Chery’s Next Bold Move: A Bakkie for South Africa
The bakkie market in South Africa is fiercely competitive — with names like Hilux, Ranger, and D-Max dominating the streets. But now, there’s a new challenger on the horizon: the Chery Himla, the Chinese automaker’s first-ever entry into the double-cab space.
And if the brand’s explosive growth in South Africa is anything to go by, the Himla could be a game-changer.
🏔️ A Quick Look at the Chery Himla
Chery officially unveiled the Himla in 2024, and it’s expected to hit South African showrooms in early 2025. Here’s what we know so far:
- Engine Options: Rumored to include a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and possibly a diesel variant for SA.
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic.
- Drivetrain: 4×2 and 4×4 variants expected.
- Design: Bold front fascia, aggressive stance, and a refined, tech-forward interior.
- Payload & Tow Capacity: Competitive with segment leaders — expected to be close to 1-ton payload and 3.5-ton towing capacity.
- Interior Features: 12-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, leather seats, and ADAS features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
💡 Chery has confirmed that the Himla is designed with global markets in mind — and South Africa is a key player in that strategy.
🇿🇦 Why Chery is Thriving in South Africa
Chery’s re-entry into the South African market has been nothing short of remarkable. In just a few short years, the brand has grown from underdog to top 10 seller status.
Why South Africans love Chery:
- Premium features at budget-friendly prices
- Strong warranty offerings (often 5–7 years)
- Modern, reliable engines
- Growing dealer and service network
- Stylish, tech-packed interiors
The Tiggo 4 Pro, 7 Pro, and 8 Pro have all found solid footing locally, with the brand often selling more units monthly than some established Japanese and Korean rivals.
So, it only makes sense that Chery would target the bakkie market, where South Africans are famously brand-loyal but increasingly value-driven.
🛡️ Don’t Skimp on Insurance — Especially with a New Brand
Here’s the truth: it doesn’t matter if your bakkie is R250K or R700K — if it’s on the road, it needs to be covered.
And with new brands like Chery, car insurance premiums can vary wildly depending on the model, your location, and the insurer’s risk profile for the brand. That’s why it’s so important to compare.
What Affects a Chery Himla Insurance Premium?
- Vehicle value & variant (4×2 vs 4×4, base vs fully loaded)
- Your age and driving history
- Whether it’s parked securely at night
- Use: personal, business, or rideshare
- Availability of parts (affects repair cost risk)
📉 Chery vehicles tend to have lower premiums than many Japanese brands, but prices can change quickly as the market matures, so it’s best to get car insurance sooner rather than later. The truth is the monthly premium will only rise due to inflation + other reasons.
💸 What Will It Cost to Insure a Chery Himla?
While official local pricing isn’t confirmed, if the Himla launches between R450,000 – R600,000, you can expect:
| Cover Type | Estimated Monthly Premium (Avg.) |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive | R950 – R1,650 |
| Third-Party Only | R400 – R700 |
These are estimates based on similar vehicles (e.g., GWM P-Series, JAC T9) and driver profiles in SA.
🔗 Get a Real-Time Quote for Your Bakkie
Ready to get behind the wheel of a Chery Himla — or already exploring double cabs?
👉 Click here to compare car insurance quotes from top South African insurers in under 60 seconds. No spam. No middlemen. Just smarter, simpler insurance shopping.
A Bakkie Built for Mzansi?
The all-new Chery Himla might just shake up the bakkie segment like the Tiggo range did in the SUV space. If Chery delivers on pricing and support, the Himla could become a real threat to established bakkie kings.