New Chery models, including a small bakkie, coming to SA soon

Chery is set to launch a new Tiggo 4 Pro variant, its Tiggo 9 flagship and revised family-car models soon, but the biggest news is that a small bakkie is set to arrive in Mzansi, possibly not long after the lifestyle double cab based on the KP11 concept.

We recently reported from Wuhu, China that the local subsidiary of the Chinese automotive giant was planning to launch a ladder-frame-based, lifestyle-oriented Chery double-cab in late 2025/early 2026.

Based on SA’s single- and double-cab bakkie sales stats for Q3 2024, the local bakkie landscape has not changed (at least at the top) despite an influx of new competitors from China – Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max still rule the roost. However, the future arrival of the revised GWM P-Series P300 and a brace of Chery bakkies might see a notable number of buyers shift away from conventional choices…

*Chery unveiled its K11 concept in Wuhu recently.*

But let’s put “1-tonne” bakkies aside for the moment. The demise of half-tonne bakkies such as the Fiat Strada, Ford Bantam, Chevrolet Utility during the past decade and, earlier this year, the Nissan NP200 – has left a void in the local market. See also: ‘It wasn’t our decision’ to axe NP200, says Nissan SA boss

This limited selection has forced small business owners to consider alternatives, such as single-cab or workhorse bakkies, or hatchback- and crossover-based LCVs from Hyundai (Cargo), Kia (Runner) etc.

The conversation about next-gen half-tonne bakkies is not new in South Africa. Over the years, several manufacturers – notably Volkswagen and Renault – have produced such vehicles for overseas markets, but these never saw local shores either owing to the lack of right-hand-drive availability; or the inability to secure competitive pricing. See also: VW’s planned SA-built half-tonne bakkie hits roadblock

Another potential half-tonne contender: Could Geely return to SA with Riddara RD6 bakkie?

However, Chery’s local subsidiary looks to set this paucity of possibilities right in 2026, when it brings a half-tonne double-cab to South Africa. This time, though, it’s real, as the contingent of motoring media visiting the company’s annual summit held in China last week – were shown design sketches of the vehicle in question, which is set to share the Tiggo 4 Pro/Tiggo 7 Pro platform.

While cameras were strictly verboten during the reveal, Chery South Africa’s top brass had no qualms about confirming the bakkie’s pre-production status in anticipation of its intended arrival date.

Chery SA’s crossover surge intensifies

Additionally, Chery South Africa affirmed enhancements of its existing line-up for the next year or so.

Set for imminent release is a Cross version of the Tiggo 4 Pro; with a petrol-electric hybrid derivative thereof following in the 2nd quarter of 2025. See also: Chery Tiggo 4 Pro DCT (2024) Review

Facelifted versions of the Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro family cars will arrive in early 2025, plus both model ranges will be expanded to include plug-in hybrid variants.

However, as far as its crossover line-up is concerned, the arrival of the Tiggo 9 in February is Chery’s biggest news for 2025. At 4.8 metres in length, the 7-seater family car is 90 mm longer, 65 mm wider and 36 mm higher than the Tiggo 8 Pro, plus it has a longer wheelbase (2 770 mm vs 2 710 mm).

It will be powered by Chery’s direct-injection Kunpeng 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine delivering 192 kW and 400 Nm, which is mated to either a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or a conventional 8-speed torque converter automatic (it differs from market to market) that drives the front wheels only.

A 256-colour ambient lighting system is fitted as standard equipment, as is a Level 2 active safety suite that comprises road-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, brake override system, blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assistant; as well as forward- and rear cross-traffic collision warnings – among others.

The local Tiggo 9 line-up will also include a PHEV hybrid version featuring Chery’s 1.5-litre T-GDi engine that develops a not-inconsiderable 175 kW and 385 Nm, with a claimed average fuel consumption figure of 5.2 litres/100 km. What it’s like to drive: Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV (2024) International Launch Review

The petrol engine works in junction with a 165 kW electric motor and a combined power output of up to 230 kW is sent to all wheels (20-inch alloys are standard), via a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.

Recharging the 19.4-kWh battery pack from 30% to 80% with a fast charger is said to take 25 minutes and Chery claims the Tiggo 9 PHEV, which can reportedly travel up to 100 km in EV-only mode, is good for a combined range of more than 1 200 km (based on the Chinese light-duty vehicle test cycle).

Its PHEV configuration means the Tiggo 9 can run on its internal combustion engine (ICE) only; or the battery; or a combination of the two. The ICE is capable of charging the battery on the go, but to get the former to its full state of charge, the vehicle has to be plugged into an AC socket or a DC charger.

Indeed, if life is a bowl of cherries, Chery’s selection is about to get even sweeter!

View prices and specifications of new Chery models in South Africa

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