Chery Arrizo 5 (2020-2022) Review

Engine & Performance

The locally assembled version uses a DVVT 4-cylinder 1.5L engine producing 116 hp at 6,150 rpm and 141 Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm, paired with a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic simulating 7 speeds, sending power to the front wheels, with a 48-liter fuel tank. The car accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds, averaging 5.7L/100km with the manual gearbox, with a top speed of 185 km/h for the manual and 180 km/h for the automatic. Performance is moderate rather than sporty since the engine delivers peak power at high rpm, though there are no notably common engine problems. The gearbox feels somewhat dated, taking a moment on the first shift with slight delay moving into higher speeds, but performance is smooth at low and medium speeds with no notable complaints about the CVT among owners. Fuel economy is good for its class, aided by an Eco button, while steering is average with a slight wheel vibration past 120 km/h and less-than-ideal maneuverability, offset by strong high-speed stability.

Interior & Cabin Space

The car measures 4,572 mm long, 1,825 mm wide, and 1,482 mm tall on a 2,670 mm wheelbase, weighing around 1,297 kg empty, with a standard 430-liter trunk. Materials are mostly plastic in varying colors with leather-look touches in higher trims, though build quality is notably solid and matches the imported version. The cabin offers good front space for driver and passenger with a comfortable, class-leading driver seat adjustment range, plus a large rear area that comfortably fits two or less comfortably three, a low transmission tunnel, good rear leg and headroom, and notably comfortable front seats. The 430-liter trunk is not the largest in its class but is deep and wide, easing loading, with a folding rear seat for extra space. Air insulation is above average with little road noise reaching the cabin, though bump noise is somewhat noticeable. Interior features include a rear camera, cup holders, and multiple front and rear storage spaces, with limited chrome touches and a leather steering wheel in the top trim, though the car lacks a rear armrest or rear AC vents. The low driving position and generous glass area give a sporty feel and good forward and rear visibility.

Maintenance & Resale

Spare parts are widely available outside the dealer network at good, non-inflated prices, and servicing has become widespread as technicians have grown familiar with the car since its 2019 arrival in Egypt; dealer parts are also available at mid-range prices. The car holds good resale value thanks to solid engine performance and varied equipment, particularly safety features uncommon in Chinese cars of its class, plus its positioning as an alternative to the hugely popular Hyundai Verna in Egypt — helped by distributor GB Auto's reputation for easy resale across its Hyundai, Chery, and earlier Geely lineups. The car is also considered reliable with no major recurring issues since launch, and has become common among Uber and Careem drivers and small families as good value for money.

Suspension & Stability

The car uses a front MacPherson strut and a rear torsion beam setup, with road stability as one of its standout strengths, handling corners and maneuvers well without excessive lean even at high speed, outperforming rivals in this regard. The suspension leans toward comfort and smoothness, absorbing bumps and potholes well, improving further at higher speeds — while not best-in-class, it handles bumps reasonably despite some noise, with 129 mm of ground clearance.

Safety

The car offers a moderate level of safety for its class — neither poor nor as comprehensive as higher-end classes — lacking blind-spot monitoring or modern collision-avoidance systems and capped at two airbags, and it also lacks electronic stability control, partly offset by strong brakes (ventilated front discs, rear discs) aided by the car's light weight. Safety equipment matches across the first three trims and includes an engine immobilizer, dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, an anti-theft system, a rear parking sensor, a speed-limit warning, and ISOFIX child seat mounts, while the top Highline trim adds a rear camera and a front seatbelt reminder.

Equipment

The base manual trim includes halogen headlights with height adjustment, LED daytime running and tail lights, 16-inch sport rims, power-folding mirrors with turn signals, black interior trim, a multi-function leather steering wheel, a trip computer in the instrument cluster, cruise control, remote trunk release, full power windows, one-touch driver window, 6-way power driver seat and 4-way front passenger seat adjustment, a folding rear seat, and a radio with USB and 4 speakers. The second, automatic trim adds a fuel-saving system, the third trim adds leather upholstery, and the top Highline trim adds a sunroof, leather seats, a 7-inch HD touchscreen, and Bluetooth phone connectivity. A drawback is the dated, deeply recessed instrument cluster screen with outdated software.