Chery Arrizo 5 Facelift vs BAIC U5 Plus.. A Manual Showdown with a 15K EGP Gap

A new rivalry is heating up in Egypt's budget sedan segment. Alkan Auto, the official local distributor of BAIC, has just introduced a manual transmission version of the BAIC U5 Plus priced at 695,000 EGP, entering a market where price alone rarely decides the winner. This new trim puts the sedan in a direct head-to-head with the Chery Arrizo 5 Facelift. That comes in at roughly 15,000 EGP less.

Engine and Performance Specs

The BAIC U5 Plus relies on a 1.5-liter petrol engine, producing 111 horsepower and a maximum torque of 142 Newton-meters. These figures deliver adequate performance for daily city commutes, with a 48-liter fuel tank providing a reasonable driving range before refueling.

The Chery Arrizo 5 Facelift tells a slightly different story. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generates 114 horsepower, giving it a three-horsepower advantage over its Chinese rival. The car accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds, but the more significant number here is the average fuel consumption of 7 liters per 100 kilometers — a sensible figure for an economy sedan.

Dimensions and Interior Space

Length is where BAIC takes the lead. The U5 Plus rides on a 2.67-meter wheelbase, with an overall length of 4.66 meters, a width of 1.82 meters. A height of 1.48 meters. These proportions give it a more commanding road presence, complemented by a 15.5 cm ground clearance that helps tackle speed bumps and uneven roads.

A fair comparison demands a closer look at the Arrizo 5 too. Its length stands at 4.57 meters with the same 1.82-meter width, making the two cars very close in size. But the difference in wheelbase gives the BAIC slightly better rear legroom. Both interiors are designed for four occupants, with trunks large enough for a small family's weekly needs.

Trim Levels and Features

The first trim of the Chery Arrizo 5 comes with essential equipment, targeting buyers who prioritize value and practicality. The BAIC U5 Plus, by contrast, attempts to lure customers with a more contemporary design and a larger infotainment screen, despite the 15,000 EGP price gap that could sway budget-conscious decisions.

The choice between these two ultimately boils down to personal priorities. Those seeking to save money and benefit from wider service availability will naturally lean toward the Arrizo 5. But buyers who value modern styling and extra cabin space will find the BAIC U5 Plus offers strong justifications for paying the premium.

Egypt's market is witnessing fierce competition in the manual sedan category, especially with new car prices continuing to climb. The equation is straightforward: either pay 695,000 EGP for the longer BAIC sedan, or save 15,000 EGP and get the more powerful Arrizo 5. Egyptian drivers will cast the deciding vote with their wallets.