OMODA, a premium subsidiary of Chery, has recently launched a HEV version of its popular mid-size SUV C5 in Europe. Called Chery/OMODA C5 SH-S, this new hybrid SUV is expected to join OMODA’s fleet in the UAE later this year. Check out its complete details below.

You can also find the best used Chery cars at Cars24 UAE.

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What is special about the Chery OMODA C5 SH-S?

The C5 is already available in the Middle East and other critical markets like Europe and Australia. While the current engine options include two turbo petrol engines, Chery has developed a new, strong-hybrid petrol engine that offers high fuel efficiency, which is a critical aspect for buyers in certain markets.

Speaking of the SH-S, it is described as a Strong Hybrid System, which is essentially a parallel-hybrid technology and works on the principle of the Atkinson Cycle. In simpler words, the battery and petrol engine keep switching to power the vehicle, thus saving fuel.

Technically, it uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which is paired with a 1.83 kWh battery pack. This setup offers a maximum power output of 180kW or 201 bhp. The C5 Hybrid can also accelerate 0-100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds, which is quicker than its prime rival, Nissan Kicks.

The battery gets charged via brake and engine regeneration, and provides a push when driven with a light foot. Therefore, the new Chery C5 SH-S can deliver a claimed overall fuel efficiency of 5.3L/100km or nearly 19 km/l. This, with the 51 litres of fuel tank, gives it a total range of over 1,047 km.

Design and interior features

In terms of design, the Chery C5 SH-S is identical to the other two variants. It continues to offer the T-shaped LED DRLs, a sharp front fascia with the LED headlights, 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, and a sloping roofline with an integrated spoiler. The rear design includes the connected LED lights with a sporty boot and bumper.

On the inside, it gets a comfortable and spacious cabin with black leather upholstery that is elevated by the use of piano black elements and aluminium finishing. The OMODA C5 hybrid gets loaded with modern features, which are as follows:

• Dual 12.3-inch connected display
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Electric front seats with ventilation
• Wireless charging
• Dual-zone climate control with rear vents
• USB charging ports at the rear
• Electric sunroof
• 8-speaker Sony sound system
• Six airbags, ABS with EBD, and ADAS safety

When will it launch in the UAE?

As of now, Chery has launched the new OMODA C5 Hybrid in the UK. However, the brand has announced that the hybrid version will be launched in other countries like Australia and the Middle East later this year.

Its main rival in the UAE will be the Nissan Kicks. Speaking of which, the Nissan Kicks does not get a hybrid and is not as efficient as the C5 Hybrid. The expected price of the OMODA C5 Hybrid in the UAE is AED 110,000.

Cars24 UAE says

The new OMODA C5 SH-S hybrid SUV offers a substantial upgrade in performance and fuel efficiency. With its hybrid technology, it is now smoother to drive and far more comfortable. We suspect that it will change the segment in the Middle East once launched by proving a strong contender against the best-selling Nissan Kicks.