Geely’s Riddara bakkie arrives in South Africa

What Is It?

Riddara is the only bakkie brand within Geely Auto Group. Its lead model, the RD6, is built on the M.A.P Platform, described as China's first native new energy bakkie architecture, developed from Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). Geely Auto SA COO Greg Maruszewski said the Riddara "delivers the performance and dynamic response of a high-performance car, but it can also carry more than a tonne, tow up to three tonnes and tackle demanding terrain."

Powertrain:

The flagship Apex RD6 4WD uses a dual motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined 315kW and 595Nm, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds under ideal conditions on Highway Terrain tyres. It can switch between 2WD and 4WD in as little as 20 milliseconds, and drive-modes include Economy, Comfort, Sport, Sand, Mud and Off-road. Ground clearance is 225 mm, wading depth is 815 mm, payload reaches up to 1 030 kg and towing capacity reaches up to 3 000 kg. The RD6 uses a 73-kWh battery, with the Apex 4WD offering a claimed 424 km NEDC range. DC fast charging reaches up to 110 kW, and the vehicle offers 6 kW V2L capability for powering external equipment.

Exterior:

The design moves away from conventional bakkie styling, with a broad, upright stance, clean surfacing, distinctive LED lighting and an integrated cargo bed. The RD6 measures 5 260 mm long, 1 900 mm wide and 1 880 mm tall, on a 3 120 mm wheelbase.

Interior:

The cabin features an SUV like driving position, a 14.6-inch infotainment display, a 10.2-inch digital driver display and wireless charging, with an eight-speaker audio system on the Apex. A flat floor layout is intended to create a more accommodating rear cabin. The Apex adds a panoramic roof, leather upholstery and ventilated front seats, with 48 litres of storage under the seats and 70 litres in the trunk.

Model range:

Riddara launches with three derivatives. The Aspire Econ 2WD uses a 63-kWh battery for a claimed 369 km NEDC range, while the Aspire Econ 4WD and Apex RD6 4WD both use a 73-kWh battery, with claimed ranges of 390 km and 424 km respectively. Aspire models come in black, white or silver, while the Apex is offered in green, blue, silver, grey or white.

Prices and warranty:

Pricing for the range starts with the Aspire Econ 2WD (R611 900), followed by the Aspire Econ 4WD (R681 900) and the flagship Apex RD6 4WD (R781 900). Every model is backed by a six-year, 150 000 km vehicle warranty, an eight-year, 200 000 km battery warranty, a six-year, 120 000 km service plan and five years of unlimited roadside assistance. A launch offer for the first 200 units adds an extra year and 50 000 km to the vehicle warranty, and an extra year and 20 000 km to the service plan.