When the first iteration of the C5 launched, we were left with a good-looking SUV and much-needed refinement. It was the first model from the Omoda brand, so naturally, we had our reservations. But the brand has taken the collective pointers to heart, and the C5 is back with an electrified punch and a brand-new, improved personality.
The C5 SHS retains the same 1.5-litre turbocharged architecture we have seen before, but has now been adapted to accommodate a mild hybrid. Typically, mild hybrid additions slightly improve responsiveness and fuel consumption, and the C5 SHS has those qualities, but it’s more than just a subtle improvement. This advanced hybrid technology delivers the numbers we would expect from a plug-in hybrid, yet this car doesn’t strictly need a charge in the conventional sense.
It produces 165kW and 295Nm, with good throttle calibration and responsiveness, and now offers a range of 1,000km at 4.9l/100km. It’s a completely different experience from the prior model, which was sluggish to respond to throttle inputs and was rather thirsty. In practice, the C5 SHS is quick off the line and has a good amount of low-end power for darting around the suburbs, but once it reaches highway speeds, it could do with a little more power to confidently overtake. It does, however, do the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds, which is good. I did notice, though, that under hard acceleration, there is a brief halt in power delivery.
It’s a comfortable ride that is confident in the corners, smooth on rough surfaces, and provides enough ground clearance for gravel roads. It does lack steering feel, but in the C5, road feel isn’t really a requirement.
As we move inside, there are dual 12.3-inch screens that take up most of the dash and offer a smooth infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that blend into the driver’s information cluster.
Right now, the C5 SHS is available at a launch special of R469,900 for the next month, after which it will cost R479,900. It competes with the Haval Jolion Pro HEV at R521k and the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV, which starts at R501k. Shot-for-shot, the C5 and Jolion offer similar spec levels, but the C5 offers a slightly more premium cabin look and feel.
Heading into this first drive, there were a few points I wanted to look at: throttle calibration, ride quality and consumption were my greatest concerns, but Omoda has clearly taken the time to rework these elements. The SHS adds the responsiveness of electric power, the cabin feels purposeful and well thought out, while the ride quality is more confident. As a bonus, the hybrid addition makes for consumption figures that are mighty impressive.
The C5 SHS is now a strong consideration for families looking for a city-focused SUV with good road manners at an attractive price.
