• The Chery Q, Tiggo V and KP31 headline Chery’s three-model display at the 2026 Festival of Motoring.
  • The Q focuses on compact electric mobility, Tiggo V can add cargo configurations to the 3rd row passenger compartment, and the KP31 combines diesel-hybrid power with Vehicle-to-Load functionality
  • Together, the three models reflect Chery’s expansion into compact electric mobility, adaptable family transport and diesel-hybrid bakkie capability.

Chery South Africa uses this year’s Festival of Motoring to preview three models that take the brand into new areas of the market.

The display features the compact electric Chery Q, the Tiggo V, and the KP31 diesel-hybrid bakkie. While these models vary in application and segment, their collective presence underscores Chery’s strategic move to diversify its South African portfolio beyond its established SUV foundations.

“Chery is well known for its SUVs, and they remain an important part of our business, but the range is growing,” says 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 brings the brand into the compact electric market. At 4,200 mm long, it has been designed primarily for the city, where smaller dimensions and easy manoeuvrability matter. Its dedicated T1X 3.0 electric platform and 2,700 mm wheelbase allow it to provide more cabin space than its exterior size may suggest.

A rear-mounted motor frees up space for a 70-litre front storage compartment, while a further 38 storage areas are positioned throughout the cabin. With the rear seats folded, carrying capacity increases to as much as 1,450 litres.

The Q uses rear-wheel drive, independent front and rear suspension and a 50:50 weight distribution. A 5.225-metre turning radius should make tight streets and parking areas easier to negotiate. Inside, it features a 15.6-inch 2.5K central display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, along with Level 2 driver-assistance technology that includes automated parking and a 540-degree camera system.

Alongside the Q, Tiggo V presents a different take on the family SUV. The seven-seater has a 2,800 mm wheelbase, sliding second-row seats, 42 storage compartments and ventilation for all three rows.

Its main feature is a transformable rear body SUV structure that allows the enclosed 3rd row seats compartment to be reconfigured with an open, pickup-style load area. This gives owners additional room for camping equipment, outdoor gear and other large items without relying on extensive aftermarket modifications.

Tiggo V is powered by the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) system. Preliminary figures indicate fuel consumption as low as 6 litres per 100 km and a combined NEDC range of up to 1,030 km. Ground clearance of 220 mm also makes it better suited to poor roads and unpaved routes.

Completing the display is the KP31, the bakkie that takes Chery into one of South Africa’s largest and most competitive vehicle segments.

Developed on a dedicated hybrid platform, the KP31 combines a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with electric power and four-wheel drive. Preliminary specifications include combined outputs 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, while ground clearance is 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 another practical use for its hybrid system.

KP31 is not necessarily the name used when the bakkie reaches the local market. Chery recently invited South Africans to suggest an original name for the model, with the number of submissions exceeding 20 000. The final list of 6 names was announced this afternoon and voting has reopened to the public. They are:

  • BAKKIE
  • GROOTMAN
  • NDUNA
  • CHIEF
  • ORCA
  • BRAHMAN

The winning entrant receives R100,000 towards the purchase of any new Chery vehicle and may also have the opportunity to travel to China in October, subject to final confirmation and the competition terms and conditions.

The naming competition gives South Africans a role in the introduction of Chery’s first bakkie, a vehicle developed to cover work, family and leisure use.

Together, the Chery Q, Tiggo V and KP31 show the wider range of vehicles and powertrains Chery is considering for South Africa. Visitors can see all three at the Festival of Motoring, taking place at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from 28 to 30 August 2026.

Further details on local specifications, model ranges, pricing and launch timing are announced in due course.

ENDS//