If you recall, in February 2025, a new automotive partnership emerged in the local market, surprising many. Chery, a long-standing partner of Ghandhara Automotive, ended its friendship with them and announced Hyundai Nishat as its new friend. To be precise, Chery announced a new partnership with NextGen Auto, which is a subsidiary of Hyundai Nishat Motors.
It is also worth mentioning that Nishat-Chery announced the launch of Omoda and Jaeaco’s electric and hybrid vehicles in Pakistan. Omoda and Jaecco are subsidiaries of Chery International, producing New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). The reports mentioned that the new company will launch the Jaecoo J7 PHEV and the Omoda E5. You can read more about them in this blog.
New Launches in Pakistan?
As you all know, the Shanghai Auto Show 2025 is underway in China, and our very own Suneel Munj is there checking out different vehicles. During his visit, Suneel reviewed two cars that caught our attention: the Omoda C7 and the Jaecoo J5, leading to an important question: Are they coming to Pakistan? Well, we don’t know for sure yet, but until then, here are their walkaround reviews, salient specs, and features for you.
Omoda C7
The first car Suneel reviewed is the Omoda C7, and this is what he saw and described in his own words:
This is a plug-in hybrid with a 1.5L turbocharged engine, offering a charging range of 95 km and a total driving range of 1250 km. Not only does it have great performance, but it also boasts a stunning design. Let’s take a closer look at its features!
Exterior Design
The Omoda C7 has a sleek and aggressive look. The front grille is designed to resemble crocodile skin, making it stand out. The car is equipped with 20-inch wheels that come in either machine or piano black colors. It also features charging slots on both sides, perfect for a plug-in hybrid.
At the back, there’s a high-mounted brake lamp, and the end-to-end integrated lighting system, commonly seen in electric cars, adds a modern touch. This design detail reminds me of cars like the Deepal L07 and S07, which had similar features.
Interior
Inside the car, you’ll find Nubuck leather seats, offering a premium feel. There’s also a panoramic sunroof that adds to the cabin’s airy and spacious atmosphere. The 15.6-inch screen is a standout feature, offering clear and sharp visuals. Not just that, the screen is rotatable, allowing you to turn it towards the passenger if you need a break from the drive. When you’re ready, simply rotate it back toward you.
The Omoda C7 also features a Sony sound system with 12 speakers, ensuring an immersive audio experience. If you need to charge your devices, the car comes with a wireless charger. The steering wheel has an unconventional, large design, making it easy to grip and maneuver. Additionally, the vehicle has a head-up display for easy viewing of key driving data.
Performance and Efficiency
The Omoda C7 is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged engine that delivers a great combination of power and efficiency. With its plug-in hybrid capabilities, it can travel 95 km purely on electric power, while its total range of 1,250 km gives it excellent long-distance capability. The car also claims a fuel average of 17 km per liter, making it an efficient choice for daily drives and longer trips.
Additional Features
Other notable features include auto boot and fuel cap controls for added convenience. This left-hand drive variant has just been unveiled, but Inshallah, we can expect a right-hand drive version soon in Pakistan. That’s a quick rundown of the Omoda C7 – an exciting addition to the plug-in hybrid market! Stay tuned for more reviews and updates.
Jaecoo J5
Battery and Range
The car is equipped with a 61 kWh battery, which ensures a solid driving range. It offers a 470 km range according to the NEDC cycle and 400 km according to the WLTP standard, making it perfect for long trips with minimal charging stops.
Performance and Power
In terms of performance, this car boasts a 155 kW power output and 288 Nm of torque, which translates to strong acceleration and a smooth driving experience. It can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.7 seconds, giving it impressive speed for both city and highway driving.
Additionally, the car has a towing capacity of 1,250 kg, making it capable of handling light towing tasks with ease. It also features 2-wheel drive and front-wheel drive, optimizing handling and efficiency.
Exterior
On the outside, the car measures 4.3 meters in length, giving it a compact yet spacious feel. The front bumper features a hexagonal design, enhanced by LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), which add a modern and stylish touch to the car’s front end, improving both visibility and aesthetics.
Interior
Inside the cabin, the car is equipped with a large 13.2-inch screen, providing excellent visibility and access to various infotainment and control systems. For added convenience, it also features a Child Mode for safer driving when younger passengers are on board. Furthermore, the car comes with Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), offering features such as lane assist, automatic braking, and more to ensure a safer driving experience.
