logo
Lepas L4 to enter South Africa's hotly contested compact SUV market in 2026

Lepas L4 to enter South Africa's hotly contested compact SUV market in 2026

IOL News5 days ago
The Lepas L4 will reach South Africa in 2026.
Image: Supplied
Hot on the heels of the new Lepas brand's L8 flagship SUV, which made its global debut in June, the first example of the Lepas L4 compact SUV has rolled off the assembly line.
As with the L8, the new L4 has been confirmed for South African introduction. The Chery-owned Lepas brand is set to debut locally in the first quarter of 2026. A midsize L6 model will also be launched globally, with local introduction also a possibility.
Lepas has not yet released detailed specifications for its new L4 compact model, but reports from abroad indicate that it will be based on the Chery Tiggo Cross, which is known as the new-generation Tiggo 4 in most overseas markets.
The L4 is the second Lepas model to enter production.
Image: Supplied
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad Loading
Power is likely to come from a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and given Chery's new energy push, a hybrid version will surely be in the running too.
Pricing points remain unknown at this stage, but Lepas models are expected to carry a premium over their Chery equivalents.
"While we're keeping full details under wraps for now, the (Lepas) range has been designed to offer something for a variety of lifestyles; from dynamic city driving to larger, more versatile options for individuals and families who enjoy comfort, technology, elegance and of course style," Lepas South Africa's national brand manager Letitia Herold told IOL.
"The LEPAS 8 will definitely be one of the highlights of the launch, offering a bold design and a premium experience, while the rest of the range brings together a fresh take on everyday mobility.
"LEPAS is about confidence, colour and innovation, and we're looking forward to introducing a new kind of premium experience to the South African roads early next year," Herold added.
The L4 boasts a similar aesthetic to its larger L8 sibling, with curvaceous contours that some might equate to a modern Jaguar vehicle, such as the F-Pace.
From left: Lepas L4, L8 and L6.
Image: Supplied
Interestingly Lepas, whose name fuses 'Leap' and 'Passion' describes its design language as 'Leopard Aesthetics', inspired by the muscular lines of a leopard. Furthermore, the vertical-slit headlights, seen on both the L8 and L4, mimic a leopard's 'agile eyes'.
The L8, as previously reported, will be offered on global markets with a choice of ICE, plug-in hybrid and fully electric variants. This includes the familiar 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine that powers the current Chery Tiggo 8 Pro.
Chery Auto describes the Lepas brand as a vanguard of the company's globalisation strategy.
'The rapid growth of Lepas is inseparable from the strong strength of Chery Group. Relying on Chery's accumulation as 22 years as an export leader, the technical network of eight global R&D centres, and the fully integrated global R&D, production, and supply chain,' Chery Auto said.
'Lepas has had the confidence of 'technical trust from 16.3 million global users' since its inception. This all-dimensional capability of 'manufacturing-R&D-integration' has provided a solid guarantee for the rapid implementation of L4.'
IOL Motoring
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Crypto Revolution: From scepticism to strategic adoption
Crypto Revolution: From scepticism to strategic adoption

IOL News

time8 minutes ago

  • IOL News

Crypto Revolution: From scepticism to strategic adoption

Sebaga Manyeula is a recognised Key Opinion Leader in Africa's fintech and digital assets space. Image: Supplied THE South African crypto landscape is shifting, slowly but undeniably. While institutional and regulatory frameworks inch forward, what remains most fascinating is the response of the average consumer, particularly those who, just a few years ago, viewed crypto with caution, suspicion, or outright dismissal. From my engagement with clients and retail participants across various income brackets and investment levels, a clear distinction has emerged: those who positioned themselves early — even modestly — into well-selected crypto instruments are enjoying measurable gains, increased financial literacy, and in many cases, the freedom to navigate new economic realities. They did not wait for the chaos to clear. They took the risk and reaped the benefit. By contrast, many who delayed engagement now find themselves playing catch-up in a market that has matured beyond 'what is Bitcoin?' conversations. Their hesitancy was justified — often shaped by misinformation, regulatory ambiguity, or past financial traumas — but it has, in some cases, cost them opportunity. Despite this divide, we are now seeing a faster adoption curve emerging. Consumers are no longer just curious — they are strategically positioning themselves, asking better questions, and seeking regulated access points. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Key drivers of this growth include: Load shedding's economic pressure, prompting alternative income exploration; Younger tech-savvy generations bringing crypto into family financial discussions; Cross-border remittances and inflation hedging via stablecoins; And importantly, the rise of regulated platforms that offer a sense of safety and compliance. Looking ahead, South Africa's crypto ecosystem will evolve in these ways: Mainstream integration: Crypto will become a standard offering in fintech apps, payment solutions, and even traditional banking portfolios, especially once clear FSCA-backed product structures are widely accepted. Crypto will become a standard offering in fintech apps, payment solutions, and even traditional banking portfolios, especially once clear FSCA-backed product structures are widely accepted. Increased regulatory trust: As frameworks mature (notably CASP licensing and cross-border tax alignment), more traditional investors will cautiously step into the space. As frameworks mature (notably CASP licensing and cross-border tax alignment), more traditional investors will cautiously step into the space. Tokenisation of real assets: Property, commodities, and even social impact projects will be tokenised, attracting investors who want tangible returns and community engagement. Property, commodities, and even social impact projects will be tokenised, attracting investors who want tangible returns and community engagement. Retail vs chaotic: Existing clients who embrace structured platforms and education will thrive. Those who continue to engage in pump-and-dump groups, unlicensed schemes, or speculative meme coins will face inevitable losses, reinforcing the divide between disciplined adopters and chaotic chasers. My encouragement is this: the crypto wave is not a passing trend. It's a transformation of how we view value, move money, and build wealth. As someone who's had the privilege of walking alongside both the sceptical and the bold, I can confidently say that the joy belongs to those who leaned in early, cautiously, yes, but purposefully. Now, as South Africans, we must graduate from fear-driven scepticism to informed participation. Crypto is no longer the fringe. It is fast becoming the foundation. * Sebaga Manyeula is a recognised Key Opinion Leader in Africa's fintech and digital assets space. A passionate advocate for financial inclusion, she is also the founding patron of the Give to Live Foundation, which supports abused women and children across Africa. ** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, IOL, or Independent Media. Get the real story on the go: Follow the Sunday Independent on WhatsApp.

Bonsmara bull sold for R4m at auction in KZN
Bonsmara bull sold for R4m at auction in KZN

The Citizen

time33 minutes ago

  • The Citizen

Bonsmara bull sold for R4m at auction in KZN

The R4m sale of Lot 8 – LAR21-045, a prized Bonsmara bull – was the highlight of the highly anticipated Up George Bonsmaras 27th Production Sale, held in KwaZulu-Natal in early July. Record-chasing bull fetches R4m The bull was snapped up by Bertus and Fouché Blignaut of the Sebadja Bonsmaras stud in Limpopo, marking one of the highest prices ever paid for a Bonsmara bull in South Africa. Coincidentally, this sale falls just short of the record price paid for a South African Bonsmara bull at R4,4m, set in July 2023. That animal – LAR19-373 – was also sold by Up George Bonsmaras to Sebadja Bonsmaras, and was likewise offered as Lot 8. 'This exceptional bull [LAR21-045] is a proven herd sire, a grandson of LAR14-173 (Maestro), and comes from an outstanding dam line,' the Blignauts told Farmer's Weekly. 'A special thank you to the Up George Bonsmaras for this incredible opportunity. We can't wait to see the remarkable impact he will have on Sebadja's herd.' Strong demand across the board The sale, conducted in person and online via Swiftvee, saw spirited bidding and exceptional prices across the board, according to Brandon Leer, auctioneer at AAM Livestock Agents and Auctioneers, who hosted the sale. Another standout bull, Lot 10, was sold for R2,6 million to Pieter Hoogenboezem and family of Blouberg Bonsmara Stud in Limpopo. The top-priced female on the day, Lot 93 – a stud in-calf cow with a calf at foot – was bought by Eloff Muller of Tambaraine Bonsmaras in Mossel Bay for R170 000. All 78 bulls and 59 females presented at the sale were sold. Bulls were sold for an average price of R224 487, stud cows with calves at foot for R90 385, stud in-calf females for R54 318, and commercial in-calf females for R28 292. According to Leer, even the poultry lots impressed, with seven lots of chickens (each comprising three hens and a rooster) averaging R5,786 each. He added that while such astronomical prices as those paid for the bulls often grabbed headlines, the Up George sale was also a crucial event for commercial farmers. 'It must be noted that more than half the bulls on offer are sold to commercial farmers looking to improve their herd genetics. In fact, 53% of bulls sold averaged R66,341, reflecting the brand's consistent appeal across both stud and commercial buyers,' Leer explained. Up George owners Derek, Tutu, and Robert Ralfe expressed appreciation for the buyers: 'We are humbled by the values placed on our cattle and grateful to everyone who participated, both at the sale and online.' Insuring South Africa's livestock elite Due to their immense value, bulls like Lot 8 are insured for millions of rands, Kuda insurance consultant Levine Pillay said. 'High-value livestock are typically covered under specialised agricultural insurance policies, which provide protection against theft, injury, death, or infertility. 'High-value livestock insurance policies usually include predetermined values for the insured animals, which are set either according to current market value or a specifically agreed-upon amount between the insurer and the policyholder,' he explained. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on

Safety with heart: Tactical Angels takes on crime for a cause
Safety with heart: Tactical Angels takes on crime for a cause

The Citizen

time2 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Safety with heart: Tactical Angels takes on crime for a cause

Division International has launched Tactical Angels in the hopes of helping those in need who cannot afford private security. The director and board member of Tactical Angels non-profit company (NPC), Liam Vermaak, explained they have a long history of dedication to security. Some of them have protected former South African leaders as well as foreign politicians and their families. They have also worked side-by-side with CPF as well as private security companies. 'Our families have dedicated decades to the security industry, stepping in whenever communities needed help with crime and complaints, but we knew we could do more. That's why we started this non-profit company, to expand the help we give, reach more vulnerable people and make a real and lasting difference. At its heart, Tactical Angels is built on a simple but powerful belief that safety should never be a privilege, but a right for everyone, no matter who they are,' Liam said. He continued that they officially opened their doors on July 1, and their main goal is to bring the crime rate down. 'We want to create safer neighbourhoods where families can live without fear. We believe security should be free of charge for those who need it most. We have big plans for the future. We're building towards more community outreaches, stronger partnerships and wider coverage,' he explained. With the help of their parent company, Division International, they have assisted in over 74 arrests and reached out to the community through food and blanket drives. They are also in the planning phase for training and fundraisers in the community. Liam noted that as an NPC, they rely on donations. There are options on their website where both individuals and businesses can choose projects to support, and they offer Service Level Agreements to partners. 'We'll soon be hosting training days, safety awareness campaigns and community education to empower residents too. We need the community's eyes and ears. We depend on residents to report suspicious activity and share information, and of course, we rely on donations and support to keep our operations going and growing.' He added, 'We're here to make a real difference. We're not just another security service, we're neighbours, family members and community members ourselves. Every patrol, every response and every operation comes from the heart. We invite everyone to stand with us so together we can protect the most vulnerable and build safer streets for everyone.' Anyone who would like to reach out can contact them on 066 200 7890 or send an email to [email protected] or visit their website. They also have social media and offer in-person meetings or a quick call for larger donations, for the comfort of knowing where the money is going.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store