Stroll through the sprawling halls of the Beijing International Auto Show and you could be forgiven for forgetting you are on the other side of the world. Amid the futuristic concept cars and artificial intelligence displays, a quiet but determined shift is happening for South African buyers: steering wheels are appearing on the right.
Chinese marques used this year’s showcase not just to impress local crowds but to roll out concrete production models already earmarked for Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. From Chery’s expanding hybrid family to BYD’s seven-seater plug-in and the rugged iCaur V27 range-extender, the message is clear. The local new vehicle market is about to see a deluge of electrified metal, and these brands are no longer dipping a toe in the water.
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Chery, currently one of South Africa’s fastest-growing brands, confirmed several high-priority models for local release including the compact Chery Q that is the entry point to the brand’s electric future. Built on a dedicated EV platform, the Q is offered in China with a choice of batteries. The bigger 41,2 kWh pack develops 90 kW and 115 Nm, giving a claimed driving range of 420 kilometres on the CLTC cycle . While local timing is still to be locked in, Chery South Africa has signalled a launch within the next year.
It also unveiled the all-new Tiggo V, marking a significant step forward in flexible, multi-purpose mobility.
Designed to redefine family mobility, the Tiggo V introduces a highly adaptable vehicle concept that seamlessly transitions between multiple body styles. With flexible seating configurations, it is engineered to function as an SUV, MPV or even a bakkie, offering a versatile solution for modern lifestyles.
According to Verene Petersen, National Marketing and Communications Manager for Chery South Africa, evolving mobility demands are driving the need for more adaptable vehicles. “Across South Africa and globally, families are using a single vehicle to meet a wide range of needs, from daily commuting and school transport to long-distance travel, outdoor activities and even business use. Traditional SUVs often fall short in addressing this level of versatility.”
“The Tiggo V has been developed to address this gap. Built on the principle of‘one vehicle for all scenarios,’ it delivers a flexible, multipurpose design that adapts effortlessly to different use cases, whether for everyday driving, family road trips, cargo transport or recreational activities.”
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One of the more intriguing reveals at Beijing was the right-hand-drive version of the iCaur V27. Pronounced 'i-car', this Chery-owned brand is targeting the adventure set with a boxy, retro-inspired five-seater that draws glances from the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 and Mercedes-Benz G-Class .
Unlike a conventional hybrid, the V27 uses a 34,3 kWh battery pack to drive the wheels, while a 1,5 T-GDI engine acts purely as a generator to top up the battery. The setup produces a combined 335 kW, good for a five-second sprint to 100 km/h, with an all-electric range of 156 kilometres before the petrol engine kicks in . Expect it on local floors by early 2027.
BYD continues its local brand-building exercise, and the new Atto 8 plug-in hybrid SUV represents a significant step up. Unveiled for the local market, the seven-seater is priced from R1 059 000 for the Premium DM-i to R1 259 000 for the Performance DM-p . Both utilise BYD’s fifth-generation DM hybrid technology. The Premium uses a 19 kWh battery for 75 kilometres of electric range, while the Performance packs a 35,6 kWh unit stretching EV range to 130 kilometres.
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BYD has been clear that it is avoiding discount-driven sales in South Africa, focusing instead on demonstrating long-term value. With the Atto 8 now in market, alongside the smaller Dolphin and Atto 3, the brand now has a credible presence across several price points.
Chery and BYD are not alone. GWM used the Beijing show to preview powertrains that are filtering into its local line-up. The Haval H6 PHEV, launched in South Africa recently, brings the Hi-4 hybrid all-wheel-drive system to the table. With outputs of 268 kW and 760 Nm in its most powerful form, and a claimed electric range of 106 kilometres, it is a direct rival to the new wave of Chinese hybrids .
BAIC also made its presence felt, unveiling its full product ecosystem in Beijing. While the brand is still building its local reputation, models such as the B81 and B70 off-roaders are under consideration for right-hand-drive markets, with the company accelerating its global expansion plans .
For the local consumer, the Beijing show was less a concept fair and more a market preview. The days of China being seen as a source of only budget runabouts are effectively over. What is coming is a full spectrum of vehicles: affordable city EVs like the Chery Q, family plug-in hybrids like the Tiggo 9 and Atto 8, and novel range-extender vehicles like the iCaur V27 that solve the long-distance anxiety problem without requiring a massive battery pack.
Pricing will be the deciding factor. While the Atto 8 sits above R1 million, the Chery Q is expected to undercut rivals when it lands. The introduction of the iCaur V27 will also test whether South Africans are ready for a vehicle that drives like an EV but fuels like a petrol car.
Regardless of the specific models, one thing is certain: the Chinese motor industry has moved from tentative entrant to committed player. Beijing 2026 has shown that the right-hand-drive market is no longer an afterthought. For South Africans, that means more choice, more hybrid options and a busier new car market than ever before.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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