PODCAST: Hybrid Jaecoo J5 can help save pain at the pumps
Chinese carmaker claims well-priced compact SUV will only sip 5.3 litres per 100km.
The hybrid Jaecoo J5, introduced just in time to face anticipated record-breaking fuel prices in October, promises exceptional value at R459 900. Positioned between the Glacier (R439 900) and Inferno (R479 900) petrol-only models, the Jaecoo J5 SHS (Super Hybrid System) stands out as the most powerful compact SUV in the range, boasting outstanding fuel efficiency and an abundance of technology.
Pitstop On The Citizen Motoring's latest Pitstop podcast episode, host Charl Bosch delved into the new arrival, taking the SUV for a thorough test drive. The Jaecoo J5 SHS is a self-charging hybrid, sharing the same powertrain as its sibling, the Omoda C5 SHS, a production model from Chery-owned Chery. The system combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with a 1.83kWh battery pack to generate a combined output of 165kW and 295Nm of torque, which is 50kW and 65Nm more than the petrol-only J5.
Driving power is channeled to the front wheels through a dedicated hybrid transmission, providing the option of Eco or Sport driving modes. Jaecoo boasts that the J5 will consume 5.3 litres per 100km, slightly higher than the Omoda C5 SHS' 4.9L/100km but still capable of covering nearly 1 000km on its 51-litre fuel tank. In contrast, the petrol J5 is projected to use 7.5 litres per 100km and achieve up to 680km on a full tank.
The SHS differs from its non-hybrid counterpart only in terms of aesthetics, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels and a prominent "HYBRID" badge on the tailgate. Inside, the SUV offers a 13.2-inch infotainment system and an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, identical to the non-hybrid J5.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
