OMODA & JAECOO South Africa claimed third place in the global JAECOO HEV long-distance test, delivering one of the standout efficiency performances among nine international markets in the JAECOO J5 HEV, the brand’s upcoming compact hybrid SUV.
The test formed part of the brand’s ‘9 Countries Super Hybrid Marathon,’ held in China from 25 to 26 April. The programme brought together media and key opinion leaders from Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Oceania, South Asia and Africa to evaluate the performance of OMODA & JAECOO’s Super Hybrid System (SHS) technology under real-world driving conditions.
South Africa delivered a standout performance, recording an average fuel consumption of 3.7 L/100 km and an impressive total range of 1,068.6 km. This was calculated from 625 km already covered, with a further 443.6 km remaining to empty. The result secured third place overall, finishing just behind the leading benchmark of 3.4 L/100 km and underscoring the J5 HEV’s efficiency in demanding driving conditions.
The long-distance test was designed to assess the efficiency of the J5 SHS hybrid system and its usability across a variety of scenarios. Participants drove across a combination of highway, urban and open-road environments, providing a comprehensive evaluation of performance under everyday conditions. All vehicles were tested under standardised parameters, including active climate control, navigation systems, and infotainment features, ensuring consistency across all markets.
Aside from the JAECOO J5 HEV, the newly launched OMODA C5 HEV, and the JAECOO J7 HEV — the latter not currently available on the South African market — also formed part of the programme.
For the J5 HEV, the results provide clear validation of its efficiency. While manufacturer-stated consumption figures are typically achieved under controlled conditions, real-world testing often results in similar or slightly higher figures due to varying driving styles and environmental factors. In this context, the J5 HEV’s achieved consumption of 3.7L/100 km under fully active driving conditions underscores the effectiveness of its hybrid system.
“This result is validation of what the J5 HEV is capable of in real-world conditions,” said Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager at OMODA & JAECOO South Africa and iCAUR South Africa. “What makes this especially relevant is that the efficiency achieved in testing goes beyond the vehicle’s already competitive claimed figures, while still delivering the performance and refinement customers expect.”
“With a combined range of over 1,000 km, responsive performance, and a well-appointed cabin, the J5 HEV is designed to meet the needs of modern drivers. We are confident it will resonate strongly in the South African market when it launches in July,” added Gahagan.
The system combines electric smoothness with petrol-driven range, enabling the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, reach a top speed of 175 km/h, and deliver a combined driving range of over 1,000 km. While the J5 HEV carries a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.3L/100 km (with CO2 emissions of 118.9 g/km), the 3.7L/100 km achieved during the global test highlights the system’s ability to deliver exceptional efficiency in real-world driving.
Inside, the J5 HEV continues JAECOO’s focus on refinement and comfort. Advanced NVH technologies, including active noise reduction, acoustic glass and enhanced sound insulation, contribute to a notably quiet cabin. A 13.2-inch central display and ergonomic column shifter further support a modern, driver-focused interior.
Safety remains a key priority, with the J5 HEV equipped with 20 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features, alongside comprehensive battery protection systems designed to ensure confidence across a range of driving conditions.
The JAECOO J5 HEV is scheduled to launch in South Africa in July 2026, with further information to be provided ahead of the on-sale date.
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