Five affordable SUVs to consider

China is now the third-largest source of new vehicles in Australia.

Historically dominated by Japanese, European, and American brands, Australia's automotive landscape is witnessing a shift as Chinese manufacturers introduce a range of competitively priced vehicles equipped with modern features and technology.

Brands like MG, GWM and LDV have already established a foothold, with sales figures showing consistent growth year on year.

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It’s re-opened the opportunity for brands like Chery to re-enter the market after its previous attempt ended in 2014.

One of the primary drivers behind this surge in popularity is the value proposition these brands offer.

With most mainstream brands creeping up in price with subtle – or not-so-subtle – increases each year, it’s left an opportunity for undercutting, which newcomers have cleverly nabbed, especially with small and electric cars.

With price as a key driver in new car considerations, we’ve compiled five affordable SUVs from China that you may not have heard of yet, let alone considered.

JUMP AHEAD

• Chery Omoda 5
• GWM Haval Jolion
• MG ZS
• MG HS
• Haval H6

Chery Omoda 5

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There’s quite a bit riding on the success of the Omoda 5 as a pioneer vehicle for Chery's return to Australia. So it’s no small feat that the Omoda 5 sold 624 units in September alone, having only launched in March of this year.

Available in two grades, both powered by a 1.5-litre turbo engine, the feature-packed EX is priced at a very competitive $29,900 before on-road costs. You'll get impressive standard inclusions such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen, 18-inch alloy wheels, a six-way power driver’s seat, and wireless Apple CarPlay.

You can move up to the BX for $3000, which adds a 360-degree camera, heated front seats and steering wheel, a sunroof, and more.

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GWM Haval Jolion

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The Jolion is a slightly bigger small SUV produced by Great Wall Motors (GWM) under its Haval brand. Current pricing offers start from $26,990 drive-away, making it a very attractive small SUV option. A hybrid powertrain is offered further up the range, as well.

Standard features include a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, 17-inch alloy wheels, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert and roof rails.

The next variant in the range – Lux – adds a 360-degree camera, leather steering wheel, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver seat, LED headlamps and daytime running lights, and dual-zone climate control. That’s an impressive bundle for less than $30K.

Moving up the range offers features such as larger 18-inch wheels, a 12.3” infotainment screen, a heads-up display, a panoramic sunroof, and more.

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MG ZS

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At only $23,990 drive-away, MG allows consumers to step into a small SUV (although on the slightly smaller side) at a price point previously exclusive to hatchbacks.

The SUV often appears in the top 10 best sellers list, holding a 21% market share of all mainstream small SUVs sold this year.

Available in a single variant, you'll get 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-appointed steering wheel, six speakers, Apple CarPlay, an 8-inch touchscreen, a reverse camera and rear parking sensors – but no AEB or lane-keep assist.

If you're after more spec – and important active safety tech – you can look into the ZST range, which starts at $25,490 drive-away for the entry-level Core.

All MG vehicles come with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

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MG HS

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If you like what the MG ZS offers but require more space, the slightly larger HS could suit you perfectly. It's competing against cars in Australia's second most popular segment: Medium SUVs.

Key competitors include the best-selling Toyota RAV4 and more affordable options like the GWM Haval H6.

With competitive pricing from $32,990 drive-away, the HS has some great standard features, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen, keyless entry and start, and rear parking sensors.

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GWM Haval H6

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Also priced from $32,990 drive-away, the GWM Haval H6, like the MG HS, is taking on some popular nameplates in the medium SUV segment. It even shares design features with more premium SUVs, such as the rear light bar.

The H6, which held the title of China's best-selling SUV for several years, is gaining significant traction in Australia, with 9592 units of both the H6 and coupe-styled H6 GT sold year-to-date.

Coming standard with features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, blind spot monitors and a reversing camera with rear sensors, the H6 is feature-packed throughout the model grades.

Buyers have the choice of three petrol variants and two additional hybrid options.

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