Chery Is Bringing Two Very Different Bakkie Options To South Africa
For years, South African buyers have faced a familiar choice: an SUV with plenty of passenger space and comfort, or a bakkie for its load-carrying ability and versatility. Chery is approaching that decision from both sides now.
The brand is preparing two very different utility-focused vehicles for South Africa: the Chery Tiggo V, a family SUV that can transform to provide an open load area, and a new dedicated double-cab bakkie, currently known by its KP31 development code.
While both vehicles bring added practicality, they have been designed for very different purposes. The Tiggo V focuses on family and lifestyle flexibility, while the new Chery bakkie is being developed as a more traditional workhorse capable of tackling payloads, towing and off-road adventures.
Meet The Transformable Chery Tiggo V
The Tiggo V takes a very different approach to the conventional bakkie. Evolved from Chery’s T1TP concept and shown in near-production form at Auto China 2026, the Tiggo V has been described as a “three-in-one” family vehicle.
At its heart, it is a six- or seven-seat SUV designed for everyday family life. But its rear section can be removed or exchanged, allowing the vehicle to be configured with an open load area.
That means the same vehicle could potentially accommodate the school run during the week, carry bicycles or camping equipment on the weekend and provide additional loading flexibility when needed.
The modular concept is particularly interesting for South African families who want the practicality of a bakkie without permanently giving up the enclosed passenger space and SUV-style cabin of a family vehicle.
Reported configurations include lifestyle, cargo and camping-oriented possibilities, although the exact modules and which configurations will be available in South Africa still need to be confirmed.
Importantly, the Tiggo V uses a unibody or monocoque platform rather than the ladder-frame construction associated with traditional one-tonne bakkies.
It’s viewed as a flexible family and lifestyle vehicle, rather than a replacement for a conventional workhorse.
Why The Tiggo V Could Make Sense In South Africa
The appeal of the Tiggo V lies in how it could adapt to different aspects of everyday life. For a family, the vehicle can provide seating for six or seven people. When additional loading space is needed, its modular rear section could provide a more practical solution for larger or awkward items.
Think bicycles, surfboards, camping equipment, gardening supplies or luggage for a weekend away. For adventure-focused owners, a camper-style configuration could potentially add another dimension to the vehicle.
The concept also addresses a common problem. Many SUV owners occasionally need bakkie-like loading flexibility, but don’t necessarily need a permanent load bin or the heavy-duty capabilities of a traditional bakkie. That is where the Tiggo V could occupy an interesting middle ground.
What We Know About The Tiggo V
Preliminary information points to a wheelbase of approximately 2,800mm, with six- and seven-seat configurations reported.
Ground clearance is expected to reach up to 220mm, while reported wading capability is up to 650 mm for the combustion-powered version and up to 700mm for the plug-in hybrid.
Petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains have been reported, with the latter fitting into Chery’s broader electrification strategy.
The Tiggo V has been confirmed for South Africa by local motoring reports, but final local specifications, variants, pricing and arrival dates remain subject to official confirmation.
Chery Tiggo V
Then There’s Chery’s Dedicated Double-Cab Bakkie
The Tiggo V may blur the line between an SUV and a bakkie, but Chery is also preparing a vehicle designed specifically for buyers who need traditional bakkie capability.
Currently known as KP31, the new model is a large, ladder-frame double-cab bakkie intended for work, family use, towing, off-road travel and recreation.
Chery South Africa has also involved the public in choosing the vehicle’s local identity. The naming campaign closed on 24 August 2026, with the final South African name requiring confirmation before publication.
The new bakkie is planned for a South African introduction in 2027, with final specifications, pricing and range details expected closer to launch.
A Diesel Plug-In Hybrid Could Set It Apart
One of the most intriguing aspects of Chery’s new bakkie is its expected powertrain. Preliminary information points to a turbocharged diesel engine working alongside an electric motor and battery in a plug-in hybrid system.
For South African drivers, that combination could offer an interesting balance. Electric power could potentially handle shorter daily journeys, while the diesel engine would retain advantages for longer trips, towing and remote travel.
Reported development targets include a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel plug-in hybrid system, a one-tonne payload and up to 3,500kg of braked towing capacity.
An electric-only range of up to 170km has also been reported. The vehicle is also expected to feature EV and hybrid driving modes, together with front, centre and rear differential-lock controls.
These figures remain preliminary, however, and should not be treated as confirmed South African specifications until Chery announces the final local production specification.
A More SUV-Like Interior For A Serious Bakkie
Chery is also bringing its SUV experience into the cabin. Reported features include a large central infotainment display, digital driver display, wireless smartphone charging and physical climate-control switches.
There are also controls for the EV and hybrid driving modes, a 360-degree surround-view camera, heated and ventilated front seats and dedicated differential-lock controls.
It reflects how the modern double cab has evolved. Today’s bakkie needs to do more than carry equipment during the week. It may also be the family car, long-distance tourer, tow vehicle and adventure machine.
Chery appears to be targeting precisely that combination of capability and everyday comfort.
Tiggo V Vs The New Chery Bakkie
| Chery Tiggo V | New Chery Bakkie/KP31 | |
|---|---|---|
| Concept | Transformable family SUV | Dedicated double-cab bakkie |
| Construction | Unibody/monocoque | Ladder-frame |
| Primary Role | Family and lifestyle flexibility | Work, towing, off-road and leisure |
| Seating | Six or seven reported | Five-seat double cab expected |
| Load Solution | Convertible/modular rear section | Permanent open load bin |
| Powertrains | Petrol and PHEV reported | Diesel PHEV expected |
| Heavy Payload Use | Not intended as a one-tonne workhorse | One-tonne target reported |
| Towing | To be confirmed | Up to 3,500 kg target reported |
| South African Timing | Expected, subject to confirmation | Planned for 2027 |
| Local Name | Tiggo V | Final name pending confirmation |
The distinction is important. If your priority is passenger accommodation with the ability to adapt when you need additional loading space, the Tiggo V concept could be the more natural fit.
If payload, towing and demanding off-road use are higher priorities, the dedicated double cab is the vehicle to watch.
One Brand, Two Very Different Answers
Chery’s strategy is more interesting than simply adding another bakkie to an increasingly competitive South African market.
The Tiggo V approaches the opportunity from the SUV side, giving families the flexibility to transform their vehicle when circumstances demand it.
The new double cab takes the traditional bakkie route, combining ladder-frame construction and serious utility ambitions with the technology and comfort expected from a modern Chery.
Together, they give Chery two distinct ways of addressing the changing needs of South African motorists.
The Tiggo V and Chery’s new double-cab bakkie are still approaching their South African launches.
Stay tuned to our website at Group1 Chery for confirmed model names, specifications, pricing and availability as these exciting new vehicles move closer to local showrooms.
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