The South African delegation to the auto show in Beijing delivered a third-place finish in the global Jaecoo HEV long-distance test, recording one of the more efficient performances among nine international markets in the Jaecoo J5 HEV, the brand’s upcoming compact hybrid SUV.
The test was part of the ‘9 Countries Super Hybrid Marathon’, held in China recently. The event brought together media and key opinion leaders from Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Oceania, South Asia and Africa to assess the performance of Omoda and Jaecoo’s Super Hybrid System technology under real-world driving conditions.
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The South African team recorded an average fuel consumption of 3,7 l/100 km and a total range of 1 068,6 km. This figure was calculated from 625 km already covered, with an additional 443,6 km remaining until empty. The result placed South Africa third overall, just behind the leading benchmark of 3,4 l/100 km, and pointed to the J5 HEV’s efficiency in demanding driving conditions.
The long-distance test was designed to evaluate the efficiency of the J5 SHS hybrid system and its usability across different scenarios. Participants drove on a mix of highways, urban roads and open roads, offering a practical assessment of performance under everyday conditions. All vehicles were tested under standardised settings, including active climate control, navigation systems and infotainment features, to ensure consistency across all markets.
In addition to the Jaecoo J5 HEV, the newly launched Omoda C5 HEV and the Jaecoo J7 HEV – the latter not currently available in South Africa – also formed part of the programme.
For the J5 HEV, the results provide clear confirmation of its efficiency. While manufacturer-stated consumption figures are usually achieved under controlled conditions, real-world testing often returns similar or slightly higher numbers due to differences in driving style and environmental factors. In this context, the J5 HEV’s achieved consumption of 3,7 l/100 km under fully active driving conditions highlights the effectiveness of its hybrid system.
“This result is validation of what the J5 HEV can do in real-world conditions,” said Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager at Omoda and Jaecoo South Africa and iCAUR South Africa. “What makes this especially relevant is that the efficiency achieved in testing goes beyond the vehicle’s already competitive claimed figures, while still delivering the performance and refinement customers expect.”
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“With a combined range of over 1 000 km, responsive performance, and a well-appointed cabin, the J5 HEV is designed to meet the needs of modern drivers. We are confident it will resonate strongly in the South African market when it launches in July,” added Gahagan.
The system combines electric smoothness with petrol-driven range, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7,9 seconds, reach a top speed of 175 km/h, and deliver a combined driving range of over 1 000 km.
Inside, the J5 HEV continues Jaecoo’s focus on refinement and comfort. Advanced NVH technologies, including active noise reduction, acoustic glass and enhanced sound insulation, help keep the cabin quiet. A 13,2-inch central display and ergonomic column shifter support a modern, driver-focused interior.
Safety remains a priority, with the J5 HEV equipped with 20 Advanced Driver Assistance System features, alongside comprehensive battery protection systems designed to provide confidence across a range of driving conditions.
The Jaecoo J5 HEV is scheduled to launch in South Africa in July 2026, with further information to be provided closer to the on-sale date.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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