Get ready, South Africa! Chery's all-new Himla double-cab bakkie is on its way
The all-new Chery Himla double cab bakkie will be making its way to South Africa in 2026.
Image: Mpho Mahlangu
One of the biggest talking points for Chery at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show is Chery Super Hybrid (CSH), which is essentially the automaker’s hybrid range of vehicles, of which South Africa will also get its fair share.
Chery says that the next-generation CSH range will be powered by an advanced hybrid engine, which will boast a record-breaking 46.5% thermal efficiency, matched to a hybrid transmission which will offer 93% efficiency.
We understand that models such as the Chery Tiggo 7 CSH, Tiggo 8 CSH and Tiggo 9 CSH will be making their way to South African shores.
The all-new Himla
The most interesting bit of news for South Africa comes with the announcement of the all-new Himla double-cab bakkie making its way here in 2026.
The Chery Himla will feature a diesel engine, a turbopetrol variant, a turbodiesel hybrid powertrain and a full battery electric vehicle.
Image: Mpho Mahlangu
While at this stage, there is very limited information around the Himla, we understand that it will feature a diesel engine, a turbopetrol variant, and, interestingly, a turbodiesel hybrid powertrain.
A full battery electric vehicle (BEV) derivative will also be available locally. Output figures remain unknown for now.
Exterior
From a styling perspective, the Chery Himla boasts a large, imposing front grille with “Chery” badging with a contrasting silver skid plate beneath the grille.
Slim LED daytime-running lights flank the grille, with the LED headlamps found below the daytime-running lights. The fog lamps are positioned lower down on the bumper. The 18-inch alloy wheels feature a cool-looking design.
At the rear, the Himla boasts LED taillamps along with more “Chery” badging across the tailgate. A side step has been included to allow for easier access into the rubberised load bed.
The Chery Himla features a two-tone interior.
Image: Mpho Mahlangu
Interior
Inside, it features a two-tone interior scheme, with a large infotainment touchscreen taking centre stage.
Shortcut buttons to control various functions are found beneath the touchscreen, which is a welcome addition, meaning that important and frequently used functions won’t need deep fiddling while driving.
The steering wheel is familiar; however, what isn’t is the driver instrument cluster, which is quite slim and not something we’ve seen before from the Chinese marque.
Dimensions of the Himla and off-roading facts and figures aren’t yet known, but watch this space for updates.
Chery also took the opportunity to showcase the AiMOGA humanoid robot, which can recognise speech, images and environmental information whilst walking independently, expressing itself and providing users with an all-round intelligent service experience.
The AiMOGA robot is able to walk a meter per second and ensures quick responses to task demands in high traffic situations.