Chery Brings Compact Electric, Flexible Family and Diesel-Hybrid Bakkie Models to Festival of Motoring

• Chery South Africa showcased three models at the 2026 Festival of Motoring: the Chery Q, Tiggo V and KP31
• The Chery Q is a compact electric vehicle built on a dedicated T1X 3.0 platform
• The Tiggo V is a seven-seater with a transformable rear body that converts the enclosed third row into an open, pickup-style load area
• The KP31 is Chery’s first bakkie, combining a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with electric power and four-wheel drive
• Chery invited the public to help name the KP31, with more than 20,000 entries submitted and six finalist names now open for a public vote
• Festival of Motoring took place at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from 28 to 30 August 2026

Chery South Africa used this year’s Festival of Motoring to preview three models representing the brand’s expansion beyond its established SUV range. The display brought together the compact electric Chery Q, the seven-seater Tiggo V and the KP31 diesel-hybrid bakkie, each aimed at a different segment of the local market.

“Chery is well known for its SUVs, and they remain an important part of our business, but the range is growing,” said Verene Petersen, National Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa. “At FOM, South Africans see a compact electric vehicle, a flexible seven-seater and our first bakkie. It is a clear indication of where Chery is heading and the broader choice we intend to offer local customers.”

The Chery Q marks the brand’s entry into the compact electric segment. Measuring 4,200 mm in length, the Q has been designed with city driving in mind, where smaller dimensions and manoeuvrability count for more than outright size. Built on Chery’s dedicated T1X 3.0 electric platform with a 2,700 mm wheelbase, the Q offers more cabin space than its compact footprint might suggest.

A rear-mounted motor frees up room for a 70-litre front storage compartment, in addition to 38 further storage areas spread throughout the cabin. Folding the rear seats increases total carrying capacity to as much as 1,450 litres. The Q runs rear-wheel drive with independent front and rear suspension and 50:50 weight distribution, while a 5.225-metre turning radius is aimed at making tight streets and parking areas easier to navigate. Inside, a 15.6-inch 2.5K central display is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, alongside Level 2 driver-assistance technology that includes automated parking and a 540-degree camera system.

The Tiggo V takes a different approach to family transport. Riding on a 2,800 mm wheelbase, it seats seven across sliding second-row seats, with 42 storage compartments and ventilation extending to all three rows.

Its standout feature is a transformable rear body structure that allows the enclosed third-row seating compartment to be reconfigured into an open, pickup-style load area. This gives owners extra space for camping gear, outdoor equipment and other bulky items without needing aftermarket modifications.

Power comes from the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) system, with preliminary figures pointing to fuel consumption as low as 6 litres per 100 km and a combined NEDC range of up to 1,030 km. A ground clearance of 220 mm is intended to make the Tiggo V more capable on poor roads and unpaved routes.

Rounding out the display is the KP31, which takes Chery into one of South Africa’s largest and most competitive vehicle segments. Built on a dedicated hybrid platform, the KP31 pairs a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with electric power and four-wheel drive. Preliminary specifications include a combined output of 350 kW and 800 N.m, an electric-only range of up to 100 km on the NEDC cycle, and a braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg.

Its load box measures 1,560 mm long, 1,560 mm wide and 500 mm high, with ground clearance of no less than 247 mm when fully loaded. Vehicle-to-Load functionality allows the bakkie to power external equipment such as tools and camping appliances, adding a further practical dimension to its hybrid system.

KP31 is a working name rather than the badge the bakkie will carry once it reaches the local market. Chery invited South Africans to submit name suggestions for the model, drawing more than 20,000 entries. A shortlist of six names has since been announced, with public voting now open. The finalists are Bakkie, Grootman, Nduna, Chief, Orca and Brahman.

The winning entrant will receive R100,000 towards the purchase of any new Chery vehicle and may also be offered the opportunity to travel to China in October, subject to final confirmation and the competition’s terms and conditions.

Together, the Chery Q, Tiggo V and KP31 point to the broader mix of vehicles and powertrains Chery is considering for South Africa, spanning compact electric mobility, adaptable family transport and diesel-hybrid bakkie capability. Further details on local specifications, model ranges, pricing and launch timing are expected to be announced in due course.

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