The Chery O5 has just gained hybrid power in Australia, where it’s officially known as the Chery C5 Hybrid. Positioned between the petrol-powered and fully electric (EV) versions, the new model uses a series-parallel hybrid powertrain to deliver EV-like driving characteristics without the need for charging.
The new Chery O5 Hybrid shares much of its underpinnings with the Chery Tiggo Cross CSH (Chery Super Hybrid). However, under the bonnet sits a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine borrowed from the larger Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 CSH, replacing the naturally aspirated unit found in the Tiggo Cross CSH.
Here, the engine produces 143 hp and 210 Nm, and is paired with a 1.83 kWh battery and a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor integrated into a single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). Together, the system delivers a combined output of 204 hp and 310 Nm of torque.
Chery Australia quotes a combined fuel consumption figure of 4.9 L/100 km under urban driving conditions. Combined with its 51-litre fuel tank, the O5 Hybrid could offer a driving range of approximately 1,041 km.
To tell it apart from the fully internal combustion engine (ICE) model, there isn’t much to look for. Aside from the rear badging, the most obvious giveaway is a new set of exclusive alloy wheels, measuring 17 or 18 inches depending on the variant.
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Inside, it surprisingly adopts the Omoda E5 EV’s cabin, featuring a more upright dashboard, redesigned door cards and a revised centre console compared to the ICE-powered O5. The conventional gear selector has also been replaced by a column-mounted shifter, freeing up space on the centre console for additional storage compartments and a row of physical shortcut buttons. Familiar elements remain, however, including the dual-screen setup comprising a pair of 12.3-inch displays serving as the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster.
Further adding to its luxuries, the car can be had with a powered sunroof with retractable sunshade, a 360-degree surround view monitor, heated front seats, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, a 50 W wireless charger, ambient lighting, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In Australia, the Chery O5 Hybrid is priced from AUD31,990 (approx. RM90k) for the Urban and AUD34,990 (approx. RM98k) for the range-topping Ultimate variant.
That makes it AUD3,000 (approx. RM8k) more expensive than the equivalent petrol-powered O5, which starts from AUD28,990 (approx. RM81k). At the same time, it’s AUD6,000 (approx. RM16k) cheaper than the fully electric O5 EV, which is priced from AUD37,990 (approx. RM107k).
The Chery O5 Hybrid has yet to be confirmed for Malaysia. However, the Omoda C4 is expected to arrive soon, and it is also expected to feature a hybrid variant that shares its platform with the Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid, much like the O5 Hybrid.
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