I wonder if Chery understands the irony of a “you are distracted” warning message popping up every couple of minutes on the instrument panel of the Tiggo Pro 8 Max. I’ll give them a hint: it’s distracting, made more so by the annoying little chime that accompanies the warning light.
The feature kept scolding me, seemingly at random, while driving, though the warning did appear with more regularity while I was operating the infotainment screen — usually because I was switching off other irksome “smart drive” features including an overzealous emergency lane keeping assist. Some driver-assist features in the car can be disabled — though you have to do it afresh every time you start it — but I never found an off switch for the distracting “distraction” alert.
The pursuit of safety in cars is laudable but there is such a thing as too much electronic nannying.
Aside from this, there are things to like about Chery’s new flagship model in SA, the (deep breath) Tiggo 8 Pro Max TGDI 390T Executive AWD. The long-named vehicle was recently launched as an all-wheel drive model to bolster the Tiggo 8 Pro Max range of seven-seater SUVs, alongside the existing 2.0T and 1.6T front-wheel drive derivatives.
Though ground clearance remains the same 203mm as the two-wheel drive version, the AWD model has better traction for pursuing off-road adventures, particularly in mud or soft sand. It has a front-wheel bias under normal driving but automatically sends torque to the rear axle as needed for better grip.
The AWD version also has upgraded suspension, a drive select system with off-road driving modes and a larger fuel tank (57l up from 51l).
All versions of the Tiggo 8 Pro Max are chock-a-block with standard gadgets including 64-colour ambient lighting, voice control and a 360º around view monitor system. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system wirelessly connects with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and there’s a ten-speaker Sony sound system.
Also standard are USB-A and -C charging ports, panoramic sunroof and electronically adjusted front seats with heating and cooling. The automatic two-zone climate control system has a fragrance system with three scents.
The vexing “distraction” alert is not found in the two-wheel drive models, however.
The cabin has smart finishes with quilted leather upholstery and metallic accents, and like most other Chinese brands in recent years, Chery has significantly raised its game in terms of interior look and feel.
The cabin is roomy enough for four to five adults, with a third row of two seats suitable for small children. The front and middle rows can be adjusted for backrest angle and leg room, making for a modular and family-friendly interior. There are also separate conditioning controls and vents for all three rows.
With all seats occupied the boot space is a tiny 117l which swallows a couple of tog bags, but expands to a spacious 739l with the third row folded flat, and the spare wheel is full sized.
Power in both models is supplied by a 2.0l four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with outputs of 187kW and 390Nm of torque, linked to a seven-speed dual clutch auto gearbox.
The AWD system adds around 100kg but the powerful turbo engine comfortably deals with the extra mass, and performance feels lively. It has responsive off-the-mark acceleration and easy cruising pace, with plenty of gusto for quick overtakes and climbing hills.
It is a refined experience with no intrusive road or wind noise, and the test car averaged a relatively frugal 10.2l / 100km. Interestingly, this was better than the 11.4l we achieved in the two-wheel drive model which is supposedly more economical.
The Tiggo 8’s ride is comfortable and the build quality seems solid. The handling is typical for an SUV; neat and predictable up to a point, with a little wallowing when the pace is picked up.
At R731,900 the AWD Tiggo 8 Pro sells for a R62,000 premium over the two-wheel drive model but represents good value for customers seeking adventures on out-of-the-way trails. The Chinese SUV is very competitively priced against all-wheel drive rivals such as the VW Tiguan Allspace, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.
Tech specs
Engine
Type: four-cylinder petrol turbo
Capacity: 2.0l
Power: 187kW
Torque: 390Nm
Transmission
Type: seven-speed dual clutch automatic
Drivetrain
Type: All-wheel drive
Performance
Top speed: n/a
0-100km/h: n/a
Fuel consumption: 8.7l/100km (claimed); 10.2l/100km (as tested)
Emissions: 206g/km
Standard features
All-wheel drive, electronic stability control, ABS brakes, six airbags, smart keyless entry with push button start, wireless smartphone charger, electrically adjustable front seats, artificial leather seats, electric windows, dual zone climate control with rear air vents, trip computer, infotainment system, power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlamps, panoramic sunroof, lane change blind spot warning, parking camera, adaptive cruise control, hill descent control, LED daytime running lights, auto high beam control.
Cost of ownership
Warranty: five years/150,000km vehicle, 10 years/1-million km engine warranty for the first owner
Service plan: seven years/90,000km
Price: R731,900
Lease: R16,284 a month
*at 11.75% interest over 60 months no deposit
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 390T Executive AWD
We like: All-wheel drive, classy interior, power
We dislike: Distracting “smart drive” features
Verdict: Great value for money
Motor News star rating
Design *****
Performance ****
Economy ****
Ride ****
Handling ****
Safety *****
Value For Money ****
Overall ****
The competition
Haval H6 2.0 GDIT 4WD Super Luxury 5 seats, 155kW/325Nm — R652,250
VW Tiguan Allspace 2.0TSI 132kW 4Motion Style 7 seats, 132kW/320Nm — R889,500
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2D 4WD Elite 7 seats, 148kW/440Nm — R1,050,500
Kia Sorento 2.2CRDi AWD SX 7 seats, 148kW/440Nm — R1,053,995
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