Chery reveals its first bakkie – With a South African launch looking likely

Chery has finally unveiled its first bakkie, which is looking like a promising new entry for South Africa.

Earlier this year, it came to light that the Chinese automaker was developing a new double cab that will take on the industry’s favourite badges.

These speculations can now be put to rest, as the company recently pulled the covers off a concept model during a an event at its headquarters in Wuhu, China.

Chery’s local division confirmed that the vehicle will initially be sold in left-hand-drive markets with right-hand-drive models to follow at a later date.

“Chery South Africa understands the importance of light commercial vehicles in the market and this product introduction is being investigated,” a company spokesperson told TopAuto.

The left-hand units are expected to launch in the 2026/27 financial year, so it will clearly still be a while before anyone drives a Chery bakkie in South Africa.

A big deal for a big player

The double cab has yet to be given an official title and is currently being referred to by its codename – KP11.

It is a midsize pickup with a ladder-frame design, equivalent to something like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, or GWM P Series.

Unfortunately, Chery has thus far been coy about the KP11’s specifications, but a report from CarNewsChina claims that it will be offered with a variety of powertrains.

This includes a petrol, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery-electric (BEV) option, though this is likely to vary depending on the market.

Interestingly, the carmaker has given no indication that it will have a diesel engine, which may be a concern for buyers in different countries.

The vast majority of bakkies in South Africa feature a diesel block, but the fuel type is not very popular in China, so it remains to be seen whether Chery will introduce a diesel variant to cater to foreign audiences.

For now, the only information on the petrol unit is that it will be a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder mill, but there’s currently no word on its power and torque stats, nor its fuel consumption.

The PHEV and BEV units, meanwhile, are probably a response to BYD, which recently unveiled a semi-electric pickup called the Shark.

Chery double cab concept model. Image credit: CarNewsChina

In terms of its design, the double cab displays the word Chery with prominent lettering on the front grille in place of a logo, which is a styling detail that’s growing in popularity in the 4×4 world with recent examples like the Ford Ranger Raptor and Toyota Hilux GR-Sport.

It also has a set of slim LED headlights and daytime running lights, a front bash plate for underbody protection, and BF Goodrich off-road tyres.

Something to point out is that the concept model being shown off was decked out with accessories like a canopy and roof tent with a side awning and ladder, so it’s possible that many of the items seen here will not be included in the final product, but may be sold as extras.

A few other details to take note of are an integrated step at the back for reaching into the load bin à la Ford Ranger, and a pair of side steps for the cabin.

Chery double cab concept model. Image credit: CarNewsChina

It’s clear that Chery is targeting the lifestyle bakkie segment with its new offering, which is why it’s only been shown off as a double cab so far, but lower-spec single and extended cab workhorse options may become a thing if the vehicle proves to be a hit.

In South Africa, the GWM P-Series is probably going to be the Chery’s biggest rival in terms of sales, which could also give an indication of what it will cost when it eventually arrives.

The P-Series double cab starts at R444,650 and goes all the way up to R694,950, excluding the flagship P500 units, so the Chery should fetch a similar price if it hopes to compete in South Africa’s hyper-competitive landscape.

However, keep in mind that its market launch is only penned in for a good few years from now, so the budget bakkie landscape could look much different when the time comes.