09/11/2025

Contributing Editor Keshy Dhillon / keshy@piston.my Editorial

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SUNDAY | NOV 9, 2025

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Rugged little adventurer

WHEN Jaecoo announced its plans to expand its hybrid lineup, many wondered if the brand’s rugged DNA could truly coexist with electrified refinement. The answer, as I found out after a two day drive through some of China’s most scenic and challenging roads, is a resounding yes. I had the rare opportunity to test-drive the upcoming Jaecoo J5 SHS-H, also known as the J5 HEV, ahead of its Malaysian debut. The compact hybrid SUV hasn’t been launched here yet, but based on my expe rience, it’s poised to make a strong impression when it arrives. Think of it as a “baby J7”, same adven turous attitude, but more nimble, lighter on its feet, and surprisingly eager to impress. Jaecoo J5 HEV is a baby J7 that delivers beyond expectation BY TIMOTHY PRAKASH

18-inch dual tone wheels.

1.5T Hybrid engine.

Gear shifter.

Sony speakers.

THE SETTING: TEN COUNTRIES SUPER HYBRID MARATHON The J5’s proving ground was the O&J Ten Countries Super Hybrid Marathon, an endurance drive that put the brand’s latest Super Hybrid System (SHS) lineup, the O5, J5 SHS-H, and O7 SHS-P, through their paces. Our route spanned roughly 800km across China’s picturesque Anhui province, beginning in Wuhu, cutting through the famed South Anhui 318 scenic highway, climbing up to Mount Huangshan, and looping back. The landscape was as demanding as it was beautiful, a mix of highways, steep mountain passes, tight bends, and small town traffic that made for a perfect real world test. The J5’s task was clear: prove that Jaecoo’s latest hybrid system could deliver

range, power, comfort, and efficiency, all without sacrificing the brand’s signature off-road spirit. POWER AND POISE: THE HEART OF THE J5 Under the hood, the J5 SHS-H packs Jaecoo’s fifth-generation hybrid system, paired with a dedicated 1.5T hybrid engine boasting a class-leading 44.5% thermal effi ciency. Together, the setup produces 221hp and a top speed of 175kph, while the Super Hybrid System (SHS-H) architecture ensures two distinct driving personalities, an efficient, serene cruiser and a powerful, sporty performer. In real-world terms, this meant the J5 felt composed and confident in any driving mode. In ECO, the SUV glides smoothly, relying

Flat bottom steering wheel.