Chery’s new Himla model made its official debut on the 2025 Shanghai Auto Present, marking the automaker’s entry into the worldwide bakkie market.
The brand new double cab bakkie, with a reputation impressed by the Chinese language mountain vary, is the primary in a collection of deliberate new pickups. Compact, mid-size and huge measurement fashions with a number of power-train choices together with petrol, diesel and totally electrical variants will be anticipated, with goals of versatility for business, utility and household work and leisure purposes.
Sparse technical particulars however, we bagged first drive impressions of Himla pre-production prototypes on a take a look at monitor designed to showcase Chery’s means to sew collectively a workhorse.
The Himla — code-named KP11 — has the hallmarks of a compact to mid-size providing that’s not practically as lengthy or huge as SA’s typical bakkie alternate options from Toyota, Ford, Isuzu and Mitsubishi. Because of this it isn’t destined for SA. Gross sales shall be in left-hand drive markets solely.
It’s the longer and wider KP31 design research, and which can use a distinct identify from the Himla, that’s earmarked for entry into SA and different right-hand drive markets. Engine selections are stated to be petrol, diesel and plug-in- hybrid drivetrains.
The design research with its retro-inspired frontal styling is extra way of life oriented and geared toward rivals such because the newly launched BYD Shark and the Kia Tasman. Expressive styling meets with workhouse performance and it’s a piece in progress the corporate hopes to carry to market by 2027.
Preliminary driving impressions of the Himla are of a very good trying and neatly styled bakkie with a big black grille embossed with the Chery nameplate. Typical bakkie accoutrements embody a rear roll bar and a sidestep for coming into the cargo bay.
The cabin is cosy and accommodates 4 to 5 passengers in a contemporary trying environment of minimalism with a sizeable and vibrant primary show display screen taking the central function. The motive force will get a small, letterbox sized info binnacle.
The textures and construct high quality are passable and the drive expertise on a bumpy monitor revealed relative consolation with no rattles emanating.
Options usually are not finalised however a rear parking digicam, smartphone integration, air-con and extra had been current, satisfying trendy expectations.
The Himla power-train alternative on the day was the two.0l four-cylinder turbodiesel mated to six-speed guide or automated transmissions. The motor was decently powered and the self-shifter was faultless.
Chery says the vary shall be geared up with a record of energetic security techniques.
With bakkies having advanced past their workhorse roles, turning into extra versatile and higher suited to way of life makes use of, Verene Petersen, nationwide advertising supervisor for Chery SA stated: “Himla is our means of increasing right into a section that’s each aggressive and filled with potential. SA is a standout marketplace for bakkies. Whereas we proceed to guage alternatives in key markets, our focus with Himla is on constructing a product that speaks to international wants and native preferences alike.”
