Omoda C7 SHS review: Hyped hybrid

The Omoda C7 SHS (Super Hybrid System) plug-in hybrid (PHEV) retails for an enticing R689 900 in South Africa. It serves as the top-of-the-range model in the C7 mid-sized SUV lineup from the Far Eastern manufacturer. And after having driven a host of lesser-than derivatives, we finally get to sample the halo model. 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine is paired with an electric motor and battery. Total system output is 255 kW and 525 Nm of torque. Battery capacity is 18.4 kWh, giving a pure electric range of 105 km, with a claimed total tank range of up to 1 200 km.

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The Chery Group – of which Omoda is a member – is on a serious sales roll at the moment. Last month (July 2026) it placed second for passenger car sales in South Africa. Second! They beat Suzuki and Volkswagen outright. That is mighty impressive for a group that only returned to the country just after COVID. Moreover, we’ve been genuinely bowled over by their clever plug-in hybrids, like the C9 Explore PHEV. We’re talking silky smooth and hugely powerful with 440 kW and 915 Nm of electrically boosted oomph. So, how does its smaller cousin get on?

OMODA C7 SHS

This test unit’s black-on-black execution, teamed with 20-inch rims, does separate it from the crowd. Image: Ray Leathern

Much like the other derivatives we’ve reviewed, the Omoda C7 SHS impresses in certain departments but then stumbles over some basics. What you see before you is essentially a stretched version of its mechanical sibling, the Jaecoo J7. Ground clearance comes in at 176 mm, even with the up-sized 20-inch wheels. However, the Omoda adds 160 mm to the overall length and an additional 48 mm between the axles. This is a boon for interior practicality. It’s almost big enough that the manufacturer must have considered adding a third row of seats.

As a result, the Omoda C7 SHS swallows 614 litres of luggage easily, expanding to north of 1 111 litres when you fold the rear seats flat. For buyers with children or needing to transport oddly shaped items like mountain bikes and surfboards, the Omoda C7 SHS is a great step-up if you want a full-size SUV but can’t really afford one. Better still, like its siblings, the seats are supremely comfortable, with all main touchpoints soft and padded for a premium feel.

HOW EFFICIENT IS IT?

Touchscreen don’t get much bigger than the top-of-the-range C7’s. Rest of the cabin is well executed. Image: Ray Leathern

Under the bonnet, the Omoda C7 SHS uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, boosted with a battery. It produces 255 kW and 525 Nm, which is nearly half what you get in the full-fat C9 Explore PHEV. However, it feels perfectly perky and much more tractable than the ICE-only alternatives we’ve found wanting for pace at times. Quite literally, adequate ICE performance turns electric thanks to a healthy battery boost that torque-fills from lowdown. In terms of efficiency, once again, we cannot give accurate figures from the full test period. This is due to Omoda on-board computers only giving you a readout of the last 50 km of driving and not from a defined reset.

However, we will credit the Omoda C7 SHS for its uprated driver-assistance systems, like adaptive cruise control and active steering. In other offerings from the group, these well-intentioned additions are often pretty frustrating to use. However, they are much better programmed in the SHS. For example, the active lane-keeping doesn’t meander between the lane. Likewise, the cruise control doesn’t panic when it senses a bend in the road and reduce speed. So, good improvements all-round in that department.

OMODA C7 SHS VERDICT

Rearward visibility is an Achilles heel of the C7, but it is augmented by a host of cameras. Image: Ray Leathern

After a week behind the wheel, we definitely became fond of the Omoda C7 SHS. The ride quality is crashy at times and there’s very little rearward visibility, but it’s certainly the best offering in the C7 range and worth the additional outlay to take you to R689 900. The cabin space and standard equipment levels for the money are impressive, and there’s nothing to suggest the build quality won’t endure the test of time. Better still, the hybrid boost solves any sluggishness that plagues the ICE-only models. And at this entry point into the range, inferior driver-assistance systems seem a none issue, too.

FIGURES OMODA C7 SHS

• Engine: 1.5-litre turbo petrol + 18.4 kWh battery/electric motor
• Transmission: Dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT)
• Power: 255 kW
• Torque: 525 Nm
• Consumption: unknown
• Price: R689 900

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