Chery's new diesel PHEV ute to set "new benchmark" as details emerge

Chery has previewed its upcoming dual-cab ute in concept form, confirming the model – currently known internally as KP31 – will arrive in Australia later this year with a world-first diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain, the promise of competitive pricing and some major sales goals.

Revealed at a recent brand event, the yet-to-be-named ute will launch with an unorthodox diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain – a petrol PHEV will follow – and an Australian-focused development.

The concept measures 5610mm long, 1920mm wide and 1925mm tall, whereas the production ute will be slightly shorter at 5450mm, making it roughly 180mm longer than an Isuzu D-MAX.

Chery confirmed the ute will deliver a true 3.5-tonne towing capacity and a payload of 1000kg. Differential locks are also planned, while the 2.5-litre turbo-diesel-electric powertrain is said to be 10 per cent more efficient than “the average diesel powertrain”.

The brand says the ute will be built for both private buyers and fleet use, with the rear tub designed to be removable to support cab-chassis applications, unlike “some other utes that have recently launched”.

Speaking at the brand event in question, Chery Australia COO Lucas Harris said the company intends to compete directly with the segment’s established leaders.

“We certainly wouldn’t bring the ute to the market if our intention wasn’t to compete with the top players,” he said.

Harris added that the brand’s ambitions remain clear despite declining to outline volume targets.

“I think the reality is we’re not bringing out the ute to have fun. Obviously, we want to make a serious dent in the market,” he said.

Pricing is yet to be announced, though Chery says it will be positioned as a strong value proposition relative to established rivals.

Further details – including the production name, full specifications and final timing – are expected closer to the model’s Australian launch later this year.

The production version of Chery’s KP31 is expected to be confirmed closer to its Q3 Australian launch window, when final specifications, pricing and the model’s official name will be revealed.

Beyond the ladder-frame ute, Chery has also flagged a second pick-up under consideration, known internally as T1TP.

The monocoque-based model is expected to be more lifestyle-focused, though timing, branding and market plans remain unconfirmed.

For now, the company says its priority is ensuring KP31 delivers on its promises and establishes credibility in the segment before expanding further, with the lifestyle ute seen as a potential next step once the core work-focused model is established.

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