Scheduled to launch in South Africa in 2026, we sampled the Chery Himla double-cab bakkie in China. First impressions here…
What is the Chery Himla?
Revealed at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, the Himla is Chery’s first-ever bakkie offering. The Himla will initially be built in Wuhu, where the Chinese automaker is headquartered, before production kicks off at the firm’s Anàpolis plant in Brazil. It is said that the first units will roll off the latter assembly line between the end of 2025 and early 2026.
Chery has kept its cards close to its chest surrounding its South African Himla portfolio, though the company has mentioned the double cab’s exterior may gain a few cosmetic changes before it makes its way here towards the end of 2026. There are also talks of the Himla (badged ‘Rely R-08’ in China) potentially gaining a new name for our market.
Available exclusively in double-cab format, the Himla measures 5 330 mm in length, 1 920 mm in width, and 1 825 mm in height – dimensions comparable to the GWM P-Series and Ford Ranger double cabs. The approach and departure angles are 33 and 24 degrees, respectively.
Measuring 1 530 mm long, 1 620 mm wide, and 515 mm high, the load bay offers a claimed packing capacity of 1 276 litres. Chery says the Himla can carry up to one tonne of goods. The braked towing capacity is rated at three tonnes.
In overseas markets, the Himla can be had with the choice of two powertrains: 120 kW/420 N.m 2.3-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel, available with 2WD and 4WD drivetrains, and a 118 kW/230 N.m 2.4-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit – the latter exclusively coupled with 2WD. The oil-burner is available with six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions, while the petrol motor is paired with a five-speed manual. Chery has confirmed that more powertrain options will become available at a later stage, with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup currently in development.
With our market’s preference towards diesel-power for bakkies, we expect the Himla will (initially, at least) be available with the 2.3-litre oil-burner in our market. With this firm having released several PHEV (or CSH, Chery Super Hybrid, in Chery speak) in our market in 2025, we won’t be surprised if a Himla employing such a powertrain makes its way here in the future.
How much will the Chery Himla cost in South Africa?
At the time of writing, and with the Himla’s local introduction still some time away, Chery has yet to release local pricing for the Himla. However, from what we understand, the company is aiming to introduce the Himla to our shores with a starting price of R500 000. We’d place our bets that pricing for the range will top out at R800 000.
What are the Chery Himla’s rivals?
When the Himla makes local landfall, it will rival the likes of GWM’s P-Series, BYD Shark 6, Changan Hunter REEV, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, and the Toyota Hilux.
What is the Chery Himla like to drive?
We sampled the diesel-powered Himla on an off-road course at the carmaker’s Wuhu-based test facility. Coupled with the eight-speed self-shifter, the 2.3-litre oil-burner’s peak power and torque outputs proved plenty in this environment. High range selected, the Himla traversed the muddy tracks with ease.
Equipped with double wishbone front/leaf spring rear suspension, the Himla’s overall ride quality was par for the course in its segment. A rear-axle diff-lock is available as an option.
The cabin is comfortable. It was a cinch dialling in a commanding driving position for my 1.85 metre-tall frame. I could also sit comfortably in the rear compartment. Perceived interior build quality is good. The leather-upholstered interior plays host to such niceties as 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment and 9.2-inch digital instrumentation.
Verdict
From first impressions, and though we have yet to sample it on tarmac, the Himla seems a good first effort at a bakkie. The interior feels comfortable and solidly constructed, and is brimming with tech. And on the off-road course, the Himla felt robust. It gives the impression that it will be equally capable as a workhorse or leisure-oriented bakkie. However, pricing will be key to its success in South Africa.
2026 Chery Himla specifications
- Price: n/a
- Powertrain: 2.3-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Driven wheels: all
- Power: 120 kW
- Torque: 420 N.m
- 0-100 km/h: n/a
- Top speed: n/a
- Fuel consumption: n/a
- CO2 emissions: n/a
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