Omoda C5 SHS Hybrid Hits Mzansi: 1,000 km Range and 165kW of Power
Break up with heavy fuel bills. With a claimed range of over 1,000 km and a launch price under R470k, it’s making a strong case for being the most sensible (and stylish) hybrid on the market. We take a look at the "Super Hybrid System" tech, the redesigned interior, and the specs that make this the most powerful C5 yet.
Omoda is officially shaking up the local hybrid scene with the arrival of the C5 SHS (Super Hybrid System). As the brand's first conventional hybrid in South Africa, this newcomer is designed to offer a balanced middle ground: the silent efficiency of an electric motor without the need to ever plug it in. With a massive total range and the most power in the current C5 lineup, it marks a bold step forward for a brand celebrating its third anniversary in the country.
Exterior: Subtle Sophistication with a Sporty Edge
The C5 SHS retains the futuristic "Art in Motion" design language that has made the C5 a head-turner on South African roads, but it adds several exclusive touches to signal its hybrid heart. The vehicle sits on 18-inch alloy wheels with a unique design, framed by red-painted brake calipers that hint at its position as the performance flagship of the range. The exterior package is rounded off with automatic LED headlights, a power-operated sunroof, and an electric tailgate. This model stands apart from its internal combustion siblings through subtle under-the-skin revisions and a stance that emphasizes its aerodynamic efficiency.
Interior: A Tech-Forward Symmetrical Sanctuary
Inside, Omoda has moved away from the "floating" center console found in its petrol siblings in favor of a more symmetrical, bridge-style layout. This creates a cleaner aesthetic and more integrated storage options for the driver and front passenger. The cabin is dominated by dual 12.3-inch high-resolution screens that handle everything from the 360-degree camera to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Luxury is treated as a standard, featuring black leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front sports seats, and an 8-speaker Sony sound system. Acoustic glass for the front windows ensures the transition between electric and petrol power remains whisper-quiet, providing a premium atmosphere even in heavy traffic.
Performance: The 165 kW Super Hybrid Heart
The real magic happens under the bonnet, where a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine works in tandem with a dedicated electric motor and a 1.83 kWh battery. Together, they produce a combined 165 kW and 295 Nm of torque, making this the most powerful C5 available locally. Power is sent to the front wheels via a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) that is designed for smoothness and responsiveness. It will sprint from 0–100 km/h in a brisk 7.9 seconds, but the headline figure is the efficiency. With a WLTP-rated fuel consumption of just 4.9 L/100 km and a 51-litre tank, the C5 SHS offers a total driving range of more than 1,000 km.
South African Pricing and Value
Omoda is positioning the C5 SHS as one of the most competitive hybrid offerings in the country. For the first month of its launch, it carries a special introductory price of R469,900, after which it will move to its official retail price of R479,900. This price includes a 5-year/75,000 km service plan and a 5-year/150,000 km warranty. Furthermore, it benefits from the brand’s famous 10-year/1-million km engine warranty for the first owner. This combination of flagship performance and long-term peace of mind makes the C5 SHS a formidable challenger in the local crossover segment.
