New Chinese Toyota HiLux challenger is a hybrid? First prototype images of Chery's incoming Ford Ranger, GWM Cannon and Isuzu D-Max ute rival show production is well underway and likely to arrive in Australia in 2025

A prototype of the first-ever Chery ute has been previewed in China, revealing some of what to expect as the brand gears up to enter the hotly contested segment.

It will be known as the KP11 – at least in China – according to Filipino publication Autoindustryia.com, which published images of the vehicle at a preview event in Wuhu, China.

According to the publication, the vehicle will be offered with three powertrain options: hybrid, petrol and range-extender battery electric, with the brand likely to eschew a turbo-diesel offering altogether.

Specifics are unknown at this stage, however, it has been reported the internal combustion engine offered on the KP11 will be a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol, which is bigger than anything Chery currently offers on the Australian market.

In terms of design, the KP11 bears a striking resemblance to the Ford Ranger, Australia’s top-selling ute.

The imposing Chery logo embossed onto the front grille looks to be inspired by the previous-generation Ford Ranger Raptor, with which it shares an octagonal-shaped grille.

The overall squared-off shape of the body appears very Ranger-esque, so too does the electric blue paint.

Evidently Chery is marketing the KP11 as a weekend-friendly off-roader, showcasing it as compatible with a canopy, awning and roof-mounted tent, as well as chunky BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres.

Further details will have to wait until a reveal date is confirmed, though we already know Australia is likely to be a key target market for the Chery ute.

On a trip to Australia earlier this year, Chery’s Vice President, Zhang Guibing, confirmed a Chery ute was under development, while acknowledging Australia’s love of the segment.

“We know this market at the moment [is more] than 20 per cent pick-up and customers really like them,” he said.

“In the future we will also have a pick-up, it’s now in progress – in development.”

Comments from Chery Australia CEO Lucas Harris followed, telling CarsGuide the brand’s local branch would push strongly for an Australian release.

“Globally there are some platforms in development and obviously we’ll advocate for it. It’s a little too early to say but that’s a no brainer,” he said.

It’s likely we will see a Chery ute hit local roads sometime next year, with the latest images showing a production-spec version is all but complete.