The new Omoda C5 SHS delivers combined outputs of 165 kW and 295 Nm of torque from a turbo-charged 1,5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor. The hybrid powertrain sends power to the front wheels through a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) designed to prioritise efficiency and smoothness. The C5 SHS accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7,9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 175 km/h.

Fuel consumption is rated at 4,9 l/100 km on the WLTP cycle, with CO2 emissions of 111 g/km. The hybrid system uses a 1,83 kWh LFP battery. Together with a 51-litre fuel tank, the C5 SHS can travel more than 1 000 km on a single tank.

Omoda C5 with hybrid power

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The new C5 SHS, a hybrid variant of the best-selling C5 range, is the third electrified Omoda available locally, and the fourth within the wider Brand OJ stable. Notably, the C5 SHS is the first conventional hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) offered by Omoda & Jaecoo, with the brand’s other electrified offerings being plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

Like the rest of the C5 lineup, the SHS variant employs disc brakes all around, with ventilated discs on the front axle. A MacPherson strut front suspension and multilink rear setup are tuned to balance responsive handling and ride comfort. As standard, the C5 SHS rides on 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 215/55 tyres.

Standard specification on the C5 SHS includes a power-operated boot lid, automatic windscreen wipers, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. These increase the boot capacity from 372 litres to 1 072 litres. Other practical additions include a 50W wireless phone charger, keyless entry with push-button start, roof rails and power-adjustable side mirrors with auto-fold functionality.

Enhancing the look of the C5 SHS are automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and a sunroof. Behind the 18-inch wheels sit red-painted brake calipers, a subtle hint that this is the most powerful C5 yet offered in South Africa.

While the C5 SHS stands apart mechanically, its interior execution further differentiates it within the C5 range. Compared with the standard C5 X Series, the SHS features a more symmetrical dashboard layout and a cleaner, bridge-style centre console, replacing the floating console design found in the ICE models. This revised layout not only alters the visual character of the cabin but also creates a more integrated storage area within the centre stack.

Customers will be able to choose from a variety of paint colours, including Bloodstone Red, Carbon Crystal Black, Khaki White, and Phantom Grey. Additionally, the C5 SHS will be offered with two dual-tone finishes: Carbon Crystal Black and Aerial Silver, and Carbon Crystal Black and Khaki White.

Inside, front occupants are treated to snug, supportive sports seats, while both rows benefit from black leather upholstery. The front seats are power-adjustable, with six-way adjustment for both the driver and front passenger. Heating and ventilation for the front seats come standard.

Omodo C5 CSH interior

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Dual-zone climate control is also included, while rear air vents ensure comfort for second-row passengers. Dual 12,3-inch screens dominate the dashboard, with a touchscreen interface controlling Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. An eight-speaker Sony sound system is fitted as standard, while Intelligent Voice Command allows drivers to operate key functions without taking their eyes off the road.

The C5 achieved a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating in 2022 and the C5 SHS carries this forward with a comprehensive suite of safety systems. Passive safety features include seven crash bags, including a central bag, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, an electronic stability programme (ESP) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).

Driver assistance systems fitted as standard include front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist, among other features.

“The new Omoda C5 SHS represents an exciting step forward for the brand in South Africa, allowing customers to experience advanced hybrid technology without compromising on performance or value,” says Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager at Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa. “With its exceptional efficiency and premium specification, the C5 SHS is designed to appeal to motorists who want more from their driving experience.”

The C5 SHS is priced at R479 900. That includes a 5-year or 75 000 km service plan, a 5-year or 150 000 km factory warranty and a 10 year or one million km engine warranty linked to the first owner.

Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with

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