Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 4 hrs ago
Chery’s Grootman bakkie impresses in an early off-road test
Chery is preparing to enter South Africa’s bakkie market with a vehicle called the Grootman.
The market is difficult to break into, with the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger long-established leaders.
The Grootman is planned for production at Chery’s Rosslyn plant in Pretoria, though it has not yet reached South African roads.
Its plug-in hybrid system is listed at 350kW of power and 800Nm of torque, with a claimed electric range of 100km.
An early test found it handled mud and rough ground with ease, while keeping the cabin comfortable.
The test also found the brakes sensitive in electric mode and the steering too light, areas Chery could adjust before production.
The test suggests the Grootman can combine comfort with off-road ability, but its performance against established rivals remains to be seen.
Chery’s Grootman bakkie handled mud and rough conditions with ease during a pre-test in Wuhu, China, according to the Mail & Guardian.
The test was short, but the vehicle maintained a steady level of comfort on the track.
The reviewer praised its cabin, including soft-touch materials, a large screen and physical buttons.
The reviewer said the brakes felt slightly sensitive in electric mode and the steering felt too light for a bakkie.
Chery plans to build the Grootman at its Rosslyn plant in Pretoria.
- Who
- Chery is developing the Grootman bakkie.
- What
- The Mail & Guardian reported on an early off-road test of the vehicle.
- When
- The test took place during the week of 2026-10-22.
- Where
- The test was at the Chery International User Summit in Wuhu, China.
- Why
- The test gave an early indication of how the Grootman performs off-road.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Chery announced a bakkie for South Africa and invited the public to name it.
Chery announced that the Grootman would be built at its newly acquired Rosslyn plant in Pretoria.
The Mail & Guardian tested the Grootman at the Chery International User Summit in Wuhu, China.
- Name
- Grootman
- Test location
- Wuhu, China
- Planned production site
- Chery’s Rosslyn plant in Pretoria
- Powertrain
- 2.5-litre turbo-diesel plug-in hybrid
- Power and torque
- 350kW and 800Nm
- Towing capacity
- 3 500kg braked towing capacity
What people are saying
It handles mud and rough conditions with ease, while still managing to maintain a steady level of comfort.
When the vehicle is in EV mode, the brakes felt slightly sensitive and the steering wheel just felt too light for a bakkie.