A fresh year often brings something new and for South African motorists, the first quarter of 2026 is shaping up to offer just that. This is when Lepas, from the Chery Group, is scheduled to make its local debut. It will start with the compact L4 SUV, followed later by the larger L8, introducing a range aimed at a more premium segment of the market and then possibly the L6.
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The Lepas L4 will serve as the entry point. It is built on Chery's LEX platform, engineered to accommodate hybrid systems, though it's expected to launch locally with petrol power. A turbo-charged 1.5-litre engine is likely, providing a balance of performance and efficiency for driving in and around cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
In South Africa, petrol engines will dominate the launch range, with the L4 expected to use a 1,5?litre turbo petrol producing around 108 kW and 210 Nm, the L6 a 1,6?litre turbo at 145 kW and 290 Nm and the L8 a 2,0?litre turbo delivering about 187 kW and 390 Nm. While these figures are indicative, they place Lepas models firmly within the higher?performance end of their respective segments.
The design, part of what Lepas calls its ‘Leopard Aesthetics', features distinctive lines and LED lighting, moving towards a cleaner, modern look.
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Inside, the focus is on a connected and refined cabin, aiming for a contemporary feel with quality materials. The idea is to attract drivers who place value on both technology and design, but who are also practical about running costs and local infrastructure. While hybrid versions have been hinted at for the future, the initial launch will concentrate on conventional petrol engines.
Pricing has not been made official, but industry observers suggest a starting point in the region of R400 000 to R600 000. This would position Lepas between mainstream brands and the traditional European luxury marques, offering a suite of features as part of its appeal.
The introduction of Lepas is part of Chery's broader strategy to establish a stronger presence locally. It sits alongside their Omoda and Jaecoo sub-brands, each targeting a different type of buyer.
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For the local market, the arrival of another contender in the popular SUV space means more choice. It also signals a continued push by Chinese manufacturers into South Africa, competing on specification and design while building out their dealer and service networks.
As with any new brand entering the market, establishing trust and proving long-term reliability will be important. The scheduled rollout in 2026 gives potential buyers a new option to consider, particularly for those interested in a modern, feature-focused SUV without venturing into the premium price bracket.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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