Meet the new Lepas range.

Lepas sits under the Chery Group, present in over 120 countries and long established as a major automotive exporter. Local models use shared group platforms and mechanicals already in service with related brands in South Africa, which supports parts commonality, a mature supply chain and consistent build processes rather than a clean-sheet experiment.

Lepas frames safety as innovation with responsibility: strong structures plus modern driver assistance. Entry models start with multi-airbag protection and core stability systems; higher grades add Level 2 ADAS such as adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and surround-view cameras, with flagship L6 grades offering up to 22 ADAS functions.

Lepas describes its approach as flexible power: choose the powertrain that fits how you drive. South African models currently use 1.5-litre petrol engines from an 80 kW naturally aspirated manual to a 108 kW turbocharged dual-clutch setup. That turbo matters inland, where altitude cuts output from many naturally aspirated rivals. Plug-in hybrid and battery-electric variants sit on the same platform roadmap as the range expands.

Ownership cost is driven by the engine you choose and how you drive. A new Lepas includes a service plan for scheduled maintenance; fuel, tyres, insurance and unscheduled repairs sit outside that. Petrol models keep refuelling simple nationwide, while plug-in hybrid and electric options, as they arrive locally, are aimed at drivers who want lower energy use on regular routes.