I notice that everything feels pretty familiar here. Familiar, but still different. I felt this way slipping behind the wheel of the new Omoda C5 SHS Hybrid at its media launch in Gauteng and North West. Since its launch in March 2023, the C5 has stood out from the crowd, thanks to its bossy front grille. The new C5, specifically the SHS version, simply refines the recipe rather than rewriting it. Evolution, it seems, suits this compact crossover quite nicely.
The numbers tell the story. In March 2024 – a year after its launch – the C5 found 277 new homes. By March 2026 that figure had surged to 845 units. It is now one of the most popular choices in its segment, especially among lady buyers who seem to appreciate its blend of different styling, comfort and effortless daily usability. Omoda seems to have come and understood that lifestyle buyer. With 61 dealerships already on the Mzansi map, and plans to reach 75 by the end of 2027, the brand is making sure that “home” feeling is never far away.
Visually, the SHS keeps the confident stance of its predecessor but sharpens the details. A fresh front end gives the nose a more defined, contemporary presence. One has to look very close to see the difference. The new 18-inch wheels give a sporty design.
Step inside and the changes are more than skin-deep. The redesigned dashboard and centre console have been lifted by noticeably higher-quality, more premium materials. Soft-touch surfaces, cleaner lines and a more tactile finish create an interior that feels steps above its price point. This is a cabin built for lifestyle living: spacious, yet intimate enough that the driver never feels removed from the experience. The new updated infotainment system is crisp and intuitive, with much more responsive graphics and logical menus. Thank goodness Omoda removed my bugbear; that old wireless charging pad that was defencelessly exposed to the sunlight, thus keeping the phone hot all the time. We are in Africa after all. Our cars should reflect as much.
But the real talking point is under the bonnet, where the C5 gains its first Hybrid powertrain. With the SHS brand, C5 becomes the only turbocharged hybrid in its segment, pairing a 1.5-litre turbo engine with electric assistance to deliver a strong 165kW of power and 295Nm of torque. Keep in mind that this is not a plug-in Hybrid, but rather a self-charging one. That means the battery pack gets charged while the car is driving or doing regenerative braking. Omoda claims a remarkable 1 000km range from a single tank, which is the highest in the segment.
During my drive around Gauteng and the North West, including the winding roads around Hartbeespoort Dam, the hybrid powertrain responded with pleasing smoothness. Power delivery is gradual rather than explosive, which is not the quickest off the mark I have experienced. But it is the kind of progressive, refined response that suits daily driving. The Hybrid powertrain gives the car grown-up, and not a frantic feel to it.
That balance of comfort and capability is what makes the C5 SHS feel special. While the steering is somewhat vague, it does glide through traffic with quiet efficiency, settles into a relaxed cruise on the highway, and still offers enough poise when the road tightens. The hybrid system manages the transition between petrol and electric quite seamlessly.
At R479 900, the new Omoda C5 SHS sits in a good pricing spot. In a market crowded with crossovers/ small SUVs, the C5 SHS will probably stand out by through its bold looks and powerful Hybrid powertrain. For buyers who want a car that fits their lives rather than dictates them – stylish enough to turn heads, comfortable enough for the long haul, and clever enough to make daily routines easier – the new Omoda C5 SHS makes a compelling case. It is familiar in most ways, yet quietly better in ways that matter.
Omoda C5 SHS Price
SHS HEV – R479 900
