New Chinese car brand officially goes on sale in South Africa

Yet another Chinese offering has reached South African showrooms with the Lepas L4 going on sale this week.

The crossover SUV is the latest offering from a Chery subsidiary, and represents further local expansion for the auto giant.

“We aren’t just launching a car; we are launching a new standard,” said Chery South Africa GM Jay Jay Botes.

“The Lepas L4 combines the rugged capability South Africans need with the premium technology they deserve.”

He claims that local consumers have been underserved in the compact premium segment for too long, and that the Lepas L4 has come to change that.

“We are bringing genuine premium technology, a class-leading warranty, and full after-sales support at a price point that makes the decision easy,” Botes says.

The Lepas L4 is available in three specifications – the Amur, Javan, and Pantera – with pricing that starts at R299,900.

Two more models, the L6 and L8, will join it in the second quarter of 2026.

Features

Lepas has long named the “feline-inspired” design of the L4 as a key component of the car’s identity, as well as the fact that it is built on Chery’s next-generation LEX intelligent platform.

This updated layout enables both New Energy Vehicle (NEV) and traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle production, as well as much longer wheelbases than before – 2,700mm in this case.

Inside, Lepas has opted for a tech-heavy interior, which includes an 8-inch instrument cluster for the driver and a 13.2-inch 2K touchscreen infotainment unit housed in the centre console.

Alongside these are wireless charging capabilities and a 540-degree camera system to assist the driver.

The SUV’s CloudComfort seats have been designed for lasting comfort, with a three-level cooling ventilation layout featuring soft foam and body-support materials.

As a family-focused vehicle, the L4 features a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which Lepas says will monitor the road, anticipate risk, and provide real-time driver support.

Complementing the safety system are six airbags, stability control, and ISOFIX anchor points.

Powertrains

The L4 is available in three specifications, with two drivetrain options.

The entry-level model, the Amur, is fitted with a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol motor and a five-speed manual transmission that delivers its 80kW and 148Nm to the front wheels with a consumption of 6.9l/100km.

The mid-spec and flagship variants, the Javan and Pantera, have been fitted with turbocharged versions of the 1.5-litre motor that generates 108kW and 235Nm.

These derivatives also feature six-speed dual-clutch transmissions that send power to the front wheels and have a claimed fuel economy rate of 7.0L/100 km.

Pricing

The entire Lepas L4 line-up in South Africa is priced as follows:

• Lepas L4 1.5 Amur 5MT – R299,900
• Lepas L4 1.5T Javan 6DCT – R369,900
• Lepas L4 1.5T Pantera 6DCT – R419,900

Prices include a 5-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, a 5-year/75,000km service plan, and a 10-year/1,000,000km engine warranty – applicable only for the first owner.

The DCT models also receive a 2-year Lepas Care coverage plan.

Lepas L4