Chery has confirmed that the new Tiggo V will be introduced in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Image: Supplied
Chery has confirmed that the new Tiggo V will be introduced in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2026, following its global debut at the Beijing Auto Show last week.
The naming convention for South Africa has not been verified, but it’s likely to be called the Chery V so as not to confuse the market with the Tiggo SUV range currently on sale.
The transformer-type MPV introduces a new concept for the brand locally as a seven-seat SUV, a people carrier and, notably, a double-cab bakkie in a multiple vehicle set-up.
There are currently only two vehicles in the world. One was displayed at the show, and the second one is in South Africa for homologation.
The defining feature of the Tiggo V is its ability to convert from an SUV into a load-carrying vehicle, which in standard form operates as a seven-seater with flexible cabin space and seating arrangement.
In its alternative configuration, the third-row seating folds away, and a partition separates the cabin from the rear section. The removable rear canopy transforms the vehicle into an open load bed, effectively turning the vehicle into a double-cab bakkie with a claimed payload of around 500kg.
It’s aimed at buyers looking for a single vehicle to cover family, leisure and light-duty work.
The transformer-type MPV introduces a new concept for the brand locally as a seven-seat SUV, a people carrier and a double-cab bakkie.
Image: Willem van de Putte
The Tiggo V is expected to ride on Chery’s T1X platform, which underpins several of its larger models. Its 2,800mm wheelbase places it close in size to the Tiggo 9 and allows for a full three-row, seven-seat cabin layout.
The body structure uses a claimed 76% high-strength steel and aluminium mix, designed to enhance rigidity and safety.
According to Chery, it has a ground clearance of 220mm, an interior height of 1,297mm and a wading depth of 650mm (petrol) and 700mm (plug-in hybrid).
The vehicle on show was locked, and the windows blacked out, but expect a luxury Tiggo 9-type interior with a dual-screen set-up, soft touch surfaces and leather or artificial leather seats.
Although there has been no confirmation of powertrains, Chery will likely offer the Tiggo V with both internal combustion and electrified options.
The petrol model is expected to use a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 187kW and 390Nm.
A plug-in hybrid variant will likely use Chery’s Super Hybrid system, combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. Combined outputs are expected to reach approximately 455kW and 920Nm.
Chery also claims a thermal efficiency of 44.5% for its hybrid system, aimed at balancing performance with reduced fuel consumption. An electric-only driving range of around 90 to 100 kilometres is expected.
The Tiggo V is positioned as a multi-purpose family vehicle, developed to handle a wide range of daily and leisure tasks.
Image: Willem van de Putte
The Tiggo V is positioned as a multi-purpose family vehicle, developed to handle a wide range of daily and leisure tasks. This includes commuting, multi-passenger travel, long-distance trips, outdoor activities and light cargo transport.
According to Verene Petersen, national marketing and communications manager for Chery South Africa, the model reflects changing usage patterns: “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.”
Chery South Africa has confirmed that the Tiggo V is on track for a local launch before the end of 2026. Final specifications, model naming details and pricing will be announced closer to market introduction.
The model builds on the brand’s recent growth locally and introduces a new format in the SUV and bakkie space.