High five for Omoda’s new regenerated super hybrid

In the UK its presence is boosted by the fact it now operates four brands: Omoda, Jaecoo, Lepas and, of course, Chery. But today we’re focusing on Omoda’s latest addition to the market, the intriguingly-named 5 SHS-H. To put you out of your misery, it stands for ‘super hybrid system – hybrid’: catchy, eh!

The Omoda 5 has already experienced a number of regenerations, if you like, since it was first introduced into the UK as a petrol model back in the summer of 2024. Back then it was seen as the Chery Group dipping its toe into the UK market, essentially to see what worked, and what didn’t. Fair to say, initial feedback for the 5 wasn’t all that positive. Despite that, through 2025 just short of 17,000 Omoda 5s were sold in the UK.

Those sales were being achieved entirely conventionally through a growing network of dealerships, which currently stands around 110 across the country. And while the current cars are built in Wuhu, eastern China, discussions are currently underway as to whether it would be advantageous to establish a UK plant. Worth highlighting that the company has already committed to taking over an old Nissan plant in Barcelona. As to the Omoda 5, further European input comes in the fact it was tuned by a team based in Frankfurt. And that team was led by a former JLR engineer.

OK, tell me more about the Omoda 5 …

After the initial questionable feedback following its UK launch, Omoda acted quickly, highlighting one of the big strengths of Chinese car manufacturing. In April 2025 a refreshed version of the car arrived in UK showrooms boasting the interior which had been lifted straight out of the electric Omoda E5. It was an interior that buyers said they preferred. The updated model also received revised steering components and geometry.

The full-hybrid model sits alongside the petrol-only, and plug-in all-electric battery EV powertrains which are both already slotted into the company’s compact SUV.

… and specifically the SHS-H

Now we’re talking. Omoda is now very aware there’s huge strength in introducing a full-hybrid, so the SHS-H — the brand’s first full-hybrid model in the UK — makes sense as buyers look for alternatives to petrol and full electric cars. The hybrid system mates the company’s fifth-generation 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and 1.83kWh battery pack. Cleverly, and similar to the hybrid system found in Toyota models, the Omoda version sees the petrol engine recharging that small battery. That of course means the SHS-H isn’t designed for a large amount of electric-only driving. Official fuel consumption figures from the manufacturer state 52.2mpg is possible and, with its 51-litre fuel tank, it’s capable of a combined driving range of more than 650-miles. Be light-footed with your right foot and you’ll comfortably nudge close to 700-miles on a full tank.

Total output from the powerplant is 221bhp with 218lb/ft of torque. The result is a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds and a 108mph top speed, all delivered via its Super Hybrid Dedicated Transmission (DHT). An auto ‘box to you and me.

Clever engineering means the hybrid tips the scales just 11kg more than the petrol model, at 1535kg. And the overall package brings a big improvement in performance and fuel economy for what is a relatively small price increase over the petrol car.

What’s it like to drive?

Pretty good. And the hybrid is definitely more refined than the petrol car, which sounds coarse under hard acceleration. In the hybrid, thanks to the clever tech, the four-cylinder petrol unit is rarely required when you’re cruising, resulting in a quiet cabin. Ok, there’s a bit of wind and road noise in the Omoda 5, but considering its segment, rivals and price point, it’s most certainly not too invasive.

In comparison to its rivals, the 5 also benefits from clever front suspension geometry, revised steering, new wheel hubs and improved brake lines when compared to the versions sold in China. There’s no denying this has been significantly tweaked for the European market.

In town it’s a dawdle to drive and position in traffic. And it copes seamlessly with all but the biggest potholes, and laughs in the face of speed bumps. Head out to your favourite A-road and you’ll find you can hustle it along, with minimal body roll. The high driving position also makes negotiating tight spaces, such as your favourites supermarket car park, a lot less stressful.

And what about the interior?

Again, it ticks the vast majority of boxes. It’s reasonably roomy for a car of this size, considering it’s going head-to-head against the likes of the Nissan Qashqai. There’s ample room for front occupants, while those in the rear — it’ll comfortably take three adults, aided by the fact there’s a flat floor — benefit from the fact the sunroof only covers the front area, so headroom in the rear isn’t an issue.

Thanks to the interior update, the contemporary design is attractive and the build quality solid, plus there are plenty of soft-touch surfaces. It’s heavily screen-based when it comes to controls, meaning there are next to no physical buttons or knobs. But the most recent infotainment system has a decent selection of customisable shortcuts, and climate controls that remain on screen permanently. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless.

Slotted between the front seats there’s a deep cubby storage area which can be fed by the air-conditioning system. Perfect for keeping your bottled water cool … or even your sandwich. The centre console also houses a sloped section which is perfect for cradling phones. Oh: and not surprisingly, the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are both standard. For the driver, the steering column has plenty of adjustment. As for bootspace, the hybrid will swallow 370-litres of luggage. Worth mentioning, that’s 76-litres less than the rival Ford Puma, plus the Qashqai offers 504 litres.

Trim levels and prices

The full Omoda 5 range is offered in two trim levels, the Knight and Noble: prices start at £25,740. The former focuses on design, connectivity, and everyday usability, with the latter concentrating on comfort and technology. Both deliver an attractive package of kit as standard. Knight trim includes dual 12.3-inch digital displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, intelligent voice control, LED front fog lights, LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights inc high level brake lights plus, of course, LED headlights. Inside the cabin there’s a multi-function steering wheel with 4-way adjustment, synthetic leather seats — the driver’s seat gets 6-way manual adjustment, with the passenger’s benefitting from 4-way manual adjustment — plus 60/40 split-folding rear seat backrests. There’s also heated front seats for both driver and passenger, a keyless start button; electrically adjustable, folding & heated wing mirrors, plus air-conditioning with a second row outlet. Eighteen-inch alloys are also standard.

Not surprisingly there’s also full suite of advanced driver assistance and safety systems including a multiple collision defence system, front collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, plus front dual, side, and middle airbags. You also get cooled wireless mobile phone charging, a DAB digital radio and a four-speaker audio system.

Step up to the Noble trim level, which starts at £29,240, and you add a power sunroof and dynamic turn signal, a heated leather steering wheel, ‘silent glass’, multi-coloured ambient lighting in both the front and rear, 19in black alloys plus electrical adjustment for the driver’s (6-way) and passenger’s (4-way) seats. Buyers also get an audio upgrade to an 8-speaker Sony system, a 360-degree camera system, an electric tailgate, plus additional convenience features all geared towards offering customers “a more premium driving and ownership experience” including an air purification system.

Warranty

All models are backed by Omoda UK’s comprehensive ownership package, including a 7-year/100,000-mile warranty, with an additional 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty on electrified models.

Factfile

Omoda 5 SHS-S Noble

Price when new: £29,240

Engine: 1499cc four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power/torque: 221bhp / 218lb/ft

Transmission: DHT automatic, front-wheel drive

Top speed / 0-62mph: 108mph / 7.9sec

Fuel consumption: 53.3mpg

CO2: 120g/km

Dimensions (L / W / H in mm): 4447 / 1830 / 1588

On sale: Now