Omoda and Jaecoo launch new plug-in hybrids with impressive range and luxury

Buckle up, Mzansi. The local automotive scene just got a significant jolt of electrified energy as the Omoda and Jaecoo brands officially unleash their latest plug-in hybrid contenders onto South African roads. 

Leading the charge are two distinct SUVs: the premium-focused Omoda C9 PHEV and the more accessible Jaecoo J7 SHS (Super Hybrid System), signalling a bold commitment to New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in our market.

Pivotal moment

For Omoda, the arrival of the C9 PHEV marks a pivotal moment. Positioned as their flagship luxury SUV, this plug-in hybrid aims to blend the serene efficiency of electric driving with the reassurance of petrol power and a hefty dose of premium appeal. 

Hans Greyling, General Manager for Omoda and Jaecoo South Africa, says: "The C9 PHEV represents a fresh chapter for efficient luxury motoring locally. It’s crafted for drivers ready to embrace electric mobility but who equally demand performance, elegance, and safety. Think of it as having the best of both worlds – electric silence for the daily grind, petrol readiness for the open road."

Efficiency

Under the sculpted bonnet lies a high-efficiency electric motor working alongside a petrol engine and, together, they muster a substantial 440 kW and 915 Nm of torque. Yet, the real magic lies in its efficiency.

Drivers can tap into up to 150 kilometres of pure electric driving – ample for most daily commutes – before the petrol engine takes over. This dual approach yields a claimed combined range exceeding 1,100 kilometres, while official combined fuel consumption dips as low as 1.4l/100 km.

Charging practicality is key. Owners can replenish the sizable 34.5kWh battery pack in roughly 5.5 hours using a home Wall Box. For quicker top-ups, the C9 PHEV supports 70 kW DC fast charging, capable of boosting the battery from 30% to 80% in approximately 25 minutes at compatible public stations. 

"Keeping drivers moving with minimal downtime is crucial," says Lindokuhle Sibanyoni, Product Manager for Omoda and Jaecoo.

Exterior

Exclusively offered in the top-tier Explore trim, the C9 PHEV makes a visual statement.

Its exterior features a  diamond-shaped grille, sleek LED lighting front and rear (including daytime running lights), and standard 20-inch alloy wheels. Sporty red brake callipers hint at the performance within, while a panoramic sunroof and second-row privacy glass enhance the upscale feel. 

Colour options include Cosmic Black, Meteorite Grey, Moonlight White, and Quantum Grey, with a distinctive two-tone black roof available on Moonlight White and Tech Grey models.

Performance

Talking performance, the C9 PHEV does not disappoint, and a brief stint behind the wheel on the road to the Gerotek Testing Centre produced brisk acceleration with instant throttle response – the hallmark of electric power. Significantly, the ride is almost eerily quiet and supremely comfortable as the suspension soaks up the many ripples on our roads.

At Gerotek there was an opportunity to do what is generally known as the ‘moose test’ – or, more pertinent for us, a pothole dodger – that involves a rapid swerve around an object from 60km/h and back into your original lane.

For a car topping the 2-ton mark the agility and lack of histrionics were impressive. 

Interior

Step inside, and the C9 PHEV envelops occupants in a cabin focused on contemporary luxury and advanced tech. 

The ambiance is set by Black/Light Brown Premium Nappa leather-trimmed seats, with the driver enjoying six-way electric adjustment and the front passenger four-way. Both front seats offer heating and ventilation, complemented by a heated Nappa leather steering wheel. 

Rear passengers aren't forgotten, benefiting from an electrically adjustable backrest and seat heating. Dual-zone climate control, rear air-conditioning controls and heated/cooled armrest storage add further comfort layers.

Acoustic laminated glass significantly reduces wind noise, fostering a tranquil cabin environment.

Technology takes centre stage with dual 12,3-inch digital displays – one for the driver’s cluster, the other controlling infotainment and vehicle settings.

An intuitive Intelligent Voice Command system (activated by "Hello, Omoda") allows hands-free operation. Entertainment is delivered crisply via a 12-speaker Sony sound system, while connectivity is covered by Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 50W wireless charging pad.

Practicality isn’t sacrificed, with a power-operated tailgate revealing 660 litres of boot space, expandable to 1 783 litres with the rear seats folded.

Safety

Safety is paramount, with the C9 PHEV boasting an extensive suite of driver-assist systems. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM) with intervention, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Brake (RCTA/RCTB), Lane Departure Warning and Prevention (LDW/LDP), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA), and Traffic Congestion Assist (TCA). Further reassurance comes from front and rear parking sensors, a 540-degree surround-view camera, and a comprehensive array of airbags.

Pricing

Priced at R999,000, the Omoda C9 PHEV is backed by a strong ownership package: a seven-year/100,000 km service plan, a seven-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty, a 10-year/200,000 km warranty for electric drive components, a 10-year/1-million km engine warranty, and an industry-leading 10-year/unlimited km warranty for the main power battery pack for the first owner (reverting to 10 years/200,000km subsequently). Seven years of roadside assistance completes the offering.

Jaecoo J7 SHS: Electrified Accessibility

Alongside the premium C9 PHEV, Jaecoo is expanding its popular J7 range with the new J7 SHS plug-in hybrid derivative. Building on the J7's success since its 2024 launch, which drew favourable comparisons for its driving dynamics, the SHS focuses on making plug-in tech more accessible.

Power

The J7 SHS pairs a turbo-charged 1,5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering power smoothly via a 3-gear Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). While output figures are lower than its Omoda sibling (approximately 265kW), the focus here is on efficiency and daily electric usability.

Its standout feature is an impressive 90 km all-electric range, sufficient for many urban commutes. 

The smaller 18,3kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery supports fast charging, replenishing from 30% to 80% in around 20 minutes using a 40 kW DC charger. Combined range reaches an estimated 1,200 km, with fuel consumption rated below 5.0l/100 km overall, potentially dropping to 1.5 l/100 km under optimal electric use.

Visually, the J7 SHS retains the model's distinctive ‘waterfall’ grille and gains unique 19-inch alloy wheels, maintaining the signature lighting elements front and rear. Inside, it offers a comfortable leather interior, ambient lighting, a large central infotainment screen, heads-up display, wireless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), and an eight-speaker Sony audio system.

Safety is also comprehensively addressed with 15 driver-assist features standard, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross-Traffic Brake (RCTB), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and a Driver Monitoring System (DMS).

Comfort 

While marginally less sumptuous than the Omoda, the Jaecoo also provides a comfortable ride, albeit with much more of an SUV feel, having slightly different suspension settings and tuning. What is noticeable is the throttle lag that plagues many of the Chinese 1.5-litre engines is eliminated by the instant battery power.

The J7 SHS benefits from the same robust warranty and service package as the Omoda: seven-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty, seven-year/100,000 km service plan, 10-year/1 million km engine warranty (first owner), and 10-year/200,000 km warranty on the electric drive unit. Pricing for the J7 SHS is expected to be positioned below the C9 PHEV, though final figures were pending confirmation at the time of writing.

With expanding charging infrastructure and growing consumer interest in reducing fuel costs and emissions, Omoda and Jaecoo are betting big that their dual-pronged plug-in hybrid strategy – offering both premium luxury and accessible electrification – will resonate strongly with local buyers seeking a practical step into the future of motoring. 

The race for a greener, more efficient South African road has just gained two intriguing new competitors.