The Chinese brand Chery has launched two new hybrid models in SA — the new Tiggo 7 CSH and the Tiggo Cross HEV. The new hybrid drive offensive will see the Wuhu, China-based automotive brand market four hybrid crossovers and SUVs, including the Tiggo 9 Pro model — the brand’s largest offering.
The latter model is scheduled for launch later in the years, but kicking off with what’s on sale now, the mid-size Tiggo 7 CSH is a new plug-in-hybrid electric derivative of the mid-size SUV. It pairs a 1.5l turbo four-cylinder petrol motor with an 18.3 kWh battery driving an electric motor. A full recharge takes 45 minutes to an hour using a DC fast charger, or between four and eight hours when plugged into an AC charger.
The combined system output is 265kW and 310Nm of torque, with up to 90km of electric-only range and a fuel efficiency rating of 4.9l/100km. A total driving range of 1,200km on a single tank is promised.
The new Tiggo 7 CSH is available in Plus and Ultra trims, and both variants come with a high level of standard equipment, including 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, LED daytime running lights, rear fog lamps, leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and push-button start, among other amenities such as dual 12.3-inch central display screen and a fully digital instrument cluster and a 50W wireless charging pad.
The range-topping Ultra variant adds electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats, an automatic anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, and air purification system. Safety systems count front dual, front side, side curtain, front inter-seat, and driver’s knee airbags and driver assistance systems.
Chery Tiggo Cross CSH HEV
Launched in November 2024, the Tiggo Cross is essentially the second-generation Tiggo 4 Pro that was introduced in SA in 2021 as part of the Chery’s re-entry into this market.
When the new model debuted, Chery SA opted to retain the first-generation model as a budget buy, renaming it Tiggo 4 Pro Lit. It continues to sell sold alongside the newer and pricier Tiggo 4 Cross which now benefits from a new high-end hybrid model.
The new Tiggo 4 Cross HEV is powered by a 1.5l turbo four-cylinder petrol engine that develops 71kW and 118Nm in standard guise. The addition of a 1.83 kWh battery pack and electric motor raises output to 150kW and 310Nm, and managed by the dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) driving the front wheels only.
Unlike the larger Tiggo 7 Pro CHS, the Tiggo Cross HEV is not a plug-in-hybrid. The motor charges the battery on the move and the power train seamlessly switches between four operating modes of Pure electric, Series hybrid, Parallel hybrid, and Energy recovery.
In low-speed cruising, the system prioritises pure electric mode, and average consumption is rated at 5.4l/100km with a total driving range of 1,000km. A start-stop system works in conjunction with the drivetrain to conserve fuel. The Tiggo Cross is available in Comfort and Elite trims, perched on model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels.
Amenities include black leather upholstery, ambient lighting, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic wipers, two-zone automatic climate control. Heated front seats are available on the Elite HEV, but both model gain front ventilated discs and rear disc brakes, a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension set-up, automatic LED headlights and daytime running lights, chrome-plated dual exhaust finishers, and body-coloured exterior finishes.
The Elite variant has red-painted brake calipers and electrically operated sunroof, though, while keyless entry, second-row air vents, a 60/40 split-folding rear bench and dual 10.25-inch screens and a digital driver’s display are standard fitment in both trims along with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless mobile phone charging pads.
Safety features include traction control, emergency brake assist, hill descent control, dual front, front side, and side curtain airbags. The Elite variant adds a front inter-seat airbag, blind spot detection, lane change assistance, a 360 HD panoramic camera system and more.
Both new Tiggo 7 CSH and Tiggo Cross HEV are sold standard with a five-year/150,000km warranty, 10-year/unlimited km battery warranty applicable to the first owner only, and a five-year/60,000km service plan.
Pricing
Chery Tiggo Cross HEV Comfort — R439,900
Chery Tiggo Cross HEV Elite — R469,900
Tiggo 7 CSH Plus — R599,900 introductory price valid for three months (R619,900 afterwards)
Chery Tiggo 7 CSH Ultra — R679,900
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