Omoda is expanding its European range with a hybrid version of the Omoda 5. The new HEV aims for the likes of the hybrid Kia Niro and the oddball Nissan Qashqai e-Power. It comes with a facelift and the hope of gaining more traction in the Belgian marketplace through a more classic take on electrification.
Currently, the Omoda 5 range includes a traditional gasoline model and a fully electric E5 variant. But the latter remains a rare sight on Belgian roads, while the first offers no benefits from electrification. The brand now pitches the hybrid as a way to win over private customers who avoid the electric option.
Updated styling
The Omoda 5 HEV also introduces updated styling to set it apart from the gasoline model already on sale. The grille has been reshaped, the daytime running lights are slimmer, and the bold trim elements are gone, replaced by a more understated look.
But the significant changes are mechanical rather than cosmetic. According to the press release, the hybrid system pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (the regular 5 uses a 1.6T) with an electric motor, producing a combined 225 hp and 310 Nm.
Electric city driving
Performance is adequate, with a 0–100 km/h time of just under 8 seconds and a top speed of 175 km/h. As with other hybrids, the compact 1.83 kWh battery is designed primarily for boosting and energy recovery rather than long electric driving.
But it’s not impossible. The vehicle uses what the company calls its Wuji Super Hybrid system (SHS), which switches automatically between electric running in city traffic, serial drive at medium speeds, and parallel drive at higher speeds.
As a result, Omoda claims an average fuel consumption of 5.3 litres per 100 kilometers and a theoretical driving range of more than 1,000 kilometers on a full tank.
With such credentials, the new Omoda 5 HEV punches above its weight. The established players, such as the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, Kia Niro Hybrid, Toyota C-HR, and Nissan Qashqai e-Power, all offer less power.
Proven refinement
However, the competition offers years of proven hybrid refinement and real-world efficiency, yet their official consumption figures are lower. Even decisively in the case of the Hyundai (4.5 l/100 km) or the Toyota CH-R (4.8 l/100 km). Omoda counters with generous equipment, a strong safety package, and typically a lower price of 31,990 euros.
Pricing for the HEV slots between the 1.6 T-GDI, from 27,900 euros, and the E5, which costs 38,490 euros.
Though not (yet?) officially launched in Belgium, the hybrid technology from the five is also found at sister brand Jaecoo, which offers a similar model in the J5. The two models have similar dimensions, and in neighbouring markets their powertrains are nearly identical. Jaecoo is positioned as the more ‘adventurous’ of the two.
