While Chery grabbed headlines with a new Himla (what a name) pick-up truck brand last year, it has already usurped itself with a new concept truck revealed in Sydney today. Codenamed KP31, it appears to be more advanced than the KP11 shown at Auto Shanghai, which has been launched in China as the Rely R08.
The show truck is previewing a production model landing in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year. Its styling is…derivative to say the least, being the most overt copy of the Ford Bronco we’ve seen from China yet (and yes, we include Ford’s own “new energy” version). The flat front with its full-width grille, circular headlights and beefy plastic front bumper is very reminiscent of the American off-roader.
But hey, together with its box-flared fenders, upright double cab and chunky door handles and mirrors, it does make the KP31 look far more interesting than the milquetoast R08, doesn’t it? Of course, unlike the Bronco, the Chery does have a full-sized bed at the back, with built-in side steps, some sci-fi-looking vertical taillights and a large Chery script stamped on the black plastic tailgate trim.
You should know that the concept is massive, measuring 5,610 mm long, 1,920 mm wide and 1,925 mm tall. The real one won’t be anywhere near this big, but at 5,450 mm long it will still be 80 mm longer than an equivalent Ford Ranger. By the way, the R08 is 120 mm shorter at a more manageable 5,330 mm long.
The KP31 will also differ from class norms under the bonnet, where you’ll find a diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain – the world’s first pick-up to do so, Chery says. This is headed by a 2.5 litre turbodiesel that has a thermal efficiency of 47%, resulting in a 10% reduction in fuel consumption compared to an average diesel pick-up. The company is also promising a 1,000 kg payload and 3.5 tonne towing capacity in line with the segment, as well as claiming a 30% reduction in NVH. A petrol PHEV variant will join the lineup next year.
As yet, it’s unclear whether the KP31 will be sold under the Himla sub-brand or the main Chery marque, and whether it will take the place of the R08 in the company’s global plans. As it’s already set to be converted to right-hand drive for the Australian market, it does appear likely to arrive here to tackle the Toyota Hilux, the Mitsubishi Triton and the aforementioned Ranger, along with the expected BYD Shark 6.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Similar size with Toyota Tacoma
Originality is what makes a car maker great. Copycats don’t earn as much respect.
2 common features of Chinese made vehicles:
Firstly, Big loud “advertising” stamped on the back of your car. Be it “build your dream”, HAVAL, OMODA or CHERY,..
Secondly, weird name… Lepas, OMODA, Benda, Himla…. cannot understand why such name…
the world doesnt revolve around us malaysia. That name could mean something in other part of the world. Same like PERODUA if this brand launched in China or EU, what would they think of this brand name then?
the way they spell out brand name at the rear end maybe they want to start a new design trend this way. We can see that conventional carmakers also following this route eg; new Mazda CX-5.
Open your eyes
first you complain about copycat . then when china carmakers adverstise their logo in an original way , different from others name , you also complain. are you contradicting yourself?
another stupid comment from frankc . china carmakers copycat , you bash. but if they market using their own unique advertising and names, you also bash.
When the Chinese design come, no one escape. Range Rover, Jimny, Wrangle, even Rolls Royce, now is the Branco turn.
soon china will copycats proton oh wait.
chinamen….