Omoda Jaecoo Australia is responding to the increasing popularity of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles by releasing a more affordable version of its J7 SHS crossover SUV. The new “Track” trim lowers the entry price to $43,990 drive-away, making it $4,000 cheaper than the previously available SHS Summit variant, though the Summit is currently discounted to $45,990 as part of a Black Friday promotion.
Increased Competition Drives Down Prices
The move comes as the Australian PHEV market becomes increasingly crowded. For years, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV held a dominant position, but now faces strong competition from brands like MG, BYD, Chery, and Geely. These rivals are aggressively pricing their PHEV models, with some, like the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid and Geely Starray EM-i, already undercutting the $40,000 mark. BYD’s upcoming Sealion 5 is expected to follow suit, further intensifying the price war.
What You Lose with the Lower Trim
The J7 SHS Track variant sacrifices some luxury features found in the higher-spec Summit model. Notably, the infotainment screen shrinks from 14.8 inches to 13.2 inches, and the sound system downgrades from an eight-speaker Sony unit to a standard six-speaker setup. Other omissions include front fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, a head-up display, a built-in dashcam, 50W wireless phone charging, and adjustable ambient lighting.
Despite these cuts, the Track trim still includes several key features, such as:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic LED headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Heated, power-folding mirrors
- Digital instrument cluster
- Leatherette upholstery
- Power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation
- Advanced driver-assistance systems (adaptive cruise control, AEB, blind-spot monitoring)
- Surround-view camera
Powertrain and Efficiency Remain Consistent
Both the Track and Summit variants share the same powertrain: a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 150kW electric motor and an 18.3kWh LFP battery. This setup delivers a claimed 90km of electric-only range (WLTP) and a combined fuel consumption of just 1.0L/100km. The J7 SHS requires only 91-octane regular unleaded fuel.
Jaecoo offers an eight-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty, capped-price servicing, and roadside assistance with both variants. However, the J7 SHS remains front-wheel drive only, unlike some competitors.
The increased competition in the PHEV segment is forcing manufacturers to adjust their strategies. By offering a more affordable entry point, Jaecoo aims to attract buyers who might otherwise opt for cheaper alternatives from BYD, Chery, or Geely. The trend suggests that consumers will benefit from lower prices and more options in the coming months.
