizo 8 PHEV features Chery’s third-generation hybrid system combining a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to provide up to 100km of all-electric range and a combined tally of over 1300km, the manufacturer says.

Inside, the Arrizo 8 features what Chery refers to as duplex 24.6-inch surround screens offering typical instrumentation and infotainment readouts, 50-watt wireless device charging, “540-degree” panoramic camera technology, and up to 18 driver assistance and safety functions.

Six-way electrically adjustable front seats and a “yacht style” gearshift are joined by rich upholstery and an iDrive-esque console-based controller. Other features include all-LED lighting with welcome and cornering lights.

Mr Harris says Chery Australia will study local demand for the Medium passenger segment entrant before deciding whether it is a suitable fit for Australian dealerships.

“For the time being, the mission is to do a good job with the product we have,” he affirmed.

“Then, we can go to the factory and say, ‘hey, we’d really like you to make the following models in right-hand drive’.

“But for now, the responsibility is to do the best job we can with our growing SUV portfolio – and there will be a couple of new models coming we think are very well suited to Australian buyers.”