CHERY is back with a bang in Mzansi.
Its Tiggo 8 Pro is a case of bigger is better and the more the merrier as the flagship model is loaded with all the luxuries you need in a family SUV.
The Tiggo 8 Pro won numerous awards in China and elsewhere.
SunWheels can see why it won awards after being behind the wheel of this luxury SUV for a week.
Before we jump inside to check out all the clinging bells and wolf whistles, let’s look at its performance. The Tiggo 8 Pro’s ride comfort is something to behold. The ride is as smooth as good jazz on a Sunday morning.
The handling was also impressive and although there was lag in normal mode, it’s no issue if you put the Tiggo in sports mode.
Under the hood of the Tiggo 8 Pro is its award-winning 1.6 TGDI turbopetrol engine delivering 136kW and 290Nm of torque. The Tiggo is by no means a small SUV and this engine has more than enough oomph for this big boy.
The engine is mated with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and it delivers power to the front wheels.
I drove mostly in sports mode and got close to 12L/100 km in terms of fuel consumption, which is not great with the fuel price getting out of hand.
Chery’s flagship doesn’t only perform well, it also looks good. It boasts a striking three-dimensional grille inspired by stars. It even fooled people to ask if the grille was fitted by loads of small lights.
Inside the cabin, you’ll be welcomed by pure luxury. The leather seats are so comfortable. I didn’t want to climb out when I parked the car. The leather-trimmed dashboard and doors added the feel of luxury. Like Haval, it features a huge 12.3 inch touch screen. Talking about the touch screen, the infotainment system features round view cameras when you use it for parking or reversing.
The Tiggo also boasts ambients lights inside and a panoramic roof. A nice feature is Chery’s voice control and you can even close the windows and sunroof with a command.
The Tiggo 8 Pro is a family car with loads of space. The seven-seater offers 193 litres of cargo, and with the seats flat a drumkit will fit in easily.
I did find the rear view mirror a bit strange, and although the visibility from the car is good, it’s not great in this mirror.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro has five-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a five-year or 60 000km service plan. Chery believes in its engine and it gives the first owners of their vehicles a 10-year or 1 000 000km engine warranty. Something you don’t see often.
The Tiggo 8 Pro comes at a decent price for all the luxuries and ride comfort you get.
Pricing:
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Distinctive - R496 900
Chery Tiggo 8 Executive - R546 900
Chery made this review possible.
