A new Chinese automotive brand has officially entered the South African market with the launch of the Lepas L4, a compact crossover SUV that went on sale this week.

Lepas forms part of the expanding Chery automotive group, which continues to grow its footprint in South Africa as demand for competitively priced vehicles increases.

According to Chery South Africa General Manager Jay Jay Botes, the introduction of Lepas marks more than just another vehicle launch.

“We are not simply introducing a new model ,we are introducing a new benchmark,” said Botes.

He added that the L4 has been designed to deliver both rugged practicality and modern technology suited to South African drivers.

“The Lepas L4 combines the durability local motorists need with premium features and technology that are often reserved for more expensive vehicles,” he said.

Botes believes the compact premium SUV segment has lacked strong value offerings, and that the L4 aims to fill that gap.

The vehicle launches locally in three trim levels – Amur, Javan, and Pantera –with pricing starting at R299,900.

Two additional models, the Lepas L6 and L8, are expected to join the South African lineup during the second quarter of 2026.

Design and Features

The L4’s styling follows what Lepas describes as a “feline-inspired” design language, emphasising sleek lines and a dynamic stance.

The SUV is built on Chery’s next-generation LEX intelligent platform, which is designed to support both internal combustion engines (ICE) and new energy vehicle (NEV) technologies.

This platform also allows for a longer wheelbase, with the L4 measuring 2,700mm, helping improve cabin space and comfort.

Inside the cabin, the L4 focuses heavily on technology. The dashboard features:

An 8-inch digital instrument cluster
A 13.2-inch 2K infotainment touchscreen
Wireless smartphone charging
A 540-degree camera system to assist with parking and visibility

The SUV’s Cloud Comfort seating system includes multi-layer foam construction and a three-stage ventilation cooling setup designed to improve long-distance comfort.

Safety is also a key focus, with the L4 offering a full Advanced Driver
Assistance System (ADAS) package that monitors driving conditions and provides real-time support to the driver.

Additional safety equipment includes:

Six airbags

Electronic stability control

ISOFIX child seat anchors

Engine Options

The Lepas L4 is offered with two engine choices across the three trim levels.
The entry-level Amur is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 80kW and 148Nm, paired with a five-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.9L/100km.
The Javan and Pantera models feature a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine delivering 108kW and 235Nm.
These variants are equipped with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and have a claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.0L/100km.

Expanding Chinese Presence in South Africa

The launch of Lepas adds yet another Chinese brand to South Africa’s rapidly expanding automotive market, where manufacturers such as Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, Haval, and BAIC have gained significant traction in recent years.

With competitive pricing and increasingly sophisticated technology, these brands continue to challenge traditional players in the compact SUV segment.

Published by CarStore Newsroom