Chinese giant Chery has announced that it will be bringing its all-new double-cab bakkie to South Africa, and while it does not have an official name yet, Chery is calling it the KP31 internally.
The bakkie was first announced in Australia, South Africa’s fellow right-hand-drive, ute-loving market, but has since been confirmed for a local launch in late 2026 to early 2027.
What makes the KP31 unique is that it is a diesel Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), debuting the Chinese badge’s all-new 2.5-litre turbodiesel plug-in hybrid powertrain, a first for the segment.
“The KP31 marks an important step in Chery’s global product expansion strategy,” stated Verene Petersen, National Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa.
“The pick-up segment is a core category in many markets, and this model has been developed to meet the high standards customers expect in terms of durability, versatility and capability.”
She added that the introduction of the PHEV powertrain reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to advancing new-energy technologies across its entire line-up.
“We look forward to sharing further details as we move closer to the model’s official launch,” Petersen noted.
These details will certainly include pricing and its official name, as well as the possibility for local production, with Chery taking over the Rosslyn plant from prominent bakkie-builder, Nissan.
The KP31 may even form part of Chery’s local Himla line-up, but this too is yet to be confirmed.
What to expect
As noted already, the bakkie will feature the Chinese brand’s brand new powertrain, and while its figures are yet to be released, Chery did confirm that it will be a powerful addition to its line-up.
The system combines a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with an electric motor, developed to deliver strong torque while improving efficiency and reducing noise and vibration.
Engineered and built on Chery’s new-generation Kaitan ladder-frame platform, developed to support internal combustion, PHEV and fully-electric powertrains, the KP31 has a targeted 1,000kg payload and 3,500kg towing capacity.
Its rear load bin has been designed to maximise its usable space with minimal wheel arch intrusion, supporting cab-chassis applications.
Chery confirmed the KP31 will feature front, centre, and rear locking differentials, as well as a low-range gearbox and dedicated off-road driving modes.
This, alongside its tight-turn assist function, is designed to afford drivers serious off-road capabilities, even in demanding terrains.
The concept unveiled in Australia measures 5610mm long, 1920mm wide and 1925mm tall, while the production version is expected to be slightly shorter at 5450mm.
The brand confirmed that additional functional elements include underbody protection, integrated recovery points, and a raised air intake, all aimed at reinforcing the vehicle’s off-road capability.
Once Chery has successfully introduced the diesel PHEV derivative, it will expand the range with a petrol plug-in hybrid variant.
Final specifications and pricing will be confirmed closer to the KP31’s official launch.
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