Santiago, Chile, was the site for Omoda | Jaecoo to launch its latest models and technology to the Caribbean and Latin American markets.

The press in attendance at the SHS LATAM Super Hybrid Experience had the opportunity to test the vehicles at their limits on a closed course. (Photo: Rory Daley)

Held on May 26 and 27, the two-day LATAM Super Hybrid Experience gave media from over 15 countries hands-on contact via a series of exclusive events.

“Chile is the first market Omoda | Jaecoo entered three years ago, so we have built a solid foundation here in LATAM (Latin America), starting from Chile. So, that’s why we organised the LATAM SHS (Super Hybrid System) event in Chile to bring guests from the other 11 markets to experience our new vehicles, because we believe that HEV (hybrid electric vehicle), PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), and BEV (battery electric vehicle) are a trend. We’ve seen this in China, and we’re seeing that trend in Europe, Southeast Asia, and LATAM as well,” Caesar Huang, deputy general manager, LATAM Region, Omoda | Jaecoo, told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine.

Nicolas Pietrantoni, commercial director, Omoda | Jaecoo, Chile, also welcomed the press.

“This is a good opportunity for other countries to come here, try the cars, understand what is super hybrid system, after which they can explain better in their own LATAM market,” he said.

The Omoda C7 SHS-P will be available in limited markets in the LATAM and Caribbean region. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The start of the show was indeed SHS, which comes in two basic flavours, SHS-H and SHS-P. The former indicates a standard hybrid electric vehicle, and the latter a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Regardless of which of these versions is equipped to an Omoda | Jaecoo model, the manufacturer reports 1000+ kilometres of range on a single tank of fuel. These claims were put to the test via a fuel economy challenge after the press was provided a fleet consisting of the Omoda C5 SHS-H and Jaecoo J7 SHS-Ps. From its capital city, Santiago, deep into wine country in rural Chile and back, the drivers were able to put either model through their paces in a mix of road and traffic conditions while their fuel efficiency numbers were tracked to be revealed at the official launch of the vehicles the following evening. The Peruvian pair of Enrique Pérez and Nicolás Orihuela were announced as the eventual winners.

The SHS LATAM Super Hybrid Experience in Santiago, Chile, on May 26 – 27, saw the regional launch of the Omoda C5 SHS-S. (Photo: Rory Daley)

For the second day, the Omoda C5 and Jaecoo J7 were joined by the Omoda C7. Journalists were given the ability to test the driving characteristics and push all three to greater limits on a closed course. Later that night the Omoda C5 SHS-H, the Jaecoo J8 SHS-P, and the C7 SHS-P made their official regional debuts.

On hand are a fleet of Super Hybrid System equipped Omoda C5s and Jaecoo J7s for a fuel economy drive across Chile as part of the SHS LATAM Super Hybrid Experience event. (Photo: Rory Daley)

Irrespective of the model, SHS endows them with the same basic drivetrain. All SHS-equipped vehicles use a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It is connected to a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), which houses dual electric motors. Total system power is 224bhp and 218lb/ft of torque. For the SHS-H, there is a 1.83kWh LFP battery. Models with SHS-P have a larger 18.4kWh battery, add the ability to externally charge the vehicle at 40kWh, more power, and all-wheel drive.

“In April, at the Beijing Auto Show, and also at our headquarters in China, Wuhu, we officially revealed the Omoda 4, which we believe will be a volume model for the Omoda brand. So, we are going to launch the Omoda 4 soon, this year, in the second half. We will have the traditional ICE, HEV, and also BEV. So, just stay tuned we will definitely bring that to the Caribbean region,” said Caesar Huang.

Nicolas Pietrantoni, commercial director, Omoda | Jaecoo, Chile (Photo: Rory Daley)

The Jaecoo J8 receives SHS-P technology, giving it a Plug-in Hybrid variant. (Photo: Rory Daley)

Caesar Huang, deputy general manager, LATAM Region, Omoda | Jaecoo. (Photo: Rory Daley)