Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants of the Jaecoo J7 and Omoda C9 are on their way to South Africa.
First launched in the country in April and October 2024, respectively, both these Chinese SUVs have thus far only been offered in petrol guise.
This, however, is about to change. Both are set to receive a new PHEV option in the second quarter of the year, the spokesperson for brands O&J (Omoda & Jaecoo) confirmed to TopAuto.
Those interested in the new-energy powertrain will be somewhat limited in choice as it will only be available in one trim line in both the J7 and C9, positioned as the priciest option in the respective vehicle catalogues.
For reference, the top-spec J7 currently sells for R679,900, while the flagship C9 goes for R885,900. We reckon the PHEV models should be trading north of these figures.
J7 PHEV
The J7 PHEV sports a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor integrated into a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).
The setup delivers an impressive 255kW and 525Nm, considerably more than the standard version’s 145kW and 290Nm.
The 18.3kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery can provide up to 90km of electric range, with a claimed maximum range of 1,200km on the cards when both power units work together.
Using a DC fast charger, the battery can be replenished from 30-80% in as little as 20 minutes.
While the company has yet to divulge the finer details of the J7 PHEV’s spec sheet, it’s safe to assume it will be delivered with the same goodies as the current headlining model.
As such, prospective customers can expect fitments such as automatic LED lights with intelligent high-beam assist, smart door handles, leather upholstery, electric front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 14.8-inch infotainment system with smartphone mirroring, a Sony stereo, a heads-up display, a wireless smartphone charger, and an electric tailgate.
Of course, a suite of driver aids should be included, too, such as a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, automatic emergency braking, door-opening warning, and child detection.
The pricing of the new J7 PHEV will be announced at launch, the company said.
C9 PHEV
The C9 PHEV ups the ante with three electric motors working alongside the aforementioned 1.5-litre block and DHT.
As a result, it delivers a generous 440kW and 915Nm to all four corners, enabling it to “accelerate like a performance car while maintaining the refinement and composure the C9 has become known for,” the automaker said.
A larger battery elevates the all-electric range to 150km, which in turn pushes total range to 1,100km.
When plugged into a DC fast charger, the C9 PHEV can refill its battery pack from 30-80% in 25 minutes.
Like the J7, the C9 should be filled to the brim with amenities.
Buyers can expect electric front seats with ventilation, heated seats for both the front and back row, Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charger, dual-zone climate control with rear vents and a fragrance system, a 12-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two 12.3-inch screens for the driver and infotainment functions, and a heads-up display.
It’s also likely to come with adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, autonomous emergency braking, forward and rear-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection, door-opening warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a 540-degree camera.
The pricing of the new C9 PHEV will be announced at launch, the company said.
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