Chery Has a New Man. His Name Is Grootman.

South Africans have named plenty of things for themselves, and now they've named a bakkie. Chery ran a public naming campaign for its first double cab in this market, and the word that won was Grootman — a big man, a respected man, someone with presence. Chery could have imported a global nameplate. Instead it let the market choose one that sounds like it belongs here.

That matters, because the vehicle behind the name is making a serious entrance. Chery has never offered South Africa a double-cab bakkie before, and the one reported to be heading for local showrooms carries a plug-in hybrid powertrain with reported figures of 350 kW, 800 Nm, roughly 100 km of electric range, towing of around 3.5 tonnes and approximately 230 mm of ground clearance.

Those are reported figures, not confirmed South African specifications — final outputs, derivatives and pricing will only be confirmed by Chery South Africa closer to launch. But even as numbers with a disclaimer attached, they demand attention.

So, who is Grootman?

Before the name there was a product code: KP31. Useful for engineers, useless for everyone else. The public naming campaign changed that, and it's a smarter move than it might look. A name gives a vehicle a personality before it ever reaches a showroom floor. "KP31" sounds like a filing system. Grootman sounds like someone you already know.

"The name sounds local. The numbers sound serious."

The numbers

Start with the reported headline figures: 350 kW and 800 Nm.

Those figures sit well above where traditional double-cab entries in this class typically operate, and a reported 800 Nm changes the conversation about towing, overtaking and fully loaded long climbs. What they establish, more than anything, is intent: this is not a cautious entry-level bakkie. Chery is arriving at the serious end of the segment.

This isn't just another diesel bakkie

The most interesting engineering decision isn't the power figure. It's the powertrain. Where the South African double-cab market has been dominated by conventional diesel engines, the Grootman is reported to centre on a 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel combined with an electric system — a plug-in hybrid bakkie.

The benefits are obvious: electric driving for short trips, strong torque from the combined system, and no compromise on towing if the reported figure holds. The questions are just as real. Battery size, charging speed and real-world electric range are unconfirmed for South Africa, and long-term ownership of a diesel plug-in hybrid bakkie is something this market has never had to think about before.

A bakkie that does everything

The modern double cab is asked to work in the week, carry the family on the weekend, tow, travel, camp and commute. For many households it isn't a second vehicle — it's the vehicle.

Chery is positioning the Grootman around exactly that blend, and one reported feature stands out: vehicle-to-load, or V2L. It lets the battery power external equipment — camping gear, power tools, anything electrical away from a plug point. In a country where load-shedding has taught everyone the value of an independent power supply, the bakkie doesn't just carry the equipment. It can become part of it.

Two more reported figures speak directly to how a bakkie gets used here. Approximately 230 mm of ground clearance suggests real engineering for gravel, farm roads and construction sites rather than just the appearance of it. And a reported towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes — the difference between towing a trailer and towing a caravan, boat or loaded work trailer — places the Grootman in genuinely serious company. A towing number on a specification sheet is a claim; the towbar tells the truth later.

The electric question

The reported electric range of roughly 100 km may be the most interesting number attached to this vehicle. In practice it could mean the school run, the commute and urban errands handled without touching the diesel engine — then the combustion side taking over for the long trip, so range anxiety simply doesn't apply. The real-world number will be shaped by load, terrain, towing and weather, and that gap between the headline and the lived number is where the Grootman's electrification will ultimately be judged.

Coming to South Africa

The Grootman is expected to arrive in South Africa in early 2027.

Want to compare the current Chery range, get an indicative monthly repayment, arrange a trade-in or book a test drive? Drive With Lesedi can help — on 078 317 4929 or drivewithlesedi.co.za.

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Frequently asked questions about the Chery Grootman

Is the Chery Grootman a hybrid?

Yes, reported as a plug-in hybrid — a combustion engine combined with an electric system that can be charged and driven on electric power for shorter trips. Final South African powertrain specification has not yet been confirmed.

What engine does the Chery Grootman use?

The reported powertrain centres on a 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel combined with an electric system. Chery has not yet released final South African details.

How powerful is the Chery Grootman?

Reported output is up to 350 kW and 800 Nm. These are reported figures; final production and South African specifications remain subject to confirmation.

What is the reported electric range?

Approximately 100 km on electric power is reported. Real-world range will depend on load, terrain, weather, driving style and towing.

How much can the Grootman tow?

A towing capacity of up to approximately 3.5 tonnes is reported, with real-world towing performance still to be established once the production vehicle is available for testing.

What is vehicle-to-load functionality?

Vehicle-to-load (V2L) allows the vehicle's battery to power external equipment — camping gear, power tools or outdoor equipment — through an external socket. It has been reported as a Grootman feature but final South African availability is unconfirmed.

How much will the Chery Grootman cost?

Pricing has not been announced, and any figure circulating before launch should be treated as speculation.

DWL Journal is an editorial publication powered by Drive With Lesedi. Vehicle specifications, pricing, warranty and service information may change. Readers should confirm current information with Chery South Africa or an authorised dealer before making a purchase decision.