Chery Grootman: A Bold New Bakkie Is Heading to South Africa

South Africa’s bakkie market is set to welcome an exciting new contender.

The Chery Grootman, the brand’s first bakkie, is expected to arrive in South African showrooms in the first quarter of 2027, bringing Chery’s combination of technology, comfort and bold design into one of the country’s most competitive vehicle segments.

Following an early drive of the new model at Chery’s home base in Wuhu, China, Cars.co.za has shared its first impressions – and there is plenty for South African bakkie buyers to look forward to.

Meet the Chery Grootman

Developed under the code name KP31, Chery’s new double cab will be known locally as the Grootman – a name inspired by South African kasi slang and associated with being a “big man” or someone who commands respect.

The name seems particularly fitting when you consider the Grootman’s dimensions.

Based on specifications published for the Australian version of the vehicle, known as the Stockman, it measures approximately 5 450 mm in length and 1 890 mm in height.

That gives the Grootman the substantial road presence South African double-cab buyers have come to expect, while its spacious dimensions carry through into the cabin.

A Cabin Designed for Work and Everyday Life

One of the areas that made the strongest impression during Cars.co.za’s early drive was the Grootman’s interior.

Rather than focusing purely on ruggedness, Chery appears to have combined the practical nature of a bakkie with the technology and comfort expected from a modern passenger vehicle.

The cabin features a large central display while retaining a selection of physical buttons and controls – an important practical touch when travelling off-road or using the vehicle as a working bakkie.

There is also generous storage throughout the cabin, including useful spaces around the centre console and transmission tunnel.

According to Cars.co.za, the pre-production Grootman also impressed with its overall feeling of solidity, remaining free from noticeable cabin creaks and rattles while tackling a heavily rutted test track.

Diesel-Hybrid Power Could Be the Big Talking Point

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the upcoming Grootman is what Chery has planned beneath the bonnet.

The Grootman is set to feature a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with electric assistance.

Chery is claiming some impressive figures, including:

• Combined output of 350 kW

• Combined torque of 800 Nm

• Approximately 100 km of electric-only driving range

• Towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes

• 230 mm ground clearance

• Vehicle-to-load functionality for powering equipment, tools or camping accessories

These figures are subject to final South African specifications and will need to be confirmed when the production model arrives locally, but they point towards an exciting combination of performance and versatility.

For South Africans who use their bakkies for everything from the daily commute to towing, travelling, camping and off-road adventures, the Grootman could offer an interesting alternative to the traditional diesel double cab.

Built With Adventure in Mind

Chery also appears to be placing significant emphasis on personalisation.

Cars.co.za reports that accessorised versions of the Grootman were displayed during the international preview, with Chery planning to make a range of accessories available directly from the factory.

This could allow customers to configure their Grootman according to their lifestyle – whether that means creating a capable workhorse or preparing it for weekends away and outdoor adventures.

The Grootman Is Coming to South Africa

The arrival of the Grootman represents an important next step for Chery in South Africa.

According to Cars.co.za, the Chery Grootman is scheduled to reach South African showrooms during the first quarter of 2027, with final pricing, model derivatives and local specifications to be announced closer to launch.

Even more significantly, the Grootman is expected to eventually be manufactured locally at Chery’s Rosslyn facility in Pretoria, adding a distinctly South African chapter to the story of Chery’s first bakkie.

With its imposing dimensions, modern interior, diesel-hybrid powertrain and strong claimed performance figures, the Grootman certainly looks ready to make its presence felt.

The South African bakkie segment has a new contender on the horizon.

Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for more Chery Grootman news, local specifications, pricing and launch information as it becomes available.

Source & Credit

This article is based on information and first-drive impressions published by Cars.co.za, following Hannes Oosthuizen’s international preview of the Chery Grootman in Wuhu, China.

Read the original Cars.co.za article: “Chery Grootman (2026) International Launch Review”, published 21 October 2026.