It’s official: the new Jaecoo J5 HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is on its way to South Africa.
The Chinese automaker recently confirmed that the new HEV, which will serve as the flagship of the series, will go on sale in our market in 2026.
Unfortunately, the company has yet to clarify exactly when it will arrive, meaning it could arrive anytime from the first to the final quarter of next year,
In any case, the new J5 will mark the latest addition to Omoda and Jaecoo’s (O&J’s) growing roster of electrified vehicles, which currently includes the Jaecoo J7 and Omoda C9 SHS (Super Hybrid System).
“Following the successful introduction of the J7 SHS and Omoda C9 SHS plug-in hybrids, the Jaecoo J5 HEV represents the next step in expanding our electrified offerings,” said Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager at Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa.
“With its blend of hybrid efficiency, smooth performance, and attainable pricing, it brings electrified mobility to a wider audience when it arrives in South Africa next year.”
What to expect
The J5 was launched in South Africa in September and is comprised of three variants – the Vortex, Glacier, and Inferno.
It is the smallest SUV in Jaecoo’s catalogue, and is positioned as the brand’s entry-level vehicle with a starting price of R379,900.
All three versions are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which generates 115kW and 230Nm.
These units are front-wheel-drive and make use of a continuously variable transmission (CVT), leading to an average fuel consumption of 7.5l/100km.
This gives it a range of 680km on its 51-litre fuel tank.
The incoming HEV pairs the combustion engine with an electric motor, though unfortunately, Jaecoo has yet to disclose the power and torque stats for this model.
However, if it’s anything like the Chery Tiggo Cross CSH, the J5 should be in the ballpark of 150kW and 310Nm.
Jaecoo did state that the range-topping J5 can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a brisk 7.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 175km/h.
The company also noted that the SUV achieves an average fuel consumption of just 5.3l/100km, letting it travel over 1,000km on a single tank.
Additionally, the J5 will have driving modes for Eco and Sport, letting users adjust things like the throttle settings to prioritise efficiency or responsiveness.
The full spec sheet will only be announced closer to launch, but it should come with all of the comforts found on the top-end Inferno.
This includes automatic LED headlights, 18-inch alloy rims, keyless entry and start, a multifunction steering wheel, leather seats, ambient lighting, a panoramic moonroof, an electric driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, eight speakers, and a 13.2-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Jaecoo also confirmed that it will have 20 Advanced Driver Assistance Software (ADAS) functions, such as adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, a camera system, automatic emergency braking, tyre pressure monitoring, traffic jam assist, blind spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Pricing is another unknown factor, but considering that the Inferno currently starts at R479,900, it’s likely the HEV will retail for over R500,000 when it lands in South Africa in 2026.
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