Geely’s Riddara makes its South African debut.
Image: Supplied
Arriving as the first of its kind on the South African market, Chinese automaker Geely has revealed its Riddara electric double-cab bakkie on local shores.
Making its debut at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami Raceway this week, the Riddara is not in any way meant to compete with the traditional ladder-frame bakkies on our market. Not only is it all-electric, but it also employs a car-like unibody structure. But it is interesting to note that its pricing undercuts that of mainstream bakkies like the new-generation Hilux.
Pricing for the new Geely model starts at R611,900 for the 2WD Aspire Econ, rising to R681,900 for the Aspire Econ 4WD and R781,900 for the range-topping Apex RD6 4WD.
While it’s not strictly the first time we’re seeing this bakkie in SA, given that Enviro Automotive imported a limited number in 2025, the Riddara now has the full backing of Geely Automotive.
Despite its unibody construction, Geely claims a payload of up to 1,030kg and a towing capacity of up to 3,000kg for the flagship version. It also boasts a 225mm ground clearance and 815mm wading depth, while drivers can choose from six drive modes, including an Off-Road mode.
But keep in mind that towing heavy objects can rapidly deplete the range.
The Riddara features a unibody construction.
Image: Supplied
On that note, the carmaker claims a NEDC range of up to 424km for the Apex 4WD version, and 390km for the Aspire Econ 4WD, both of which feature a 63kWh battery. The base 2WD variant has a 63kWh battery that’s said to provide a range of up to 369km.
The Riddara is capable of DC fast-charging at a rate of up to 110kW.
These bakkies pack some serious power, with even the base 2WD version delivering 180kW and 309Nm. The Aspire 4WD is good for 280kW and 485Nm, while the Apex RD6 4WD pushes 315kW and 595Nm.
Inside, you’ll find a 14.6-inch infotainment display as well as a 10.2-inch digital driver display and wireless phone charging.
The Riddara’s cabin includes a 14.6-inch infotainment screen.
Image: Supplied
The Apex flagship model features an eight-speaker audio system, panoramic roof and leather upholstery, with seat ventilation for the front occupants.
“For decades, the South African bakkie market has been dominated by familiar formulas, diesel engines, ladder frames and traditional bakkie design,” Geely said.
“Riddara arrives with the ambition to challenge that formula. It does not attempt to turn a passenger car into a bakkie. Nor does it simply replace a diesel engine with an electric motor. Instead, it has been engineered from the outset around a new-energy bakkie architecture, combining the strengths of an electric vehicle with the functionality South Africans expect from a bakkie.”
The Riddara is backed by a six-year or 150,000km vehicle warranty, while the battery is covered for eight years or 200,000km. Customers can also look forward to a six-year or 120,000km service plan.
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