Omoda & Jaecoo has introduced its first plug-in hybrid vehicles in South Africa – the Jaecoo J7 and Omoda C9 – offering extended warranties and competitive performance.
The new Super Hybrid System (SHS) models, unveiled in Muldersdrift this week, feature decade-long coverage on batteries and electric components, a first for the local market. The J7 SHS delivers 255kW/525Nm with an 90km electric range, while the more powerful C9 SHS produces 440kW/915Nm and can travel 150km on battery power alone.
Both SUVs retain styling similar to their petrol counterparts but include hybrid-specific updates like charging ports and aerodynamic wheels. Under the hood, they swap their previous turbocharged engines for a 1.5 T-GDI unit paired with electric motors and a hybrid transmission. 
During test drives at Gerotek, the J7 demonstrated improved throttle response over its petrol version, though engine noise became noticeable at higher speeds. The C9, while more refined, still showed slight hesitation in acceleration.
Pricing starts at E689,900 for the J7 SHS and E999,000 for the C9 SHS, including a 10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty and complimentary wallbox chargers for early buyers.
The hybrids aim to address range anxiety while offering better efficiency than conventional self-charging hybrids. Their launch follows steady sales growth for Omoda & Jaecoo, which has sold 4,110 vehicles in South Africa this year.
Why it could matter for Eswatini
The hybrid market in Eswatini remains largely untapped, with limited model availability and ongoing concerns about electric vehicle infrastructure. These plug-in hybrids could serve as a middle ground – combining the efficiency of electric driving for short commutes around Mbabane or Ezulwini, with the flexibility of petrol power for longer rural trips.
Most importantly, the decade-long warranties could offer reassurance to buyers wary of expensive repairs, making these models a potentially game-changing entry into the local market.
