Chery sub-brand Omoda & Jaecoo has announced when the Jaecoo J5 HEV will launch in South Africa. Here’s what we know about this SA-bound compact hybrid crossover/SUV.
Image: Jaecoo
Jaecoo confirmed in November 2025 that the J5 hybrid would come to South Africa. Now, after the Omoda C5 SHS HEV was launched in April 2026, the Chinese automaker has revealed when the new J5 will arrive on our shores.
While Jaecoo hasn’t shared full local specifications yet, the brand’s SA arm says the J5 HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) will feature a 13.2-inch portrait-style touchscreen for the infotainment system, a drive selector mounted on the steering column, and advanced NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) technologies. The NVH kit includes active noise reduction, acoustic glass, and better insulation. On safety, the petrol-electric J5 will offer up to 20 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Jaecoo J5 HEV SA launch date
Jaecoo has confirmed the J5 HEV will launch in SA in July 2026. Local pricing and specifications will be revealed closer to the launch date. However, we expect the J5 HEV to be priced around R500k, placing it above the top-spec ICE-powered J5 and below the entry-level J7.
The J5 HEV uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine paired with a front-mounted electric motor, powered by a 1.83 kWh battery. The hybrid system outputs a combined 165 kW and 295 N.m of torque, sending power to the front wheels through a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). Jaecoo claims a combined fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100 km and a total range of over 1,000 km. The J5 HEV can do 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds (claimed) and reaches a top speed of 175 km/h.
Said Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager at Omoda & Jaecoo and iCAUR SA: “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.”
