Chery backs diesel PHEV 4x4 wagon for Australia

Chery Australia has enthusiastically endorsed the prospect of the recently-unveiled KP31 diesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute spawning a 4x4 wagon.

“I think it would be really cool,” Chery Australia chief operating officer Lucas Harris told carsales.

“I think [KP31’s] a great looking vehicle, so to have a wagon version would be very popular.”

KP31 is the name given to the concept version of the ute that debuted in Sydney last month. But that won’t be its badge when it launches before the end of 2026.

Chery is expecting big sales from its new ute, which will combine a segment-first 2.5-litre diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain with a one-tonne payload, 3500kg braked towing and real off-road ability courtesy of a mechanical 4x4 system with three locking differentials.

But while ute sales volume is where the main game will be for the production version of the KP31 when it launches this year, diesel-powered 4x4 wagons are a big segment too.

The Ford Ranger-based Everest sold 26,161 examples in Australia in 2025, its arch-rival the Toyota Prado moved 26,106 units and 15,458 Isuzu D-Max-based MU-X wagons were sold.

“I desperately hope that we are fortunate enough in the future to have that option,” said Harris when asked if a KP31-based wagon was on the way. 

“I would definitely not be able to confirm something like that,” he cautioned. 

However, he said it would be “amazing” to be able to do so. 

At this stage the only plug-in hybrid 4x4 go-anywhere wagon sold in Australia is the GWM Tank 500, with the smaller Tank 300 about to join the fray.

However, they both use a petrol internal combustion engine, whereas the KP31’s use of diesel gives it added appeal for buyers who travel off-road and tow.

Chery believes PHEV tech will extend the lifespan of diesel in Australia under the CO2-strangling NVES regulations.

Of course, Chery will also bring the KP31 to Australia as a petrol-electric PHEV, but that is expected to be more light duty and focussed on lifestyle buyers like the popular BYD Shark 6.

Harris’ enthusiasm suggests there is something cooking back at Chery’s China HQ, but he was blunt in asserting the ute needed to be a success locally before the wagon enters the arena.

“We've got a bit of a job to do to prove our credibility and being able to produce a capable ute to start with,” he said.

“So most of our focus is let's get this one right. And then all of the future stuff and the dreams and ambitions that come from that we can worry about later.

“The first step is if we can't get this right then there's probably not much point talking about future stuff.”

*Some images generated using AI assistance

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