Features / 15 May 2026 / Warren Hawkins

South Africa’s cheapest hybrid vs plug-in hybrid – a R70,000 difference

New energy vehicles (NEVs) are becoming increasingly popular in South Africa, thanks to Chinese carmakers introducing budget options, including entry-level hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offerings.

The cheapest PHEV available locally is the BYD Sealion 5, with a starting price of R509,900, which is R70,000 more than the cheapest conventional hybrid, the R439,900 Chery Tiggo Cross CSH.

While neither of these comes close to the price of South Africa’s cheapest fully electric car, the R339,900 Geely E2, they are the most affordable hybrids in the country.

For its price, the Sealion 5 features a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a single front-mounted electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 156kW and 300Nm.

It sends this power to the front wheels via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT).

The BYD is fitted with a 12.96kWh battery, which enables an all-electric driving range of 52km on the WLTP cycle.

Charging this battery from 30% to 80% can be done in around four hours via its 3.5kWh AC charger, included in the purchase price.

The Sealion 5 has a claimed average fuel consumption of just 1.2l/100km, assuming extensive use of the battery range, or 5.2l/100km when making more use of its combustion engine, giving the SUV a total range of 1,001km.

By comparison, the R70,000 cheaper Chery Tiggo Cross CSH has been fitted with a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine, which produces 71kW and 118Nm.

Joining it is a single electric motor and a 1.83kWh battery, which boosts the total power output to 150kW and 310Nm – very similar to the Sealion 5.

This total power is distributed to the front wheels by a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), while the Chery also features four driving modes, including an Energy Recovery mode, which it automatically switches between.

The crossover also features an intelligent stop/start system, which minimises fuel usage when stopped or idling.

All of these factors combine to grant the crossover a combined fuel consumption of only 5.4l/100km, enabling a 1,000km single-tank range – only 1km less than the BYD Sealion 5.

What sets them apart

The most notable difference between the two hybrids, beyond their price and drivetrain configuration, is their size.

The BYD Sealion 5 is an SUV, and therefore larger than the crossover Chery Tiggo Cross CSH, with better ground clearance and increased cargo space.

Additionally, the Sealion is arguably more luxurious, featuring more premium finishes, although this is subjective and ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the two. Click on their underlined prices for more information about either model.

Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 CSH Hybrid Comfort

Starting price – R439,900
Power – 150kW/310Nm
Fuel consumption – 5.4l/100km
Range – 1,000km
Warranty – 7-year/150,000km vehicle + 10-year/unlimited km engine + 8-year/150,000km battery
Maintenance plan – 5-year/60,000km