The fastest plug-in hybrids in SA up to R1 million
With fuel prices where they are, the case for plug-in hybrids has never been stronger. But here's what nobody expected: you can now buy family transport that embarrasses many sports cars while running your daily commute on next to nothing.
With petrol sitting at R21.47 per litre, plug-in hybrids are becoming more popular. But here's what nobody expected: you can now buy family transport with a lovely bit of grunt, while running daily commutes on electricity costing less than R60.
These aren't eco-boxes. They're performance machines that happen to plug into your garage wall socket!
The two fastest PHEVs
Two machines share the performance crown at 4.9 seconds to 100km/h. The GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV costs R799,900, while the Omoda C9 PHEV asks R999,000 for essentially identical acceleration.
The Haval delivers 321kW and 762Nm with 180km electric range costing R63 to charge. The Omoda counters with 440kW output and 150km pure EV range for R53 overnight charging.
Related: PHEV and HEV running cost comparison
The seven-seat rocket for effortless travel
Chery's Tiggo 8 1.5T CSH Plug-in hybrid Apex hits 100km/h in around 5.0 seconds while costing R729,900. The 255kW output and 525Nm torque make family transport truly entertaining.
The 90km electric range handles school runs and shopping trips for R32 in electricity, while the hybrid system delivers impressive fuel consumption for longer journeys.
Value and range at a steal
Chery's Tiggo 7 PHEV at R619 900 (for the Plus) to R679,900 (for the Ultra) delivers 5.4-second acceleration for less than most conventional hot hatches. The 265kW output and 530Nm create highway confidence, while 93km pure electric range covers daily driving for around R33 in charging costs. The Plus model is a sweet deal if you want performance and plenty of range, at the right price.
The bakkie that breaks every rule
BYD's Shark 6 (R959,900) accelerates to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds. A double-cab bakkie that leaves most diesels in the dust while towing 2.5 tonnes and offering 100km electric range for R35 in home charging costs? Bring it!
The Chery flagship that offers speed and space for seven
Chery's Tiggo 9 Vanguard AWD PHEV also manages around 5.7 seconds with 455kW and 920Nm. At R989,900, it offers seven-seat luxury and a 160km electric range.
The Tiggo 9 CSH PHEV looks and feels like luxury.
The sea mammal in a hurry
The BYD nomenclature may be a little quirky, but the Sealion 6 Premium AWD drops acceleration to 5.9 seconds compared to the front-wheel-drive version's 8.5 seconds. At 789,900, the top-spec model offers impressive performance with a 100km electric range.
Brand O & J's volume seller with plug-in power
Jaecoo's J7 PHEV at R689,900 manages 8.2 seconds with 255kW and 90km electric-only range. Jaecoo and Omoda are both Chery sub-brands so you'll find parts easily in SA.
The range-extended wildcard
Leapmotor's C10 REEV takes a different approach. The 8.5-second acceleration comes from 158kW rear-drive setup, with 145km pure electric range plus 970km total through its petrol generator.
The Chinese Revolution has begun
Whether you choose the Haval H6 GT at R799,900, Tiggo 8 PHEV at R729,900, or Sealion 6 at R639,900, you're getting acceleration that cost twice as much five years ago.
