Chery Auto Philippines lent us the Arrizo 5e, the brand’s first electric vehicle that was introduced just weeks before. Chery is being distributed locally by United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI), it is the group’s second Chinese vehicle brand and it looks like it’s headed for another successful venture. Just barely a year after reintroducing the brand in the market, Chery Auto Philippines introduces the Arrizo 5e. The Arrizo comes from Chery’s popular sedan line. The number 5 represents the compact segment and the letter “e” designation identifies this model as a full-electric platform. Just a few weeks after its local media introduction, we were handed the keys to a test unit.
Looking very much like its normally aspirated Arrizo sibling, the car has a sleek, couple-like profile. Powering the EV is the brand’s cutting-edge permanent magnet synchronous motor generating 120kW (approximately 160hp) and with 250Nm of torque drives propelling the Arrizo’s front wheels. This allows the Arrizo 5e to accelerate from 0 to 50 km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 152 km/h. The Sport mode is clearly the choice if you want to have some fun with this car. Smooth and quiet, the power is very linear and it is a delight to drive specially along the highway. Zipping in and out of traffic is also just as fun.
The Arrizo 5e’s power source is a set of lithium-ion battery with a 53.6 kWh capacity —that is rated to almost 500-km driving range between full charges under ideal conditions. But in the real world, it should safely yield about 80% of the maximum range. It means that driving less than 50 kilometers a day will just need a weekly full charge. It has a choice of Eco and Sport modes depending on the pleasure and demands of the driver. Its regenerative brake system also helps prolong battery range, similar to premium EV’s in the market.
The Arrizo 5e can charge from 30% to 80% power in 30 minutes under fast-charge mode and 7 to 9 hours under slow charging. Not bad since one has to sleep at night so there’s practically no waiting time. It comes with a portable charger kit so it should be able to plug in most convenience outlets.
Inside, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the center greets the passengers and an 8-inch touch screen panel for the climate control. What’s nice about the Arrizo is the interior paddings are mostly cladded with leather, about 65% of the Arrizo 5e’s cabin according to Chery, which means less of the cheap plastic stuff. In addition, its motorized pop-up shift knob comes with a stylish round polished silver similar to some luxury European cars.
The 5e’s smart technologies include battery temperature intelligent control for the lithium-ion batteries, as well as wireless smartphone connectivity, smart entry system, a 360-degree and reversing camera with video monitor and an electric parking brake with auto-hold feature. While safety features include six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP 9.0) designed by Bosch with other driver-assist technologies like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Hill Hold Control, DTC, HBA and TCS), a tire pressure monitoring system, and the use of 60% high-tensile strength steel which gave the vehicle an NCAP five-star-collision test-rated body.
According to Rommel Sytin, president of UAAGI, he does not expect to sell a lot of the 5e’s since the car is priced in the P1.9 million range. It is rather a statement car that showcases the brand’s direction and how it is gearing up for the future.
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