Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Coming To A Chery Dealership Near You – The OMODA 5

Press Release: Chery South Africa

Chery has lifted the veil off the production version of its much-anticipated OMODA 5 Crossover SUV – and it is destined for South Africa.

The new OMODA 5 was unveiled at Auto Guangzhou 2021. It introduces a new design language for Chery – Art in Motion.   Art in Motion symbolises Chery’s ambition to create vehicles that successfully integrate stunning design, leading technology and a rewarding driving experience.

Art in Motion

“There are few other industries that have the opportunity to combine beautiful design and mechanical performance like the automotive industry,” says Tony Liu, Executive Deputy General Manager, Chery South Africa.

“Unfortunately, motorists who have been enticed by beautiful and futuristic designs from motor shows are left with very watered-down designs when these designs reach the showroom floor. We are changing that with models like the OMODA 5.”

As such, the OMODA 5 has extremely smooth lines that appear almost liquid, while also introducing a few design firsts to the crossover segment. 

These design firsts include a smart play between light and shadow in the flowing and integrated diamond matrix grille that is seamlessly integrated into the front design and that flows almost imperceptibly to the split front LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights.

The same applies to the glasshouse, where the smooth integration between the front windscreen and glossy A-pillars creates a borderless design that is repeated on the side windows and at the rear.

The flowing lines continue unbroken across the side profile and terminate in two distinct rear wings, one at the edge of the roofline and another that integrates the arrow-shaped rear lights. These were designed to lead the eye beyond the vehicle itself and create a promise of movement and an invitation to the driver to get behind the wheel.

Colour blocking

In another page from Chery’s book on Art in Motion is the tasteful and unique use of colour blocking on the exterior design.

A contrasting or complementary second colour is used to highlight some of the most characterful lines to create a bit of visual tension with the otherwise flowing design. This can be seen in the strong line below the doors, in the highlights on the slim side mirrors, in the wheels and, depending on the model, in the flowing roofline and uppermost spoiler.

The OMODA 5’s platform also meets global 5-star safety ratings, proving that performance and adaptability do not have to come at the expense of safety or structural integrity.

“It is very heartening to know that the OMODA 5, like every other new Chery, will be future-proof and that we can support every type of customer requirement, whether that is for powerful and frugal petrol and diesel engines or for quiet and comfortable electric or other propulsion systems,” says Liu.The Chery

OMODO 5 is expected in South Africa in late-2022

Tried & Test: 5 Things I Like About My GS Trophy Helmet

By Bongiwe Didiza

Wearing a helmet is one of the safest things motorcyclists can do;  and they really don’t come much better than the GS Carbon helmet range. 

I’ve spent the better part of 2021 riding off-road largely due to my participating in the GS Trophy 2022 qualifiers.  During that time my head gear of choice has been my GS Trophy inspired helmet, from the GS Carbon helmet edition.  Sleek and athletically designed, the GS Trophy helmet, looks ready for action both on tarmac as well as on gravel.  Here are 5 things I like about the GS Trophy helmet.

Lightweight, Comfy & Safe

Apart from its design, the first thing I noticed about the GS Trophy helmet was that it is quite lightweight, thanks to its 100% carbon-fibre reinforced plastic shell.  It weighs 1,450grams (with shield and dual visor) and is extremely comfy.  

I didn’t put its ability to absorb impact to the test as that would mean I would have taken a nasty fall. Rather, I believed BMW Motorrad when they offered that the GS Trophy helmet’s inner layer is made of multi-segmented expanded polystyrene which makes the helmet’s ability to absorb impact quite outstanding.  

Removeable Head And Cheek Pads

The GS Trophy helmet, (as with all the helmets in the GS Carbon collection), has removeable and washable head & cheek pads.  These are easy to detach and reinstall making cleaning the shell a breeze.  Plus, we live in an age where cleanliness is the key to good health so the removeable inner pads are quite reassuring.  

Three Dimensionally Curved Visor 

There are two visors fitted to the GS Trophy helmet.  The inner visor has anti-fog material which many riders will appreciate, while the outer visor has anti-scratch coating on both sides.  Best of all, the visor is very wide and helps immensely with peripheral vision.  Unlike with my other adventure helmets, I found that I didn’t have to turn my head very much to see what has happening around me.  

Removeable Chin Vent Flap

The GS Trophy helmet has an integrated dust filter and removeable chin vent flap both of which were handy in off-road and hot-weather riding.  I also found that the flap worked as a highly effective ventilation system.   Due to low-speeds used when riding off-road I often unfastened the flap so I could feel the welcome breeze on my parched face. Once on the tarmac, and because travelling speeds are much higher, I kept the flap in place to reduce the amount of wind from getting in and around my neck.

Removeable Peak

I’ve saved the best feature for last and you are probably surprised that the peak of the GS Trophy helmet gets special mention.  The thing is, after years of riding I have had more than my fair share of damaged peaks. Some simply couldn’t be screwed back on well enough to be as effective while others were damaged riding on treacherously rocky and slippery gravel.  As a result, I own more than one helmet and have learnt to use those without a peak for on-road riding and not to tamper with the peak on my adventure helmets.  Fortunately, the removeable peak means it can be replaced without incurring the cost of replacing the entire helmet. 

I later learned that the GS Trophy helmet is put through its paces in a wind tunnel to test how well it holds up in various riding scenarios such as wind and rain.  Having worn it over long distance rides, I can attest that my GS Trophy helmet has been aerodynamically designed to increase rider safety.  Even the integrated neck straps are scrutinised!  

Without a doubt the GS carbon helmet edition offers maximum rider safety and I absolutely enjoy it.  With all that riders have to contend with on the roads wearing the correct gear means one less thing to worry about.

How To Wear A Seatbelt When Expectant

A common worry during pregnancy is how to buckle up.  In this article, we talk about how to wear a seatbelt without fear of there being too much pressure on your stomach and your baby.

Car Tip Of The Week: Look Out For Motorcyclists

Motorcycles are the most vulnerable on the road and there is a need for increased vigilance for motorcyclists, pedestrians and motorists.

Too many motorists who have hit and injured a motorcyclist claim that the motorcycle “came out of nowhere.” Because of its small size, a motorbike can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots.

Take an extra moment to look for motorbikes, when you are changing lanes or turning at intersections.