Chery FX Hybrid NIS 20,000 cheaper than competitors. What's the catch?

On the surface, gasoline engines are still the most common powertrain in Israel’s new car market even in 2026, with a 38% market share since the beginning of the year. But electrified engines - hybrids, plug-ins, and 100% electric - together now dominate the market. 2025 was the first year electrified vehicles surpassed gasoline, and their market share is only expected to grow. Nobody enjoys paying extra taxes at gas stations when only about a third of what you pay actually funds refined oil, while the rest supports all the budget items you don’t like.

Among the five best-selling cars since the start of the year, there is only one gasoline model: The Kia Picanto, in third place (2,230 units), remaining the only mini car and the cheapest car in Israel. The JAECOO 7, in first place (2,950), is a plug-in vehicle, followed by the Hyundai Kona hybrid (2,450), and the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid in fourth (2,010). Fifth place: JAECOO 8 plug-in (1,410).

And this is exactly the segment the new Chery FX Hybrid targets. The third version of this model, which was initially launched here in a thirsty gasoline version, then in an electric version sold mostly through zero-kilometer channels after failing commercially, and now - third time’s the charm. Just like the JAECOO 5 twin, which also recently arrived here in a hybrid version after gasoline and electric.

Given how the market looks, this is a far more relevant version, especially since this stylish crossover brings a key advantage: Price. NIS 153,000 for the base model, NIS 160,000 for the fully equipped model - about NIS 20,000 less than the Kona and Corolla Cross that Israelis flock to showrooms to buy. Worth it?

A good-looking car, no doubt, especially in the fully equipped version tested with a black roof. Coupe-like design, dynamic front, and a rear reminiscent of electric cars. In China, this design was so successful that Chery created the Omoda, which will launch in Israel in the coming months as the FX’s twin model, Omoda 5. The FX measures 4.45 meters long, 1.82 meters wide, 1.59 meters high, with a 2.61-meter wheelbase - similar to the Kona and Corolla Cross.

A typical Chinese driver’s cockpit, rich in features but a bit plasticky. Huge screens, power seats, and ergonomics typical of Chinese electric cars - which is not ideal. While mirrors and AC vents can be adjusted with a touch, everything else requires navigating the screens. Even the climate control, which has a strip at the bottom of the screen, disappears when switching to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

There is also no volume knob, nor physical controls for regenerative braking. The trip computer only shows fuel consumption for the last 50 kilometers. Want to track usage? It provides the fuel amount and kilometers driven, but you’ll have to calculate consumption yourself - perfect for passing the time in traffic. The seats look good and are definitely spacious in the front, but lack side support; rear visibility requires using the reverse camera.

The rear seat is roomy for knees but tighter for headroom for taller passengers. There’s an AC outlet and charging ports, but small windows for design slightly darken the interior.

The trunk offers 300 liters, small for a family crossover, and smaller than competitors. Although two-tiered, there is no spare wheel underneath.

There are two trim levels:

FX scored 5/5 stars in the European crash test, but in 2022. Features include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, blind spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Active system performance is adequate, with fewer warnings compared to earlier FX models tested.

The hybrid version has a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine producing 143 hp, an electric motor with 204 hp, and a combined output of 246 hp with 34.4 kg·m of torque. This powertrain is common on Israeli roads, also used in Chery Tiggo 7 and 8, Arrizo 8, and JAECOO 7. Front-wheel drive, battery capacity 1.8 kWh.

Performance is good, both in normal and sport modes, which sharpen pedal response. Overtaking is easy, but it doesn’t really feel like a 250 hp car. Despite the promise of mostly electric driving, in practice the gasoline engine often contributes, making the ride less silent.

In nearly 1,000 km of driving, mostly moderate intercity, average consumption was 15.5 km/l. A big improvement over the gasoline version, but the Kona, Corolla Cross, or Kia Niro would achieve 18–20 km/l under the same conditions.

Not great. Small bumps are noticeable, not only minor hits but also in damper noise. On intercity highways, the situation improves, except on wavy roads where the car sways more than desired. Soft suspension tuning and a steering wheel lacking feel make road behavior mediocre, perhaps intentionally encouraging you to slow down before turns to avoid waking backseat passengers.

The FX presents an attractive value proposition, priced like a small, less equipped Toyota Yaris Cross. It’s far better than the gasoline and electric versions, spacious for a family (though the trunk is limited), agile, economical, and comfortable inside. But fuel economy falls short of expectations, and road behavior and comfort are disappointing. The higher-end version is worth the money and still saves a significant amount compared to competitors, though resale value remains to be seen.