Chery has unveiled its new KP31 pick-up concept at an event in Sydney, previewing a production model set to launch in Australia in Q4 2026. The big question for Malaysian truck buyers: will this Ford Bronco-styled diesel PHEV pick-up make its way to our market?
Stylistically, the KP31 is hard to miss – it’s one of the most obvious Ford Bronco lookalikes from China yet. Key design cues include a flat front end, full-width grille, circular headlights and a beefy plastic front bumper, all echoing the American off-roader . Unlike the Bronco, though, it features a full-sized rear bed with built-in side steps, futuristic vertical taillights and a large Chery logo on the tailgate.
Box-flared fenders, an upright double cab and chunky door handles/mirrors give the KP31 a more rugged, interesting look than Chery’s existing Rely R08 (launched in China as the KP11). The concept is oversized at 5,610 mm long, but the production version will be slightly smaller at 5,450 mm – still 80 mm longer than Malaysia’s Ford Ranger .
The KP31’s biggest selling point is under the bonnet: Chery claims it’s the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV) pick-up. It’s powered by a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with 47% thermal efficiency, promising a 10% reduction in fuel consumption compared to standard diesel pick-ups. A petrol PHEV variant will join the lineup in 2027 .
For practicality, Chery is targeting a 1,000 kg payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity – on par with segment leaders like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi Triton. It also claims a 30% reduction in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) for a smoother ride.
Will it come to Malaysia? While Chery hasn’t confirmed anything yet, there’s a strong chance. The production KP31 is being converted to right-hand drive for Australia, which means adapting it for Malaysia’s market will be straightforward. It would likely compete against local favourites like the Ford Ranger (which starts from RM120,888 for the 2.2L XLT variant ), Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, and the upcoming BYD Shark 6 (already launched in Brunei with strong initial orders ).
A few details remain unclear: Chery hasn’t said if the KP31 will be sold under its main brand or the Himla pick-up sub-brand it launched last year, nor if it will replace the smaller Rely R08 (5,330 mm long) in its global lineup. Pricing is also unconfirmed, but it’s expected to be competitive with other mid-size pick-ups in Malaysia once (or if) it launches locally.
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