Chinese brand Chery has revealed the interior of its KP31 concept, a bakkie that’s expected to reach South Africa in production form in the final quarter of 2026…
- Chery reveals KP31 concept’s interior
- Cabin features swathes of leather trim
- Production model confirmed for SA
In February 2026, the Chery KP31 concept was shown in Australia, officially previewing what the Chinese brand claims will be the “world’s first” bakkie to feature a diesel PHEV powertrain. And now this SA-bound model’s interior has been revealed.
As a reminder, the KP31 concept – which is expected to reach South Africa in production form in the final quarter of 2026 (or perhaps early in 2027) – seems to be very closely related to Chery’s Rely P3X that debuted in China in September 2025.
The KP31’s cabin design, however, appears distinct from that of the P3X. Based on the freshly released images of the (left-hand-drive) concept bakkie’s interior, we can expect plenty of tan-and-black leather trim and even suede finishes (the latter atop the dashboard), along with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a large touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster.
The photographs released by Chery’s Australian division furthermore show the KP31’s stubby automatic gearshifter along with buttons for the locking differentials (front, centre and rear), crawl control, 360-degree camera system, heated-and-ventilated seats and hybrid modes.
In addition, the concept bakkie’s cabin appears to feature ambient lighting. Meanwhile, images of the rear bench suggest fairly generous passenger space back there (though it’s tricky to tell for certain based on photographs) and also show the presence of a panoramic sunroof.
While technical details have yet to be confirmed, Chery says the ladder-frame bakkie’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain will be based on a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine offering “class-leading thermal efficiency rated at 47%”.
In addition, the Wuhu-based automotive giant says the bakkie will offer a “competitive” 1 000 kg payload and 3 500 kg (braked) towing capacity. The concept vehicle measures 5 610 mm long, while standing 1 920 mm wide and 1 925 mm tall. That said, Chery has confirmed the production version “will be slightly shorter with a length of 5 450 mm” (for the record, that’s 100 mm longer than a Ford Ranger double cab).
While the bakkie has been known by the “KP31” codename since its reveal, Chery in Australia has almost wrapped up a competition to christen the production version in that market. What the bakkie will end up being called in South Africa, of course, remains to be seen…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Chery KP31 Bakkie
Q: What makes the Chery KP31 unique in the global bakkie market?
A: The KP31 is set to be the “world’s first” bakkie to feature a diesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. By pairing a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine with electric motors, Chery aims to deliver exceptional fuel efficiency (targeting a 47% thermal efficiency rating) without compromising the torque needed for heavy-duty tasks.
Q: What can we expect from the interior of the production model?
A: Based on the recently revealed concept images, the cabin will lean toward the premium end of the segment. Expect a high-end atmosphere featuring tan-and-black leather upholstery, suede dashboard finishes, a panoramic sunroof and a large touchscreen. It also includes luxury hardware like heated and ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera system.
Q: How does the KP31’s size and capability compare to the Ford Ranger?
A: The production version is expected to be roughly 5 450 mm long, making it about 100 mm longer than the current Ford Ranger double cab. Despite its hybrid nature, it maintains “workhorse” credentials with a competitive 1 000 kg payload capacity and a 3 500 kg braked towing rating, matching the segment leaders.
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