The Omoda 5 SHS-H enters a crowded crossover market with bold styling and a competitive price, but falls short on delivering the fuel efficiency its hybrid powertrain promises. While the new hybrid variant boosts the model’s appeal, its real-world performance lags behind key rivals, making it a stylish but ultimately less practical choice.
Omoda’s Rapid Rise in the UK Market
Omoda, a sub-brand of Chery International, launched in the UK in mid-2024 and quickly gained traction, selling nearly 20,000 units in its first year. This success positions Omoda as a significant player among emerging Chinese automakers, alongside brands like Jaecoo, BYD, and Leapmotor. The company’s aggressive pricing and feature-rich offerings have disrupted the established market, forcing competitors to adapt.
The SHS-H Hybrid: On Paper Promise, Real-World Disappointment
The new SHS-H hybrid system—dubbed “Super Hybrid System – Hybrid” by Omoda—combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a small electric motor and 1.83kWh battery. Despite claims of 52.2 mpg combined, independent testing revealed an average of just 44.3 mpg. This falls short of competitors like the MG ZS Hybrid (55.4 mpg) and the Dacia Duster Hybrid 155 (61.4 mpg), which achieves better efficiency with a smaller battery. The hybrid’s fuel economy suffers particularly in low-speed city driving, where electric-only operation is minimal.
Refinement and Dynamics: A Mixed Bag
The SHS-H improves refinement compared to the standard petrol model, offering quieter acceleration. However, wind and road noise remain noticeable, typical for this segment. The hybrid variant adds just 11 kg of weight, maintaining a sprightly 0-62 mph time of under eight seconds. Chassis improvements, including adjustments to suspension and steering, enhance handling compared to the larger Omoda 7, but the car still lacks the dynamic finesse of established rivals like the Hyundai Kona.
Interior and Practicality: Compromises for Style
The Omoda 5’s interior boasts twin 12.3-inch displays and a solid build quality, though some materials feel budget-conscious. Space is limited, particularly in the rear where headroom suffers in higher trim levels with sunroofs. Boot capacity is a reasonable 370 liters, slightly less than the petrol version. The cabin design borrows elements from other Chery models, including the Tiggo 4, which offers similar technology at a lower price.
Pricing and Value: Questionable Tradeoffs
The Omoda 5 SHS-H starts at £25,740 for the Knight trim, with the Noble trim (adding features like heated seats and a powered bootlid) costing £29,240. Omoda backs its vehicles with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, including an extra year for the battery in hybrid models. However, the Chery Tiggo 4 offers a similar powertrain and features for under £20,000, making the Omoda 5 SHS-H a less compelling value proposition.
In conclusion, the Omoda 5 SHS-H presents an attractive package with bold styling and a competitive price, but falls short on delivering the fuel efficiency and practicality needed to stand out in a crowded market. The hybrid system feels like a style upgrade rather than a truly efficient solution, making it a less sensible choice than rivals offering better fuel economy and space.
