Chery names its first bakkie Grootman
Chery has named its first bakkie for South Africa Grootman, a name chosen by South Africans. The model is planned to make its local debut in the first quarter of 2027.
- Product News
- 2 October 2026
Locally, if you think Fiat, you think of the cute little 500. Its bigger, cross-over sibling, the 500X, is gaining in popularity with the addition of the 500X Sport EST (Extended Soft Top) and a general updating of features.
The EST reminds one of the smaller Fiat 500C with is soft top, which stretched down to the back making it more of a convertible.
What’s new?
Well, having the bigger 500X Sport with its four doors with a soft top that stretches like a big sunroof all the way back to the rear roof spoiler.
At the touch of a button, the electrically operated folding system offers panoramic fresh air experiences in just 15 seconds, opening virtually the entire roof area of the 500X Sport. The 775 mm x 730 mm opening can be activated at speeds of up to 100 km/h and features a one-touch opening, while it closes in two steps for added versatility.
From outside, the 500X Sport models (which include the EST version) have stylish design cues to differentiate them from the 500X Cross. Body-coloured wheel arch mouldings, side skirts and 19-inch wheels give it a more dynamic stance along with Sport badging and dual chrome exhaust tips.
The logo on the newly shaped front grille now says 500 and not Fiat.
Inside, the 500X Sport is equipped with a techno leather and Alcantara steering wheel plus a titanium-styled finish on the dashboard along with a 3.5” TFT colour cluster. The Sport theme is topped off with the binnacle cover finished in Alcantara.
The Fiat 500X Cross, on the other hand, showcases more of a bold [WHAT? Maybe “look”] with roof rails and skid plates and along with black mirror caps define the adventurer, sitting on 18-inch wheels and all set off by full LED headlamps and LED fog lights.
Engines:
Fiat continues with its 1.4-litre petrol engine, available across the range, with an automatic six-speed DDCT transmission. It delivers 103 kW and 230 Nm.
Features:
The Fiat 500X range boasts Lane Assist that warns of veering off-course and corrects the steering.
The infotainment system, across the range, boosts connectivity with a Uconnect 7” HD touchscreen with navigation, offering a wide range of functions, including a hands-free system, Bluetooth technology and voice recognition.
Prices:
Fiat 500X Cross (R509 900), Fiat 500X Sport (R560 900) and the Fiat 500X Sport EST (R580 900).
Chery has named its first bakkie for South Africa Grootman, a name chosen by South Africans. The model is planned to make its local debut in the first quarter of 2027.
Netcare Diagnostics (a Netcare Group business) is introducing its first fully electric vehicles to its transport fleet, starting with shorter urban routes for collecting patient pathology specimens.
South Africa’s new vehicle market recorded aggregate domestic sales of 61 645 units in September 2026, an increase of 12.7% compared with the 54 706 units sold during September 2025.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Chery has named its first bakkie for South Africa Grootman, a name chosen by South Africans. The model is planned to make its local debut in the first quarter of 2027.
Ford has broadened its Tourneo Custom line-up in South Africa with the introduction of the new Kombi and the flagship Titanium X AWD.
The JMC Grand Avenue is a new double-cab bakkie aimed at buyers who need a vehicle that can serve as family transport, a leisure companion and a capable workhorse. As JMC's flagship bakkie, it enters one of South Africa's most competitive vehicle segments with an emphasis on space, technology and practicality.