Chery hybridises C5 range

CHERY Australia has expanded its C5 line-up with the introduction of a petrol-electric hybrid (HEV) variant providing buyers a third powertrain option alongside existing petrol and battery-electric models.

Available in Urban and Ultimate trim levels, the new C5 Hybrid is priced from $31,990 driveaway and sits between the petrol-powered C5 and the all-electric E5 as Chery continues to broaden its New Energy Vehicle (NEV) portfolio.

“There’s no secret demand for New Energy Vehicles (NEV) is growing within the Australian market and Chery aims to meet these requirements by offering customers the best of both worlds,” said Chery Australia chief operating officer Lucas Harris.

“The C5 Hybrid is the ideal car for people who aren’t ready to jump completely into the EV space and still want the convenience of a petrol-powered vehicle.”

The arrival of the hybrid coincides with a reduced petrol range, with the C5 now offered only in entry-level Urban specification priced from $28,990 driveaway with the outgoing Ultimate petrol variant remaining available only while stocks last.

Powering the C5 Hybrid is a combination of a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor in a series-parallel hybrid configuration.

The petrol engine outputs 105kW/215Nm while the electric motor contributes 150kW/310Nm for a combined system output rated at 165kW/295Nm.

Drive is delivered to the front wheels via a dedicated single-speed hybrid transmission in lieu of the petrol model’s six-speed dual-clutch.

Chery claims combined fuel consumption of 4.9L/100km, representing a significant improvement over the petrol model’s 6.9L/100km, while carbon dioxide emissions are reduced to 111g/km.

The hybrid retains a 51-litre fuel tank and runs on regular 91 RON unleaded petrol.

Visually, the hybrid models mirror their petrol counterparts distinguished primarily by specific 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheel designs.

Inside, both hybrid grades receive dual 12.3-inch digital displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and voice assistant as standard.

The Urban features a six-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, and a leather-appointed steering wheel.

Stepping up to the Ultimate adds an eight-speaker Sony premium audio system, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, 50W wireless smartphone charging, privacy glass, and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

The hybrid’s battery packaging slightly reduces luggage capacity from 360 litres to 300 litres and replaces the spare wheel with a tyre repair kit.

Safety equipment is comprehensive across all variants scoring adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure prevention, blind-spot monitoring, driver monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and seven airbags. The Ultimate grade gains the surround-view camera system.

A five-star ANCAP safety rating currently applies to the petrol C5 and battery-electric E5, with hybrid testing yet to be finalised.

The C5 Hybrid is covered by Chery Australia’s seven-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, complemented by an eight-year/unlimited-kilometre battery warranty, seven years of capped-price servicing, and up to seven years of roadside assistance.

The addition of hybrid power may strengthen Chery’s rapidly expanding Australian line-up that now offers a choice of petrol, hybrid, and battery-electric options within the same model family.

2026 Chery C5 pricing*:

*National driveaway price.