{"id":4016,"date":"2025-05-01T11:54:23","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T09:54:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=4016"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:40:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:40:41","slug":"cherys-new-lepas-brand-set-to-launch-in-sa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/cherys-new-lepas-brand-set-to-launch-in-sa\/","title":{"rendered":"Chery\u2019s New Lepas Brand Set to Launch in South Africa: Stylish SUVs for a Trendy Market"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-chery-introduces-lepas-a-bold-new-suv-and-sedan-brand-aimed-at-younger-style-savvy-south-africans\"><em>Chery introduces Lepas \u2013 a bold new SUV and sedan brand aimed at younger, style-savvy South Africans.<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Chery\u2019s New Lepas:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheryinternational.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chery<\/a> is revving up the South African motoring scene with the upcoming launch of its brand-new international marque \u2013 <em>Lepas<\/em>. Designed for the younger, style-conscious generation, Lepas is positioned to offer premium SUVs and sedans with a focus on bold design and cutting-edge comfort. And the best part? It&#8217;s confirmed for local release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-lepas\">What Is Lepas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unveiled in Shanghai, Lepas is Chery\u2019s answer to a global demand for more trend-forward, upmarket vehicles outside of China. Unlike traditional Chery models, which lean toward practicality and family-focused design (like the Tiggo Pro range), Lepas is all about attitude and aesthetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even the name is a bold statement \u2013 a blend of &#8220;leopard&#8221; and &#8220;passion.&#8221; From its feline-inspired LED headlights to curves reminiscent of fine Chinese porcelain, the brand oozes flair. South Africans can expect the first model, the <em>Lepas L8<\/em>, to land in early 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/492302646_1060395066136567_8380116640982323372_n-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4001\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/492302646_1060395066136567_8380116640982323372_n-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/492302646_1060395066136567_8380116640982323372_n-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/492302646_1060395066136567_8380116640982323372_n-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/492302646_1060395066136567_8380116640982323372_n-390x220.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/492302646_1060395066136567_8380116640982323372_n.jpg 1320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2128584546\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-chery-model-line-up-what-to-expect\">Chery Model Line-Up: What to Expect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Lepas range will include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lepas L8<\/strong> \u2013 A mid-size SUV launching first<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lepas L6 &amp; L4<\/strong> \u2013 Smaller combustion engine SUVs to follow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lepas L2<\/strong> \u2013 A fully electric model in development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Two sedans<\/strong> \u2013 Stylish, youthful alternatives for city commuters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These models will feature a variety of powertrains, including internal combustion engines (ICE), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatcar.com\/best\/plug-in-hybrid-cars\/n22743\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">plug-in hybrids (PHEV)<\/a>, and full electric versions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-closer-look-at-the-lepas-l8\">A Closer Look at the Lepas L8<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Measuring 4 688 mm in length and 1 860 mm in width, the <em>Lepas L8<\/em> is similar in size to the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro \u2013 but with a design language all its own. It boasts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Striking exterior colours<\/strong>: Norwegian Forest Green, Canada Maple Yellow, and Scotch Grass Green \u2013 carried through to the cabin d\u00e9cor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tech-forward interior<\/strong>: A 13.2-inch vertical infotainment screen, voice control, rotary gear shifter, and artistic finishes like \u201cpebble speakers\u201d and \u201crhythmic ripple\u201d textures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Innovative comfort modes<\/strong>: Nap Mode, Cinema Mode, and even a Sleeping Mode that transforms the cabin into a mini bedroom.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spacious legroom<\/strong>: At 970 mm, it outclasses rivals like the BMW X1 and Kia Sportage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_20250424_203932132-1024x726-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4009\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_20250424_203932132-1024x726-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_20250424_203932132-1024x726-1-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_20250424_203932132-1024x726-1-768x545.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-performance-and-power\">Performance and Power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Though exact specifications remain under wraps, the <em>Lepas L8<\/em> is likely to house Chery\u2019s proven 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine for the combustion version. The PHEV variant will feature the <em>Chery Super Hybrid<\/em> system \u2013 a combination of a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, electric motor, and battery pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2196042907\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-chery-s-plans-for-south-africa\">Chery\u2019s Plans for South Africa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chery is preparing to support the launch of Lepas in South Africa with 30 dealerships, operating independently just like its other brands \u2013 Omoda &amp; Jaecoo, and Jetour. These will be up and running before the vehicles arrive on local soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notably, Lepas will not be available in China, focusing instead solely on Chery\u2019s international markets, including South Africa. This decision highlights the company\u2019s confidence in the demand for upscale, design-led SUVs across the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CHECK OUT: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/omoda-unwraps-sharp-futuristic-c3\/\">Locked-in for South Africa: Omoda unwraps sharp, futuristic C3<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chery\u2019s New Lepas Brand Set to Launch in South Africa: Stylish SUVs for a Trendy Market<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":4010,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Chery\u2019s New Lepas Brand Set to Launch in South Africa: Stylish SUVs for a Trendy Market","footnotes":""},"categories":[52,48],"tags":[1121],"class_list":{"0":"post-4016","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-car-reviews","8":"category-transport","9":"tag-new-car-launch-sa"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4016","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4016"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4016\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4017,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4016\/revisions\/4017"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4010"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4016"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4016"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4016"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}