Al Suttie spends a week with the Omoda 5 SHS-H to see if the full hybrid powertrain justifies the price jump over the petrol model.

Omoda 5 SHS-H

List price (BiK): £28,745 (30%)   CO2: 120g/km   Economy: 53.3mpg   Test efficiency: 49.4mpg

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Monday

After a very brief drive of an Omoda 5 SHS-H a couple of months back, now is the chance to spend more time with the Chinese firm’s hybrid small SUV. In like-for-like trims, it’s not quite as keenly priced as its petrol-only counterpart, but can the hybrid set-up convince businesses and drivers that it’s worth the extra expense? And does this power combination add to the Omoda 5’s appeal?

Tuesday

First impressions of the Omoda 5 SHS-H hybrid system is how refined and quiet it is. Given experiences in some other Chinese brands’ hybrid of late, this is a welcome revelation and the Omoda keeps on keeping quiet even when I select Sport mode and plant my foot to overtake some slower traffic. More relevantly, it makes the 5 an excellent car to cover big miles in.

Wednesday

Using Eco mode in the Omoda this morning to potter around town, it’s showing around 50mpg on the dash. There’s no great EV range beyond the car pulling away from a standstill, so it’s all down to the 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor to provide the propulsion. Even so, the refined nature of the 5 means it stays hushed, though it’s a little sluggish off the mark in this fuel-scrimping setting.

Thursday

A long cross-country drive today from home down into the north east of England on some of my favourite roads. With Sport mode engaged, the Omoda makes light work of passing trucks and slow-moving traffic. Back in Normal mode, it’s frugal and relaxing. It also rides and handles decently for a car of this type, though it’s not as much fun as a Ford Puma.

Friday

Compared to the way some rivals have their infotainment screens seemingly just bolted in as an afterthought, the sweep of screens in the Omoda 5 feels a good deal classier. The driving position is good, helped by standard electric seat adjust, though the view over my shoulder for parking means this Noble spec car’s 540-degree parking camera is much appreciated.

Saturday

A day of the usual running around with kids and household chores proves the Omoda is practical and happy to fit into family life. The 370-litre boot is not the biggest in the class, but it copes fine with a supermarket sweep. The high load sill won’t suit everyone, but at leas the boot floor sits flush with the bumper for more convenient loading.

Sunday

With a week ticked off in the pleasant and amiable Omoda 5 SHS-H, it’s got me convinced this powertrain is the one to have in this car. It’s so much more refined and easy to live with on any trip while providing decent performance. It’s also turned in 49.4mpg, which would have been better if my return trip from Northumbria hadn’t been so enjoyable on quiet, sunny late evening roads.