Chery Australia has confirmed a hybrid version of its C5 small SUV for a local launch in mid-2026, giving the GWM Haval Jolion and Hyundai Kona Hybrid a new rival in the fast-growing affordable hybrid SUV segment.
The new Chery C5 SHS-H (Super Hybrid System Hybrid) has already debuted overseas, including in the UK, where it’s sold as the Omoda 5 Hybrid, and will join the existing petrol and electric C5 line-up when it lands in Australia.
Hybrid joins petrol and electric Chery C5 range
Locally, the Chery C5 is currently offered with:
- Petrol power (two variants)
- Battery-electric power (sold as the Chery E5)
The upcoming hybrid will sit between these two, targeting buyers who want improved fuel efficiency without committing to a plug-in or full electric vehicle.
Current Australian pricing for the C5 range includes:
- Chery C5 petrol: from $29,990 drive-away
- Chery C5 petrol (higher grade): $34,990 drive-away
- Chery E5 electric: from $36,990 before on-road costs
Australian pricing and specifications for the Chery C5 SHS-H hybrid are yet to be announced.
How does the Chery C5 Hybrid works?
Unlike a plug-in hybrid, the Chery C5 SHS-H uses a conventional series-parallel hybrid system, similar in principle to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
InA conventional hybrid does not require charging and automatically switches between petrol, electric, or combined power depending on driving conditions.
Key powertrain highlights (UK specification)
| Specification | Chery C5 SHS-H Hybrid |
| Engine | 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Hybrid type | Conventional hybrid (HEV) |
| Combined output | 150kW |
| Drive layout | Front-wheel drive |
| 0–100km/h | 7.9 seconds |
| Battery capacity | 1.83kWh |
| Fuel consumption | 5.3L/100km (combined) |
| Driving range | Over 1047km (claimed) |
| Fuel tank | 51 litres |
This positions the C5 Hybrid as one of the more efficient options in the small SUV segment when it arrives in Australia.
Standard equipment highlights
In overseas markets, the Chery C5 SHS-H is offered in two grades, with a strong standard equipment list aimed at value-focused buyers.
Key features include:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Full LED exterior lighting
- Dual 12.3-inch digital displays
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Hybrid-specific transmission and driving modes
Final Australian specifications may differ.
UK pricing gives early clues
In the UK, the hybrid is priced from £25,740 drive-away (around $51,000 at current exchange rates). For context:
- The price gap between the Omoda 5 Hybrid and the Omoda 9 plug-in hybrid sold in Australia works out to roughly $35,500
- This suggests the Chery C5 Hybrid could be priced competitively against the GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid and Hyundai Kona Hybrid locally
Chery’s rapid growth in Australia
The hybrid C5 arrives as Chery continues its aggressive expansion in the Australian market. In 2025:
- Chery recorded 176.8 per cent year-on-year growth, the fastest of any brand
- Total sales reached 34,889 units
- The Chery Tiggo 4 was the brand’s top seller with 20,149 deliveries, accounting for nearly two-thirds of total sales
Chery has publicly stated its ambition to become a top-five automotive brand in Australia by 2027.
What’s next for Chery?
Beyond the C5 Hybrid, Chery has confirmed plans for:
- A small hatchback
- A sedan
- It’s first ute, targeting the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux
While Chery launched the Omoda Jaecoo sub-brand in Australia in 2025, it chose to consolidate the Omoda 5 into its core lineup, rebadging it as:
- Chery C5 (petrol)
- Chery E5 (electric)
The upcoming Chery C5 SHS-H Hybrid will follow the same naming strategy when it arrives in mid-2026.
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