Omoda has revealed the 5 SHS-H, marking the brand’s first-ever full hybrid model. The newly electrified SUV becomes the third version of the smallest vehicle in Omoda’s UK portfolio, sitting alongside the standard petrol-powered 5 and the fully electric E5.
Short for “Super Hybrid System – Hybrid,” the 5 SHS-H is scheduled to go on sale in March with prices starting at £25,740. That places it just under £2000 above the regular petrol model while undercutting the Nissan Qashqai E-Power by roughly £5000.
While this is Omoda’s first full hybrid offering, it isn’t the brand’s first step into electrification in the UK. The larger Omoda 7 and 9 SUVs are already available with plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The 5 SHS-H shares its 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with the larger 7, but its hybrid system differs significantly. Instead of using an 18.3kWh battery that requires external charging, the 5 SHS-H employs a much smaller 1.83kW battery that is charged by the engine itself.
According to Omoda, the SHS-H setup is focused on improving efficiency and cutting emissions rather than enabling extended engine-off driving. As a result, the company does not quote an electric-only range for the 5 SHS-H. Instead, it highlights a combined fuel economy figure of 53mpg, a notable increase over the 34mpg claimed for the petrol-only 5.
The system operates as a conventional full hybrid, similar in concept to Toyota’s approach, with the petrol engine and electric motor working together to drive the front wheels. Combined output stands at 201bhp.
This differs from some competitors, such as the Qashqai E-Power, which use a series-hybrid configuration. In those systems, the wheels are driven solely by an electric motor, while the engine functions only as a generator to recharge the battery.
The launch has been described as a “significant milestone” for the brand by Omoda’s UK boss Victor Zhang. In terms of design, the 5 SHS-H is visually indistinguishable from the petrol-powered 5, both inside and out.
Standard equipment includes twin 12.3-inch displays with wireless smartphone mirroring and 18-inch alloy wheels. Stepping up to the Noble trim, priced at £29,240, adds features such as a surround-view parking camera, heated and ventilated seats, and an eight-speaker Sony sound system.
Also Read: 5 Hybrids That Stay Smooth in Stop-and-Go vs 5 That Feel Jerky
