Meet the Chery Grootman: New 350kW hybrid bakkie is coming to South Africa

Chery has given its first one-tonne double-cab bakkie a distinctly South African name: Grootman.

Previously known by its internal KP31 code, the Chery Grootman is scheduled to launch in South Africa in the first quarter of 2027, taking aim at established bakkies including the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.

And it won’t be short on power.

Preliminary specifications point to a plug-in hybrid powertrain producing a combined 350kW and 800Nm, along with four-wheel drive and up to 100km of electric range on the NEDC cycle.

How the Chery Grootman got its name

The Grootman name was selected following a public voting competition launched by Chery South Africa that attracted more than 20,000 submissions.

“Grootman” literally translates from Afrikaans as “big man”, but the word has become a widely used South African expression of respect for someone considered reliable, experienced and deserving of their standing.

The local name replaces the KP31 designation previously used for Chery’s upcoming bakkie.

Chery Grootman power and performance

The Grootman is expected to use a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine combined with electric power and four-wheel drive.

Preliminary specifications put combined output at 350kW and 800Nm.

The plug-in hybrid setup is also expected to provide up to 100km of electric range on the NEDC cycle.

Built for towing and carrying

Chery’s preliminary specifications indicate that the Grootman will offer a 3,500kg braked towing capacity.

Ground clearance is expected to be at least 230mm when fully loaded.

Its load box measures:

Length: 1,560mm
Width: 1,560mm
Height: 500mm

The Grootman will also offer Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing the vehicle to supply electricity to external equipment such as tools and camping gear.

When is the Chery Grootman launching in South Africa?

The Chery Grootman is scheduled to arrive in South Africa during the first quarter of 2027.

Final pricing and the local model line-up are expected to be detailed closer to launch.

With a distinctly local name, a plug-in hybrid powertrain and preliminary outputs of 350kW and 800Nm, the Grootman will mark Chery’s entry into South Africa’s one-tonne double-cab bakkie market.

Read Inbound SA online