CAR Road-test Editor Kyle Kock checks in from the Chery stand at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, staged from 24 April to 3 May.
We joined Auto China 2026 in Beijing with Chery to witness the global reveal of the Freelander sub-brand, a real-world crash demonstration, the launch of the AiMOGA AI-powered robots, and three Chery models headed for South Africa: the Tiggo V SUV/bakkie, the KP31 double-cab, and the Q budget EV.
Showstopper: Chery Tiggo V
The Tiggo V stole the show at Chery’s stand. Think of it as a Jeep Wrangler-style SUV with the rear half of the roof removable, but it can also transform into a double-cab bakkie when you fold the third row of seats flat.
An engineer from Chery’s Wuhu headquarters told us it will tow unbraked up to 750 kg and, potentially, braked up to about 1 500 kg. There’s talk of both a 1.6- and a 1.5-litre engine option by the time it lands in South Africa, but the company stayed tight-lipped on exact powertrain and drivetrain details. Our hunch is that the Tiggo V will be based on the current Tiggo 9.
In SUV form, the third-row legroom suits a 1.7m-tall tester, with the second row at the rearmost setting and able to slide forward to create more space for rear passengers.
Roof removal is a two-person job taking around 45 minutes. In its place, a plastic and glass panel slides in behind the second row in a vertical position. Chery estimates the load bay payload will be about 500 kg with a driver and one passenger, though this depends on how many people are in the cabin.
Chery KP31 double-cab
The KP31 is very close to production, and Chery is pushing hard to bring it to South Africa by the end of 2026. While reps at the Wuhu proving ground wouldn’t reveal the final name, the size sits on par with its rivals. The big talking point here is price, which is expected to land between R700 000 and R800 000.
In the parking lot, there were customised KP31s on either side of the standard model. One stood out with massive all-terrain tyres, raised suspension, a steel off-road front bumper with a winch, recovery hooks, spotlights, a roof rack with ammo boxes, what looked like a fold-out tent over the loading bay, a bike rack, and a steel off-road rear bumper. I quipped to Chery staff that such a heavy kit could push the price well past R1 million in many legacy brands, but they laughed off the idea, suggesting the KP31 would still come in well under a seven-figure price even when equipped with such accessories (whether these options will be offered in-house at dealerships remains to be seen).
Chery Q
The Q is the company’s first full EV and will be the smallest model in the lineup when it arrives in South Africa in the third quarter of 2026. It makes 90 kW, and during a test drive at the Wuhu proving ground, it showed a remaining range of 322 km on a 77% battery charge in Eco mode. The cabin is minimalistic, reminiscent of Volvo’s EX30, but there’s plenty of space, especially for rear passengers.
It easily accelerated to 100 km/h, and although the boot didn’t have a luggage cover, it looked capable of fitting four carry-on bags beneath the shoulder line of the rear seats. Chery staff said the Q’s price range would likely be between R380 000 and R600 000, with the Kia Seltos named as a rival in a survey conducted with drivers who tested the car.
Freelander
Freelander is a collaboration between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, reviving the legendary name first used in 1997. The first model, Freelander 8, will feature the latest tech from the Chery International umbrella, including full EV, hybrid, and range-extender (REEV) powertrains.
Designed by Phil Simmons, who also styled the current Defender and Range Rover Velar, the Freelander 8 aims to rival the Toyota Prado with three rows of seating and the original Freelander’s signature rear quarter window. Inside, there’s an innovative digital screen that spans the full width of the dashboard.
Freelander isn’t yet confirmed for SA, but executives indicated they’re taking it to 90 markets worldwide. Based on the presentations here, there’s every reason to think the Freelander 8 will reach local shores.
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