Latest news with #L8
IOL News
a day ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Lepas L4 to enter South Africa's hotly contested compact SUV market in 2026
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
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
LEPAS's First Overseas Showcase: Redefining Premium Mobility at Indonesia Auto Show
JAKARTA, Indonesia, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In April this year, Chery Group officially unveiled its new brand LEPAS, embarking on its global journey to deliver refined lifestyle experiences. As a key step in its globalization strategy, LEPAS is set to make its overseas debut at the Indonesia International Auto Show, opening on July 23. By choosing Indonesia—Southeast Asia's pivotal market—for its overseas debut, LEPAS demonstrates its forward-looking strategy and unwavering confidence in emerging markets worldwide. At this year's Indonesia International Auto Show, LEPAS will bring its brand philosophy "Colorful Life, Masterful Drive" to life through the event's most vibrant exhibition space. The brand will transform its display area into a premium lifestyle runway, where bold colors, sophisticated design, and interactive elements come together to deliver a truly immersive experience that breaks from conventional automotive showcases. Chief Designer of LEPAS will also be present at the venue, engaging in in-depth discussions with visitors and media representatives to explore the endless possibilities of elegant mobility for the future. Adhering to its "In Somewhere, For Somewhere" development philosophy, LEPAS is actively integrating into the Indonesian market by accelerating the establishment of a comprehensive sales and service network to precisely meet local consumers' needs. At this auto show, LEPAS will present its star product portfolio —L8, L6, and L4—making their first collective appearance. L8, a benchmark SUV in its segment, combines elegant styling with a tech-forward cockpit, spacious comfort and comprehensive safety features—making it an ideal choice for urban elites pursuing a premium lifestyle. The show will also witness the debut of the all-new L6 and L4 models. With segment-leading performance, these vehicles will extend LEPAS's appeal to wider customers—from fashion-forward urbanites to individuality-seeking sophisticates—collectively delivering a premium brand experience that blends exceptional value with elevated quality for global customers. LEPAS's global premiere is just the beginning. Establishing Indonesia as its strategic springboard, the brand is rapidly advancing its mission to become 'the brand of choice for premium lifestyles' worldwide. This auto show will see LEPAS unveiling the most vibrant display—not simply as visual spectacle, but as a symbol of its commitment to exploring and embracing colorful life and cultural diversity. Powered by human-centered technology and speaking the universal language of color, LEPAS is now embarking on its global journey from China, leading a new generation of urbanites toward their aspirational vision of premium mobility.
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
LEPAS's First Overseas Showcase: Redefining Premium Mobility at Indonesia Auto Show
JAKARTA, Indonesia, July 18, 2025 /CNW/ -- In April this year, Chery Group officially unveiled its new brand LEPAS, embarking on its global journey to deliver refined lifestyle experiences. As a key step in its globalization strategy, LEPAS is set to make its overseas debut at the Indonesia International Auto Show, opening on July 23. By choosing Indonesia—Southeast Asia's pivotal market—for its overseas debut, LEPAS demonstrates its forward-looking strategy and unwavering confidence in emerging markets worldwide. At this year's Indonesia International Auto Show, LEPAS will bring its brand philosophy "Colorful Life, Masterful Drive" to life through the event's most vibrant exhibition space. The brand will transform its display area into a premium lifestyle runway, where bold colors, sophisticated design, and interactive elements come together to deliver a truly immersive experience that breaks from conventional automotive showcases. Chief Designer of LEPAS will also be present at the venue, engaging in in-depth discussions with visitors and media representatives to explore the endless possibilities of elegant mobility for the future. Adhering to its "In Somewhere, For Somewhere" development philosophy, LEPAS is actively integrating into the Indonesian market by accelerating the establishment of a comprehensive sales and service network to precisely meet local consumers' needs. At this auto show, LEPAS will present its star product portfolio —L8, L6, and L4—making their first collective appearance. L8, a benchmark SUV in its segment, combines elegant styling with a tech-forward cockpit, spacious comfort and comprehensive safety features—making it an ideal choice for urban elites pursuing a premium lifestyle. The show will also witness the debut of the all-new L6 and L4 models. With segment-leading performance, these vehicles will extend LEPAS's appeal to wider customers—from fashion-forward urbanites to individuality-seeking sophisticates—collectively delivering a premium brand experience that blends exceptional value with elevated quality for global customers. LEPAS's global premiere is just the beginning. Establishing Indonesia as its strategic springboard, the brand is rapidly advancing its mission to become 'the brand of choice for premium lifestyles' worldwide. This auto show will see LEPAS unveiling the most vibrant display—not simply as visual spectacle, but as a symbol of its commitment to exploring and embracing colorful life and cultural diversity. Powered by human-centered technology and speaking the universal language of color, LEPAS is now embarking on its global journey from China, leading a new generation of urbanites toward their aspirational vision of premium mobility.
IOL News
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
New Chinese premium brand Lepas confirmed for South Africa in 2026: here's what we know so far
Another Chinese car brand is set to compete for a slice of the action in South Africa's hotly contested car market, and it goes by the name of Lepas. Although it is a newly launched brand, Lepas forms part of the Chery stable, and it will aim to expand its parent company's presence in the premium segment. The automaker has confirmed that the Lepas brand will be launched in South Africa in 2026, spearheaded by the L8 flagship SUV that was revealed at the 2025 Chery Business Conference in Wuhu, China, in late April. Although the full South African line-up has yet to be confirmed, the L8 is likely to be joined by the smaller L6 and L4 models that were also previewed at the Wuhu event. In time, the brand will expand its line-up to five vehicles, with the aim of achieving annual global sales of more than 500,000 units, Autostat reports.
The Citizen
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
PODCAST: Where new Lepas brand will fit into Chery strategy
The Lepas L8 SUV is expected to make its South African debut by early next year. China carmaker Chery is set to introduce yet another new brand to South Africa in the form of Lepas early next year. Lepas will follow in the footsteps of Omoda and Jaecoo, two Chery brands which share a dealership floors but each has its own identity, and iCaur, which is set to be formally introduced locally this year. Another brand associated with Chery, Jetour, is operated entirely independently. Lepas makes a Pitstop In this week's episode of The Citizen Motoring's Pitstop podcast, we take a closer look at Lepas. We attended the world premiere of its first model, the L8 SUV, in Wuhu, China last month. In the overall Chery strategy, Lepas will take aim at Mazda in offering 'soft and sleek' cars. The core Chery models rival Toyota, Hyundai, VW and MG, Omoda and Jaecoo rival Kia and BYD and iCaur will target Jeep. Chery says the Tiggo Pro family SUVs cater to a moderate and traditional buyer, while Lepas is aimed at younger buyers with a fashion sense. Lepas is a combination of the words 'leopard' and 'passion.' Chery says the car's shoulder lines were sculpted on the contours of an American leopard, and its LED headlights resemble the eyes of the said leopard. Innovative cabin options The Lepas L8 goes into production at the end of the year. It should be rolled out locally by early next year. Smaller L6 and L4 models are set to follow the L8. ALSO READ: New Chery-owned brand Lepas launched, coming to South Africa The L8's configurable cabin enables the driver's seat to be almost fully reclined to create what Chery calls 'Nap Mode'. The front seats can also be reclined, along with a pull-down screen providing what is called 'Cinema Mode'. 'Sleeping Mode' provides a double bed with the rear seats folded down, and the dashboard double acting as a headrest. No powertrain details were divulged.
