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Lepas Aura concept revealed, previews Chery sub-brand’s future EV design

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Lepas has officially revealed the Aura concept during a preview event in China. Unveiled at Global Elegance Night as part of the inaugural Global Elegant Lifestyle Week, this showpiece previews the future aesthetic direction and electrified vision of the brand. Image: Lepas Showcasing Lepas’ new design philosophy, the Aura concept has taken to the stage at the Chinese brand’s Global Elegance Night. This direction rests on the Natural Energy principle, as explained by Chief Designer Ivan Dulanović. He states that its elegance stems from composure rather than mere decoration. The design team studied the muscular tension and physical movement of a leopard to shape the vehicle. The vehicle features a long wheelbase, short overhangs and a wide stance. Pronounced shoulder lines reflect muscular strength, while integrated air channels guide airflow efficiently around the body. The glossy porcelain-inspired finish complements the sculpted volumes, creating a subtle interplay bet...

Chery Tiggo X7 revealed and confirmed for 2027 South African launch

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The Tiggo X7 has made its debut in Wuhu, China, with Chery confirming the new, adventure-focused SUV is heading to South Africa in 2027. Image: Kyle Kock The Tiggo X7 is the first model in Chery’s adventure-focused new X-series portfolio. Compared to the existing Tiggo 7, of which the next generation was also showcased at the Wuhu-based event, the Tiggo X7 cuts an altogether boxier figure than its sibling. Including the latter, the Tiggo X7’s more imposing, squared-off front end — replete with a prominent grille, angular LED headlamp clusters housing sharp daytime-running lights, vertical fog lamp arrays, and a skid plate — lends the Tiggo X7’s exterior a rugged aesthetic. Keen-eyed readers will notice the duo of front recovery hooks. The Tiggo X7’s angular side mirrors, chunky door handles, and wheel-arch cladding add to the look. Yellow brake callipers are sited behind seven-spoke alloy wheels, finished in black. ‘Round back, vertical LED taillamps sit opposite a side and upwards ...

Upcoming mini Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon will be a completely unique model

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Speaking to American media at the German brand’s 140 Festival, company CEO has confirmed that the mini Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon won’t be targeting its existing G-Class customer base… Image: Mercedes-Benz The mini Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon has been in the German brand’s product pipeline since rumours of its existence first circulated in 2023. Since then, it has been stirring up a lot of interest and attention from audiences. The idea of a smaller entry-level G-Class is an appealing concept to consumers, considering the new G400d range starts at R3 462 812. Speaking to America’s  Road and Track at the brand’s 140 Festival, Mercedes-AMG CEO Stefan Weckbach confirmed that the upcoming compact off-roading model will be a unique proposition that won’t eclipse the main G-Wagon model line. “We will make sure that the little G-Class will target a different segment,” Weckbach said. “It will be significantly different from the big brother or mother or father...

Omoda C4 to be built in South Africa from 2027

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Scheduled to arrive here in 2027, the Omoda C4 compact SUV will become the first Chery Group product to be built in South Africa. Image: Omoda In our 2026 Beijing Auto Show with Omoda & Jaecoo – What’s coming to SA report, we saw the series-production Omoda C4 make its official debut. Now, the Chinese automaker has confirmed this striking compact SUV will be the first model under the Chery umbrella to be manufactured in South Africa. Omoda C4 local production in South Africa The Omoda C4 will be produced at the Chery Group’s Rosslyn Plant, near Pretoria, where the first units are expected to roll off the assembly line by mid-2027. The production roster also includes the SA-bound Chery Grootman , Tiggo Cross , Jeacoo J5, and Jetour T1 and T2 . Previously owned by Nissan, the assembly line was acquired by the Wuhu carmaker earlier in 2026, with the official opening ceremony having took place in July. The marque aims to produce 15 000 units in total, or 2 500 vehicles per month,...

2027 Chery Grootman gets rugged Ironman 4×4 accessories

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Chery’s Australian arm has announced a partnership with Ironman 4×4 to offer the Grootman double-cab bakkie with a raft of off-road-focused accessories. Image: Chery Penned in to launch in South Africa in the first quarter of 2027 and confirmed for local production , the Chery Grootman has been handed a selection of off-road-focused kit Down Under, where it is named the Stockman, through Chery Australia’s partnership with Ironman 4×4. These accessories will be available directly from dealerships. Through this collaboration, Chery’s Australian arm offers the Grootman with Ironman 4×4’s Apex Bull Bar – a full-width triple hoop-style aluminium item incorporating a winch cradle, a duo of recovery points, and a 4 mm thick skid plate – premium side rails and steps, a Raid roof rack featuring the option of mounting points for the fitment of additional lighting, and a Raid canopy. Further accessories include roller drawers and a rear-step t...

iCaur V25 hits the global stage with powertrain and global rollout details

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The iCaur V25 has been unveiled at the 2026 Chery International User Summit in Wuhu, China. This SUV completes the brand’s V-Series family alongside the V23 and larger V27 .   Image: iCaur The iCaur V25 continues the Chinese brand’s Future Classic design direction that we’ve already seen across the V-Series. The Chery sub-brand p ositions it directly between the compact V23 and the larger V27, targeting consumers who want distinct styling alongside functional everyday flexibility. Sourcing design inspiration from the V23, this model retains an upright stance, round headlamps, and a squared-off profile. A height-to-width ratio of 0. 96:1 gives the vehicle an almost square proportion. Key external details include a flat front end, clamshell bonnet, upright windscreen, side-opening tailgate, and full-size spare wheel. Space efficiency remains a priority inside the vehicle. The design delivers a claimed 66.4% longitudinal space efficiency, maximising room for ...

2026 Haval H7: South African pricing and specs

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The new Haval H7 has arrived in South Africa, with GWM revealing local pricing and specs for the six-strong model lineup. See pricing below… Image: Peet Mocke Haval H7 powertrain lineup The new Haval H7 is offered with the choice of three powertrain options: 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol internal combustion (ICE), 1.5-litre hybrid (HEV), and 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Coupled with a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission, the ICE produces 170 kW and 380 N.m of torque, the latter delivered to the road via either 2WD or 4WD.   The HEV variant, which incorporates a 1.53 kWh battery, is endowed with 182 kW and 540 N.m. The HEV and PHEV are equipped with a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). The PHEV setup produces combined system outputs of 240 kW/540 N.m in 2WD and 280 kW/670 N.m in 4WD derivative. Both drivetrains are coupled with a 23.7 kWh battery pack, which serves up a claimed 130 and 115 km operating range in the 2WD and 4WD, respectively. All PHEV models feature vehicle...