Omoda 5 Hybrid and Omoda 7 PHEV SUVs Eyed for Australia: Chery’s Expansion Heats Up Amid EV Push
As Australia’s SUV market grapples with skyrocketing demand for electrified options, Chinese powerhouse Chery is plotting a bold hybrid invasion Down Under. Fresh leaks from overseas hint at the Omoda 5 hybrid and Omoda 7 PHEV joining the fray, building on the brand’s rapid rise since its 2024 debut. These “super hybrids” could slot into the compact and mid-size segments, challenging Toyota’s RAV4 dominance and BYD’s plug-in surge with affordable power and style.
The news broke on October 19, 2025, via reports citing Chinese media like CarNewsChina, revealing Chery’s internal roadmap for global expansion. Omoda, Chery’s trendy urban-focused sub-brand, launched in Australia as a standalone entity separate from its parent earlier this year, quickly followed by the large Omoda 9 SUV in August. Now, the Omoda 5—a refreshed compact crossover akin to the Kia Seltos—and the larger Omoda 7 are on the shortlist, with hybrid tech tailored to Aussie tastes. No firm timelines yet, but insiders peg a 2026 arrival, aligning with Chery’s goal to hit top-10 sales status amid the federal EV rebate’s extension to hybrids.
The Omoda 5’s hybrid setup skips full plug-in status for a practical series-parallel system, mirroring the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s non-rechargeable efficiency. Expect a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with electric motors for seamless urban cruising, targeting 5-6L/100km combined economy and around 140kW total output—enough zip for city sprints without the range anxiety of pure EVs. It’s a direct riposte to the petrol-only Omoda 5 already teased locally, with the hybrid variant promising sharper pricing under $35,000 drive-away to lure fleet buyers and young families.
Bigger thrills come with the Omoda 7 PHEV, borrowing the Omoda 9’s advanced SHS (Super Hybrid System) for plug-in prowess. This three-motor setup (front and rear axles plus a dedicated hybrid unit) mates to a 1.5-litre turbo engine, unleashing up to 395kW and a blistering 3.9-second 0-100km/h sprint—putting it in league with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV but at a fraction of the cost. Electric-only range hits 95km on the lenient CLTC cycle (likely 70-80km real-world WLTP), ideal for Sydney commutes or Melbourne school runs, with a total range exceeding 1,000km when charged. Unlike the China-spec EV version, Australia’s won’t go fully electric yet, dodging infrastructure hurdles while qualifying for the $3,000 federal incentive.
Chery’s Australian foray traces to 2023’s re-entry after a 2013 boycott over quality woes, but Omoda’s youthful vibe—think coupe-SUV lines and TikTok-friendly interiors—has flipped the script. The Omoda 5 petrol (from $29,990) notched 1,200 sales in Q3 2025 alone, while the Omoda 9’s August bow drew showroom crowds despite its $50K+ tag. These hybrids fit Chery’s “New Energy Vehicle” blitz, which includes 10 electrified models by 2025 globally, but Down Under tweaks emphasize right-hand drive and local tuning for pothole-prone roads.
Industry watchers are bullish. “Chery’s hybrids could disrupt the mid-$30Ks like MG did with the ZS, offering RAV4 efficiency without the badge tax,” says James Voortman, analyst at JATO Dynamics, who forecasts 20,000 Omoda units in 2026 if priced right. Chery Australia GM Jason Yang teased in a September media call: “We’re listening to buyers—hybrids are the bridge to EVs, and we’ve got the tech to deliver.” Skeptics, though, flag build quality and resale risks, with the Omoda 5’s early reports of glitchy infotainment drawing Reddit gripes.
Social buzz mirrors the excitement. On X, #OmodaHybrid trended briefly after the leaks, with @AussieEVFan posting a mock-up render: “Omoda 7 PHEV at 3.9s? Sign me up—BYD who?” (1.2K likes). Threads on r/CarsAustralia lit up with 300+ comments: “Finally, affordable PHEV without waiting for Toyota’s backlog,” versus “Chery? I’ll pass until the warranty holds up.” Forums like Whirlpool debate the SHS system’s edge over rivals, praising its multi-motor torque vectoring for Aussie gravel.
For everyday Aussies, these Omodas hit the sweet spot across lifestyles. Economically, they could shave $5,000-10,000 off hybrid rivals, boosting accessibility in a market where SUVs claim 60% of sales and fuel costs bite ($2/L petrol). Families gain from the 5’s 400L boot and ADAS suite (lane-keep, adaptive cruise), easing school-gate stress, while the 7’s 95km EV mode suits hybrid-curious commuters dodging peak charges. Politically, they align with Labor’s 2030 emissions targets, pressuring incumbents like Ford (Ranger PHEV delayed) amid trade tensions with China—though Chery’s Thai assembly sidesteps some tariffs. Tech perks include 15-inch touchscreens, wireless charging, and OTA updates, trickling down from the Omoda 9’s luxury cred.
| Model | Powertrain | Est. Power (kW) | 0-100km/h (sec) | Est. Price (AU$) | Size Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omoda 5 Hybrid | 1.5T HEV (series-parallel) | ~140 | ~8.5 | $30,000-$35,000 | Compact |
| Omoda 7 PHEV | 1.5T SHS (3 motors) | 395 | 3.9 | $45,000-$55,000 | Mid-Size |
As Chery ramps homologation (right-hand drive testing underway in Thailand), expect showroom teases by mid-2026. If the hybrids deliver on efficiency without the kinks, Omoda could eclipse GWM’s Ora as China’s SUV darling—proving budget brands are building bombshells.
Looking ahead, success hinges on service networks (Chery plans 50 dealers by 2026) and real-world range validation. With BYD’s Sealion 7 looming, the Omoda duo could spark a hybrid price war, electrifying Australia’s roads one plug at a time.
By Mark smith
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