The reintroduction of Chery to the South African market has seen the brand set consecutive sales records. This updated Tiggo 8 Pro Max is set to continue its appeal. Our Editor Damian Adams attended the local launch in Durban.
What are we driving?
We spent time behind the wheel of the Chinese brand’s flagship seven-seater the Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2,0T Executive. Powered by a four-cylinder turbopetrol engine that produces a healthy 187 kW at 5 000 r/min and 390 N.m between 1 750 and 4 000 r/min. It features Chery’s second-generation i-HEC (ultra-high compression direct injection) combustion technology, which allows for better thermal efficiency. Grunt is sent through the front wheels only (an all-wheel-drive version is on the cards for SA) via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic sourced from German manufacturer Getrag.
In traffic, it feels sprightly off the mark and it’s easy to have the Cooper Evolution CTT tyres chirp when pulling away in a hurry. There are, of course, three drive modes to choose from – Eco, Normal and Sport should you wish to tune the car to suit on-road conditions or your driving style. Out on the open road, the Tiggo 8 feels sure-footed, with ample in-gear punch, with firmer steering than before, a good driving position and a well-tied-down suspension. We experienced little body roll on the fast and flowing drive up the N3 highway towards the KZN Midlands however poor road surfaces and potholes do unsettle the relatively firm ride.
Related: Updated Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro MAX Break Cover – Pricing
Why is the new Chery Tiggo 8 Pro significant?
It has a standard features list as long as a Home Affairs queue, just more appealing. The brand has spared no expense when it comes to passive and active safety kit if one takes front, front side, rear bolster, driver knee and side curtain airbags that extend to the third row, traction and stability control, hill-hold assist, tyre-pressure monitoring for its 19-inchers, lane departure warning, and a 360-degree camera parking view system, Isofix fitting points, to name but a few, into consideration.
The Tiggo 8 Pro Max is also equipped with advanced driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control autonomous emergency braking and semi-autonomous lane-keeping assistance. These driving systems work well in bumper-to-bumper traffic but up the pace and I find it to be a bit too invasive. Our poorly marked roads and erratic road users certainly don’t help these sorts of systems at the best of times either. Thankfully, you can select to disengage the technology when needed.
Step inside and you are welcomed to high levels of perceived quality that includes a two-tone brown and black treatment with brown faux-leather seats, a six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, an eight-speaker Sony surround sound system, potent 50W wireless charger, intelligent “Hello Chery” voice control, and ambient lighting options. The cabin is a highlight of the package that’s a comfortable space to spend time in.
Looking for a new or used Chery? Find it here.
What’s new on the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro?
For the untrained eye, it may be possible to mistake the new Tiggo 8 for the previous model year but there are some key exterior revisions. The Chery logo in the newly designed grille uses LED lights to illuminate and is combined with an animated light-up sequence from the LED Matrix headlamps and LED daytime running lights. These create a unique visual signature often found on luxury-branded vehicles. At the rear, it has redesigned lights that are connected by a LED light bar for added on-road presence. While the exterior design is an evolution from before, the interior sees the biggest change.
Besides looking more plush, the interior is also properly modern featuring a floating dual-screen setup that consists of both the instrument and infotainment displays. Combined, the two screens measure 24,6-inches.
Carrying on with the modern theme, the climate control is operated via touch-sensitive buttons and is positioned just below the aircon vents where a separate screen and physical controls were used on the prior model. There is a reason why some folks have been describing the Tiggo 8 Pro’s interior design as being inspired by Mercedes-Benz. Take a look at the designs of the push-start button, door cards, and the Burmester-style speaker grilles, and you might see why.
What does the new Chery Tiggo 8 Pro cost?
Chery’s latest flagship offering bells, and whistles included costs R669 900 while the 1,6T Executive comes in at R609 900. All models are sold with a five-year/60 000 km service plan and five-year/150 000 km warranty, as well as Chery’s 10-year/1-million-km warranty, which applies to the first owner only.
What are the new Chery Tiggo 8 Pro’s rivals?
The mid-size SUV segment is vast, including the likes of the Kia Sportage, Haval H6, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 but to name a few. However, options in this segment sporting seven seats are surprisingly limited. The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander and Peugeot 5008 are its closest rivals albeit more expensive while on the more affordable side, the R559 999 Mahindra XUV700 AX7 L may be a thorn in the Chery’s side.
Verdict
Chery is pushing the boundaries of what a family SUV can offer at under R700 000. The bottom line is the bottom line: R669 000 for an attractive, well-equipped, four-adults-and-seven-in-a-pinch family SUV. The 1,6-litre model may offer better value but there are few alternatives on the market that offer as much punch and standard features as the 8 Pro Max 2,0T Executive.
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2,0T Executive | Fast Facts
Price: R669 900
Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbopetrol
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Power: 187 kW @ 5 500 r/min
Torque: 390 N.m @ 1 750 – 4 000 r/min
Driven wheels: Front
Fuel consumption: 7,6 L/100 km
CO2 emissions: 180 g/km
Rivals: Mahindra XUV700, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Tail, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
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