Plug-in Jaecoo J7 and Omoda C9's shock goes further than power
Chery division's first hybrid models not only come with dramatic outputs, but a market first decade-long warranty on various battery and electric motor components.
Omoda & Jaecoo has officially launched its first plug-in hybrid models in South Africa, the C9 SHS (right) and J7 SHS (left). Images: Charl Bosch
Known to be in the pipeline for South Africa since being founded as the standalone brand from parent company Chery now almost two years ago, Omoda & Jaecoo officially debuted its first hybrid models this week under the newly created SHS or Super Hybrid System banner.
Shock to the system
A moniker unveiled at the Shanghai International Auto Show in March, and set to be used by the Chery as well, the setup utilises a plug-in hybrid configuration as a way of what the brand views as being the ideal new energy propulsion method for the local market.
ALSO READ: Intensely shocked plug-in hybrid Omoda C9 SHS arriving in June
Initially, this entails two models, the Omoda C9 and Jaecoo J7, with the former's C7 set to be the third SHS model come later this year.
Having grown steadily with sales combined sales this year so far of 4 110 units, the division's SHS launch in Muldersdrift outside Johannesburg involved a trek to and from the Gerotek testing facility where a series of normally uncommon exercises was to take place.
Petrol vs SHS
Teased in select details throughout May after being finally approved in February, the J7 SHS and C9 SHS seemingly differ little from their respective petrol siblings on first glance, though closer inspection soon reveals the hybrid specific touches.
Besides the second flap that hides the charging outlet on the left rear wing, both get PHEV badges on the bootlid and, in the case of the J7, 19-inch aero wheels.
Modelled on the mid-range Glacier with the C9 using the top-spec Explore as a base, the biggest difference reside underneath the bonnet where the former loses the 1.6 T-GDI engine and the latter the 2.0 T-GDI unit.
J7 SHS's biggest exterior difference from the normal petrol are the 19-inch aero alloy wheels
Losing their respective seven-speed dual-clutch and eight-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes as well, both utilise the 1.5 T-GDI from the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Omoda C5, albeit connected to a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) with a single-speed in the J7 and a three-speed in the C9.
For the former, the electric hardware consists of an 18.3-kWh battery pack powering a single electric motor on the rear axle.
Combined, the setup develops 255kW/525Nm, which Omoda & Jaecoo claims will take the J7 SHS from 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds. The claimed all-electric range is 90 km and the combined with the petrol engine included 1 250 km.
C9's rear visual difference from the regular petrol is the PHEV badge on the tailgate and the secondary charging flap on the rear wing.
At the same time, the fuel consumption is 4.8 L/100 km and the waiting time 20-25 minutes from 30-80% using a DC fast charger.
Officially the most powerful Chinese car now available in South Africa, the C9 SHS not only gets the bigger 34.4-kWh battery pack, but two additional electric motors for a total of three.
The result is a total output of 440kW/915Nm, a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds and an all-electric range of 150 km.
Its driveline making it all-wheel-drive from the start versus the front-wheel-drive J7, the C9 SHS has a combined range of 1 100 km, fuel consumption of 5.8 L/100 km and the same 20-25 minute waiting time from 30-80% when using a fast charger.
The drive
J7 SHS
Topping their respective line-ups, the first leg of the journey involved the J7, whose inclusion of the hybrid system as seen the lamented combination of a poorly calibrated throttle and mismatched transmission being eradicated almost completely.
Smooth on take-off and no longer as laggy, the J7 feels more responsive and, even at highway speeds, able to travel a significant distance on EV power than its supposed range claim.
Despite its smaller battery than that of the C9, the J7 SHS also supports DC fast charging.
In total, the J7 SHS comes with two hybrid modes; the default HEV and fully-electric EV, plus three drive modes; Eco, Normal and Sport.
Once depleted, or at higher speeds, the powerplant reverts to the petrol engine, a transition that goes relatively smoothly without any jerks being present.
That being said, once fired-up, the smaller capacity petrol becomes audible at the national limit, and with a strained noise which does smoothen once at a constant speed.
Spec
Besides a new centre console, which has seen the aircraft-style gear lever being dropped and replaced by a steering column-mounted selector, the rest of the J7 SHS's cabin is unchanged and feels not only premium and well put together, but spacious despite the standard fitting of the panoramic sunroof.
Glacier-spec based means the standard inclusion of the 14.8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charger, the eight-speaker Sony sound system, an integrated dashcam, electric, heated and ventilated front seats, Head-Up Display, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, an electric tailgate and ambient lighting.
J7 SHS' interior sports a new centre console and a column-shift gear lever.
Safety and driver assistance system, which sadly still includes the frustrating Driver Monitoring System, comprises the following:
360-degree surround-view camera;
front and rear parking sensors;
Automatic Emergency Braking
Adaptive Cruise Control;
Rear Cross Traffic Alert;
Auto High Beam Assist;
Traffic Jam Assist;
Lane Departure Warning
Blind Spot Monitoring
In the confines of Gerotek, the task with the J7 involved manoeuvring it through a series of strategy placed cones without knocking them down.
With the surfaces wetted, the front-wheel-drive J7 felt largely composed, but, unsurprisingly, tended to oversteer when turned sharply.
A PHEV logo has been added to the tailgate on the right-hand side.
Admittedly, and highly unlikely to be driven in the same manner as the media by future buyers, the J7's steering felt slightly better than that of its petrol sibling, though still recognisable as an over assisted electric setup.
Notably, an all-wheel-drive model is in the works and could arrive either by year-end or in 2026 depending on the rate of development.
C9
Swapping from the J7 to the plusher but much more powerful C9, the pair of line-up tests included a high-speed braking exercise and the dreaded moose test.
Feeling its weight when jarred from side-to-side as found with the normal Explore tested last year, the C9 SHS' greater power becomes apparent, but not with the same potency as its figures suggest.
Despite its smaller battery than that of the C9, the J7 SHS also supports DC fast charging.
Braking from an eventual 158 km/h, the C9 didn't feel as lacking in the brake department as the petrol variant did, however, the overly assisted steering prevailed.
Away from Gerotek, the continues adaptive dampers have been retuned to accommodate the electric system and as such, no longer result in the C9 being as floaty as before.
In an opposite from the J7 though, the electric motors and battery pack haven't solved the C9's throttle calibration foibles as a noticeable delay and hesitation remains before it eventually accelerates.
New to the interior are hybrid graphics within the instrument cluster and infotainment system, and a two-tone brown-and-black Nappa leather finish.
Refined and quiet, the transition from petrol to electric is just as unobtrusive as in the J7, with three hybrid modes being available: HEV, EV and EV+, along with the carryover six driving settings: Eco, Normal, Sport, Mud, Snow and Off-Road.
As with the J7, the firing of the power engine comes is anything but pleasant on the ear and becomes badly strained when accelerating as a likely result of it having to work harder with the added weight of the battery pack and trio of electric motors.
Given that all of the models still had to be run-in and that some had done less than 1 000 km, a more thorough determination will be given once the first units arrive for the seven-day test.
Spec
As for standard equipment, the C9 SHS comes standard with Nappa leather upholstery, a fragrance dispenser, heated, electric and ventilated front seats, a 12-speaker Sony sound system, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and a panoramic sunroof.
Centre dashboard dial now comes with integrated HEV and EV buttons.
Include further are two wireless smartphone chargers, Head-Up Display, ambient lighting and a pair of 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and the infotainment system – the latter furnished with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard safety and driver assistance tech comprises:
540-degree camera system;
Auto High Beam Assist LED headlights;
Driver Attention Monitor;
Adaptive Cruise Control;
Lane Departure Warning;
Blind Spot Monitoring;
Lead Vehicle Alert;
Rear Cross Traffic Alert;
Lane Keep Assist;
Reverse Automatic Braking
Conclusion
With the mentioned sales growth experienced throughout the year so far, the introduction of the SHS variants of the Jaecoo J7 and Omoda C9 adds an element of assurance given the uncertainty and range anxiety still associated with fully electric vehicles.
At the same time providing a near-on 100 km electric range – in the case of the J7 – self-charging hybrids cannot match it still remains to be seen how both will be accepted come the monthly sales figures.
Price
Included with each model's price tag, the J7 SHS and C9 SHS introduce a series of warranty firsts to the local markets.
In addition to the first owner-only 10-year/1 000 000 km engine warranty, both come standard with a 10-year/200 000 km guarantee on not only the battery, but also various other electric components Omoda & Jaecoo refers to as the power motor control unit.
Completing the back-up guarantees is a seven-year/200 000 km warranty, a five-year/75 000 km service plan and, for the first 250 buyers only, free installation of a wallbox charging unit as a premises of choice.
J7
J7 1.6 T-GDI Vortex DCT – R519 900
J7 1.6 T-GDI Glacier DCT – R579 900
J7 1.6 T-GDI Inferno AWD DCT – R679 900
J7 SHS – R689 900
C9
C9 2.0 T-GDI Inspire AT – R785 900
C9 2.0 T-GDI Explore AWD AT – R885 900
C9 SHS – R999 000
ALSO READ: Plug-in hybrid Jaecoo J7 becoming one with the grid in June
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
11-06-2025
- TimesLIVE
Chinese carmakers vow to make supplier payments within 60 days as backlash grows
Major Chinese car manufacturers have pledged to make payments to suppliers within 60 days, responding to a recent outcry from steelmakers over long payment times and regulatory pressure as the backlash against a brutal price war grows. Chinese authorities issued new rules in March that require big companies to settle most payments with suppliers within 60 days that became effective on June 1. However, suppliers had been worried there were loopholes for the rules to be circumvented. Carmakers issuing pledges on Wednesday included companies such as BYD and Chery and smaller players such as Xpeng and Xiaomi. State-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group and FAW Group made their pledges on Tuesday night. The pledges come after China's industry ministry summoned carmakers to a meeting last week where they were told to put an end to a punishing price war and excessive competition, factors which have put tremendous pressure on the industry's supply chain. Even so, the China Iron and Steel Association felt compelled to publish a statement on Tuesday that said steel companies were struggling with little profit margin and mounting liquidity pressure as some carmakers have been asking for price cuts of more than 10% since last year and delaying payments by months. The association also asked Chinese carmakers to learn from the steady and healthy partnerships Japanese carmakers have with their suppliers, which leave a certain amount of profit for suppliers and ensure product quality and innovation. Yang Hongze, chair of Autolink, a supplier of intelligent vehicle technologies, said he welcomed the pledges but would like more clarity from carmakers about whether payments would be made in cash or commercial paper, and what would be considered the start date for the 60-day period to pay. "It is a pleasant but difficult change for the industry to move towards a healthy development and grow together," he said. Tension has been high in China's car industry as the price war which began in early 2023 has shown little sign of abating. In May, Great Wall Motor chair Wei Jianjun worried openly about the deepening price war. He said the industry had its own version of property developer Evergrande, which was liquidated last year after a major debt crisis, though he did not mention a specific car company. This month, Chinese car dealers called on carmakers to stop offloading too many cars on dealerships, saying the intense price war was damaging their cash flow, driving down their profitability and forcing some to shut.
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- The Citizen
Omoda C9 review: Powerful hybrid SUV delivers impressive performance and efficiency
Blasting onto South African shores with 440kW and 915N.m, the C9 PHEV spearheads Omoda's local new-energy vehicle offensive. CAR Magazine samples the new C9 flagship in Gauteng. First impressions here… Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Fast facts: Omoda C9 PHEV Price: R999 000 Powertrain: 1.5l, four-cylinder, turbopetrol + electric motors Transmission: three-speed DHT Driven wheels: Four Power: 440kW Torque: 915N.m Top speed: N/a 0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds* Fuel consumption: 1.4l/100km CO 2 emissions: N/a *Claimed figures What are we driving? Launched alongside the Jaecoo J7 SHS (Super Hybrid System), which we sampled before its official South African launch, we are driving the Omoda C9 PHEV. Positioned as the new flagship in Omoda SA's C9 lineup, the PHEV derivative spearheads the Chinese marque's new-energy vehicle (NEV) offensive. The C9 PHEV (or SHS, the namesake that will replace 'PHEV' to align with the plug-in hybrid Jaecoo's) employs a 1.5l, four-cylinder turbopetrol engine and a quartet of electric motors. The PHEV arrangement produces a total system output of 440kW and 915N.m. Delivered to all four corners via a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), the automaker says these figures allow the C9 PHEV to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds. Omoda claims an average fuel consumption of 1.4l/100km when the battery is replenished and a still-impressive 6.9l/100km when the 34.5kWh item is discharged. Capable of accepting up to 70kW at a DC fast charging station, the firm says a 30 to 80% DC charge takes between 20 and 25 minutes. Noteworthy, the PHEV setup offers claimed electric-only driving of up to 150km and a combined operating range of 1 100km. Exclusively available in top-tier, Explore level of specification, the C9 PHEV is generously equipped as standard. The package includes such items as (deep breath) 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment, the latter incorporating Apple CarPlay/Android Auto screen mirroring; 50W wireless smartphone charging; a 12-speaker Sony sound system; dual-zone climate control with rear air-con; electrically adjustable heated/ventilated front pews; heated rear seats, replete with reclining function, and multifunction steering wheel; a surround-view camera array supplemented by fore and aft park distance sensors; and a panoramic sunroof. Safety items include seven airbags, Isofix child-seat anchorages and a bouquet of advanced driver assistance systems. The latter includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-change assist and automatic emergency braking, among other features. The cabin is spacious, with fore and aft occupants afforded plenty of head- and kneeroom. Omoda claims a luggage capacity of 660l, which expands to 1 783l when folding down the rear seatbacks. However, it is worth mentioning that the 2.0TGDI 400T AWD derivative, which has the same claimed boot/utility capacity, swallowed 328/1 068l worth of our ISO blocks when evaluated for our December 2024 road test. Related: Review: Jaecoo J7 SHS (PHEV) What are the Omoda C9 PHEV's rivals? The new-energy C9's PHEV rivals come in the shape of the (SA-built) BMW X3 30e xDrive, which we sampled at the local launch in 2025, and Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge, priced from R1 260 000 and R1 314 000, respectively. As a reminder, the plug-in hybrid X3's petrol-electric powertrain comprises a 140kW/310N.m, 2l, four-cylinder turbopetrol and 135kW/250N.m electric motor for a combined system output of 220kW and 450N.m. The X3 30e's average fuel consumption and electric-only operating range are a claimed 1.1l/100km and 90km. BMW quotes a 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.2 seconds and 215km/h top speed for its new-generation new-energy X3. The Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge's 233kW/400N.m, 2l, four-cylinder super- and turbocharged petrol internal combustion engine is assisted by a 107kW/309N.m electric motor. The Gothenburg-based brand's midsize plug-in hybrid SUV produces peak power and torque outputs of 340kW and 709N.m for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds, making it one-tenth of a second quicker to the three-figure marker than the car driven here, and 180km/h top speed. Related: Review: BMW X3 30e xDrive What is the Omoda C9 PHEV like to drive? Stepping inside (via standard-fitment keyless entry), the C9 PHEV's Nappa leather-upholstered cabin is a comfortable place sit. Perceived interior build quality is good and contributes to the Omoda's impressive levels of NVH suppression. The C9 PHEV is a comfortable drive, with its suspension setup soaking up most road imperfections with aplomb. The steering is generally direct. However, the calibration of the setup would benefit from more weight as it feels a touch too light and void of feedback at low-speed manoeuvring and when pushing on. Noteworthy, the C9 PHEV doesn't seem to suffer from the throttle calibration issues we've previously experienced in several other Chinese vehicles. The drivetrain delivers power to all four corners in a smooth fashion. A brief stop at Gerotek allowed us to test this C9's straight-line performance. Admittedly, this is not what the C9 PHEV was built for. Yet, considering its performance SUV-matching outputs and claimed 0-100km/h sprint time, we were keen to test just how it performs in the acceleration stakes. The powertrain exhibited some latency off the line and, as impressive as the C9 PHEV's outputs are on paper, it curiously didn't quite feel like there's 440kW/915N.m on hand. However, the Omoda is plenty quick and overtaking on the motorway is fuss-free. Related: Review: Omoda C9 AWD Explore Verdict Featuring a solidly constructed, capacious and tech-laden cabin, easy-to-drive characteristics, road-holding manners and admirable fuel economy, the C9 PHEV ticks a lot of boxes. Though, from first impressions, it doesn't feel as powerful as the outputs on its spec sheet would suggest. However, that's not what it was built for; it was made to offer the driver and occupants an exceptionally comfortable driving experience. And the Omoda majors in this. Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Review: Omoda C9 PHEV appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- The Citizen
Chery relaunches Himla bakkie under revived name for China
Rebadging of the Himla under the revived Rely marque will only be applicable in China as export markets will reportedly get a completely different model in 2026. Chery has revived the Rely name in China, with the first new model being the Himla bakkie, now called the Rely R08. Image: Unveiled as the much vaunted Himla at the Shanghai International Auto Show two months ago, Chery's first-ever bakkie as unofficially been outed in China, albeit under a marque not known outside of the People's Republic. Who is Rely? One of the Wuhu-based firm's original sub-brands, the Himla will be marketed as the R08 under the Rely marque, which between 2009 and 2013, served as a mostly commercial vehicle focused division selling copied version of the current Toyota HiAce as the Rely H-Series. ALSO READ: Chery gearing up to take South African bakkie market by storm Phased-out due dwindling sales, with the H-Series eventually becoming a Chery, the revival of Rely will reportedly involve other products than only the R08, which had been expected to launch the brand's bakkie programme in export markets. KP31 and KP11 Known internally as the KP11, the R08 will, however, be sold solely in China whereas international markets will get a completely different product known as the KP31 that is currently undergoing development. Based on a unibody platform instead of the traditional body-on-frame that will underpin the KP31, the R08 derives motivation from a 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Interior is dominated by a two-tone leather finish and a 15.6-inch infotainment display. Image: According to information from China's AutoHome, the setup produces 120kW/420Nm and, as evident by the images, goes to the rear or all four wheels via a part-time four-wheel-drive system with the traditional 2H, 4H and 4L settings. Debuting at a later stage will be a petrol engine option, a rumoured 2.0-litre turbo, an EV and a plug-in hybrid combined with petrol and diesel engines. Chery badging has been removed from the tailgate. Image: While no further mechanical details were divulged, notable confirmed specification items consists of a 15.6-inch infotainment system, LED headlights, a wireless smartphone charger, leather seats, a digital instrument cluster and an array of driver assistance systems adhering to Level 2 autonomous driving. KP11 and KP31 for South Africa? Still be fully detailed, the R08 will go on-sale in China within the coming months at a still to be announced price. For export markets, including South Africa, patience will be required as the KP31 is only due to arrive in 2026. Chery International President, Zhang Guibing, has however hinted that two bakkies could becoming to market after telling the media post Shanghai, 'our initial products were only built in left-hand drive, but from next year we will have them in right-hand drive. From next year, we might bring two pick-ups to South Africa'. Suggesting the availability of both the KP11 and KP31, it remains to be seen whether both or only the latter will eventually become available in 2026. NOW READ: Chery Himla revealed as marque's long awaited first bakkie
