The Geely Riddara RD6 has gained a plug-in hybrid powertrain, broadening its appeal and could come to South Africa in 2026.
The sharp-looking Riddara RD6 was previously offered in all-electric guise only, but given the global slowdown in battery-electric demand, Geely’s new-energy bakkie brand has announced a plug-in hybrid version.
Riddara already has a small presence in South Africa, thanks to electric vehicle importers Enviro Automotive, but with the relaunch of parent company Geely, we suspect the Riddara range marketing machine will step up a notch.
Plug-in hybrids are an alternative to pure-electric powertrains, as there’s no range anxiety. Once the battery is depleted, the petrol engine takes over. Also, when maximum performance is required, such as high-speed overtaking, PHEVs are able to utilise both petrol and electric power.
The engine on duty is a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol as well as a pair of electric motors. There’s a 3-speed automatic transmission, and the combined outputs of 260 kW and 914 Nm sounds impressive. Based on the Chinese CLTC, the range claims are 1 068 km with a pure electric range of around 100 km. There’s a 19.09 kWh battery and in terms of performance, 0-100 kph is dispatched in a claimed 6.3 seconds.
This vehicle has quite the array of talents, capable of climbing a 45-degree slope when unladen. With its full 1 000 kg payload, it’s good for a 33-degree slope. There’s vehicle-to-load tech, outputting 22 kW of power – perfect for those offroad camping adventures. With its all-wheel drive setup, it should be reasonable competent when the tar ends, and the car comes with Offroad, Snow, Mud and Sand modes.
In terms of sizing, the Geely Riddara RD6 PHEV is 5 260 mm long, 1 900 mm wide and 1 865 mm tall. The wheelbase is claimed at 3 120 mm.
Will the Geely Riddara RD6 PHEV come to South Africa?
Geely relaunched in South Africa towards the end of 2025, and its first products were the pure electric and plug-in hybrid versions of the E5 family SUV. There are rumours Geely will expand its portfolio to include other brands like Zeekr and we expect Riddara will be launched in an official capacity. Watch this space!
All the latest Geely news and reviews
Want to buy a new or used Geely? Browse vehicles for sale
