Gloves off as Chery Tiggo Cross hybrid shoots for Corolla Cross
Back in January, we reported that the updated Toyota Corolla Cross have managed to weather the Chinese storm. That is all about to change with the imminent introduction of the Chery Tiggo Cross hybrid (HEV).
Attending the Shanghai Auto Show as a guest of Chinese carmaker Chery last month, The Citizen Motoring has learned that the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is heading to South Africa and could be rolled out in the coming month or two already.
Key to the Corolla Cross' runaway sales since making its debut at the end of 2021 has been its hybrid derivatives. The demand for the dual source powertrain exceeded Toyota's initial expectations and the HEV quickly became the best-selling local new energy vehicle. By some margin too.
ALSO READ: Corolla Cross HEV takes the sting out of all the hybrid lingo
Price war can erupt
One of the reasons the Corolla Cross HEV became an attractive option is because of its very reasonable pricing. When it was first introduced, Toyota indicated that it incentivises around R30 000 of the HEV derivatives' retail price 'in anticipation of future government support'.
While they are still waiting on government to finalise its policy on new energy vehicles, the pricing of the updated Corolla Cross HEV is still incentivised, but now 'around half' of what it was before. The entry-level Corolla Cross HEV is the Xs priced at R494 400, with the Xr priced at R545 200.
The big news around the arrival of the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is that it is likely to significantly undercut Toyota's pricing. It has been rumoured that the starting price of the hybrid crossover SUV is likely to be 'around R480 000'. But special launch pricing might even see the Tiggo Cross HEV come in at under R450 000. The Tiggo Cross current top derivative, the Elite, costs R449 900.
ALSO READ: Chery Tiggo Cross has enough going for it to make up for its flaws
Chery Tiggo Cross HEV feels solid
The final specifications of the Chery TIggo Cross HEV has not been announced yet. But it will be powered by Chery's familiar 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine hooked up to an electric motor and battery. Similar to the Corolla Cross, it will be a self-charging hybrid. This means it does not have to be plugged in.
The Citizen Motoring had the chance to sample the Chery hybrid on a slalom course in Wuhu, China last month. As you'd expect, the hybrid system transitions seamlessly between electric and hybrid or engine power. And the throttle calibration, our pet hate with any Chinese car, also seemed decent.
The Chery Tiggo Cross is currently offered with one engine derivative. The 1.5-litre blown petrol mill which produces 108kW of power and 210Nm of torque.
The Toyota Corolla Cross is available in 103kW/172Nm 1.8-litre naturally aspirated guise and in the 90kW/142Nm HEV. The latter combines the 1.8-litre mill with an electric motor and battery pack.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
35 minutes ago
- The Citizen
PODCAST: Stealth sticker will struggle to revive dated Nissan Navara
Dated bakkie behind Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max in local sales race. South African bakkie owners love stickers. Put a sticker on any existing bakkie and buyers line up whether it's Legend, Thunder, X-Rider or Athlete. The Nissan Navara is the latest bakkie to go down that route with the re-introduced Stealth edition. The Stealth slots in between the standard Pro-4X and the LE on which it is based. Nissan is offering the Rosslyn-built double cab-only Navara Stealth in a rear-wheel drive derivative for R695 200 and a R779 200 four-wheel drive derivative. These prices carry a R35 000 premium over the LE variants. ALSO READ: Nissan Navara Stealth returns more aggressive than ever before Nissan Navara Stealth makes a Pitstop In this week's edition of The Citizen Motoring's Pitstop podcast, we discuss the arrival of the special edition model. We try to determine whether the Stealth label will give the dated bakkie the gravitas to lure buyers away from Mzansi's three top-selling bakkies, the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max. Separating the Stealth from the LE on the outside are a restyled black grille and bumper with integrated nudge bar. There are also side-steps, a Stealth-badged sports bar and 17-inch black alloy wheels shod in Dunlop Grandtrek all-terrain tyres. It also features black mirror caps and roof rails, black door handles and black Stealth badges at the base of the front doors and on the tailgate. ALSO READ: Nissan Navara has lost ground on Ford Ranger, Amarok and Hilux Same diesel power The Nissan Navara Stealth is offered in three colours; white, Infinite Black and Techno Grey. Inside the upgrades are more discreet and features extended leather trim on the doors and armrests. There are no changes up front, where the 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine is carried over from the LE. The mill produces 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque and is mated seven-speed automatic gearbox.
Eyewitness News
14 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
'Win-win' and still pushing: Reactions to Trump tariffs
TOKYO - Some nations reacted with relief Friday after US President Donald Trump announced tariffs that in some cases were lower than threatened and delayed by a week to 7 August. But others - including Switzerland and chip powerhouse Taiwan - still hope to negotiate lower rates, and uncertainty remains over transshipments and levies on Japanese cars. Trump's announcement does not cover export giant China - currently in negotiations on a trade deal ahead of a 12 August deadline - but here is how other economies reacted: THAILAND: 'MAJOR SUCCESS' The 19% levy for Thailand and Cambodia - fresh from border clashes that killed over 40 people - is a let-off from the threatened 36%. Thailand called it a "major success" and a "win-win approach aimed at preserving Thailand's export base and long-term economic stability". The US trade deficit with Thailand hit $45.6 billion in 2024. Its main exports include machinery, vehicles and auto components. CAMBODIA: 'BEST NEWS' Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called it "the best news for the people and economy of Cambodia to continue to develop the country". The major manufacturer of low-cost clothing for Western brands was initially menaced with a tariff of 40%. Neighbouring Vietnam concluded an agreement with Washington at the beginning of July on a rate reduced to 20%. WHAT ABOUT TRANSSHIPMENTS? But Washington also intends to impose a 40% surcharge on goods transported to the United States via third countries - known as transshipments. This could hurt in particular nations in Southeast Asia, whose production chains are closely linked to China. Many Cambodian factories, for example, are Chinese-owned and the White House has accused the kingdom of allowing Chinese goods to stop over on the way to US markets, skirting steeper rates imposed on Beijing. Experts however are unclear on how Washington will define these "transshipment" goods. TAIWAN: STILL PUSHING Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called its 20% tariff announced by Trump "temporary... with the possibility of further reductions should an agreement be reached." The US president had threatened to hit the island with a 32% tax and possible duties on the island's huge semiconductors shipments. Soaring demand for Taiwan's AI chips industry has fuelled its trade surplus with Washington, putting it in the crosshairs of Trump's tariff blitz. Washington "needs Taiwan in supporting resilient supply chains, in supporting manufacturing and some high-end technologies," Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim said recently. SWITZERLAND: 'GREAT REGRET' Switzerland expressed "great regret" that it was hit with 39% - up from the threatened 31% - despite its "very constructive position". The levy - more than double the European Union's 15% - appeared to catch the rich Alpine nation off guard. Switzerland ranks sixth in terms of direct investment in the United States, with pharma giants Roche and Novartis announcing major spending plans in recent months. JAPAN: CAR CONFUSION A tariff of 15% agreed last week between Japan and Washington - down from a threatened 25% - is due to be applied from 7 August. But Japanese auto exports were already being hit by a 25% rate, and Tokyo wants to know when this will be lowered too. "We continue to urge the US to take prompt measures to implement the agreement, including lowering tariffs on automobile and auto parts," Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Friday. Confusion also surrounds Trump's claim that Japan - as a "signing bonus" - will invest $550 billion in America, which will recoup 90% of the profits. MALAYSIA: 'POSITIVE OUTCOME' Malaysia also achieved a lower tariff of 19% - down from 25% - which the government called a "positive outcome". "This decision by the United States reflects the strong and enduring economic ties between our two nations," Trade and Industry Minister Zafrul Abdul Aziz said. SRI LANKA: 'HAPPY' Sri Lanka also expressed relief that it will face a 20% hit, a sharp reduction from the 44% originally floated, and expressed hope of a further cut. "We are happy that our competitiveness in exports to the US has been retained," finance ministry official Harshana Suriyapperuma told reporters. Around 40% of Sri Lanka's $5.0 billion of garment exports last year went to the United States.
The Citizen
15 hours ago
- The Citizen
Denza's expansion: Two additional models South Africa could get
For the moment, only one model as been confirmed, however, a likely expansion could potentially bring the brand's flagship MPV and SUV. Its arrival in South Africa taking place next year, BYD-owned Denza will become the 15th Chinese brand to have a presence in the local market. Joining a growing list Debuting in early 2026 with the B5, a rebadged version of its Fangchengbao brand's Bao 5 SUV based on the same platform as the BYD Shark bakkie, the debut of Denza will follow those of its parent company, as well as the current marques from the People's Republic: BAIC; Chery; Dayun; Dongfeng; Foton; GAC; GWM Haval; JAC; Jaecoo; Jetour; LDV; MG; Omoda In addition, further arrivals from Changan and Deepal, as well as the pending return of Geely and JMC will bump the number to 19 before the end of the year. Arriving next A joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz started 15-years ago, but wholly owned by BYD since last year, the global Denza range consists of five products motivated either by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or all-electric powertrain. ALSO READ: Speculation over: BYD-owned Denza coming to South Africa In addition to the Fangchengbao Bao 8 possibly making landfall as the Denza B8 to rival the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Fortuner, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Isuzu MU-X and Mahindra Scorpio-N as well, in-house Denza options could include the PHEV versions of the D9 MPV and the N9 SUV. As a result of BYD marketing the Seal locally, the Z9 sedan and its Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo-inspired Z9 GT fastback estate are not expected to be offered, with the same likely to apply to the all-electric N7 crossover. D9 The oldest model's in Denza's product range having debuted three years ago, the Kia Carnival-rivalling D9 comes in both PHEV and electric guises, with the former presenting the best option in the case of sales being approved for South Africa. On-sale since the end of last year in Thailand, thus making it available with right-hand-drive, the D9 has measurements of 5 250 mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 3 110 mm, height of 1 920 mm and width of 1 950 mm. The recipient of a mid-life refresh last year in preparation for its Thai debut, the D9, in China, comes with seven seats, however, an ultra-luxurious four-seater, called the Pioneer, can be had in which the centre row makes way for a bulkhead partition with an integrated screen. If approved for South Africa, the D9 will take aim at the Kia Carnival. In addition, a console separates the pair of captain's style chairs, complete with an integrated tablet-style display, storage areas and an upper cooled storage hold. The seats themselves, meanwhile, are electric and feature ventilation, heating and massaging functions. Based on BYD's DM-i platform made specifically for plug-in hybrids, the D9's choice of powerunits comprises two options, both modelled around a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine. Interior is headlined by no less than three displays. Image: Denza China In the first instance, the petrol's 102 kW is backed-up by a 20.3-kWh Blade battery pack powering a single 170 kW electric motor. Combined, the system produces 221 kW and allows for an all-electric range of 103 km based on China's CLTC measurements. Unofficially called the 'long range' option, the second variant involves a 40-kWh battery with the same electric motor and outputs, but an EV-only range of 200 km. Top-spec Pioneer comes standard with four seats and a massive rear display integrated into a partition behind the front seats. Image: Denza China Combined with the petrol engine, the 'long range' has a claimed distance of 1 050 km versus the 'standard's' 970 km. Serving as the range's flagship, the all-wheel-drive D9 adds a second 45 kW electric motor to the front axle for a total output of 299 kW. The claimed electric range is 180 km and the combined, 980 km. Pricing in China kicks-off at 339 800 yuan, which amounts to R852 594 when directly converted. N9 Revealed as the end of last year as its flagship SUV, the N9 not only serves as Denza's flagship SUV, but also its most powerful plug-in hybrid product. Utilising a 2-2-2 seating arrangement, in addition to being inclusive of BYD's latest LiDAR system, the N9 rides on its parent company's latest e-Platform 3.0 with dimensions of 5 258 mm in length, a wheelbase of 3 125 mm, width of 2 030 mm and height of 1 830 mm. Reportedly equipped with a crab walking function as well as a tank turn-style, up front, N9 combines BYD's 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 46.9-kWh Blade battery powering no less than electric motors. In total, this amounts to 680 kW, a reported top speed of 230 km/h, according to and an electric-only range of 202 km. The combined is 1 302 km. On the spec front, and depending on the trim level, the N9 sports a Head-Up Display projected onto the windscreen, a 26-speaker sound system, a BMW 7 Series-style 17.3-inch flip-down screen, refrigerated second-row centre console, a 3.2 m3 panoramic glass roof, electric, cooled, heated and massaging second-row, and Nappa leather upholstery. As standard, Denza has fitted the N9 with three displays; a 13.2-inch instrument cluster, a 17.3-inch infotainment and a 13.2-inch on the passenger side. For the moment, neither the mentioned models have received approval and as mentioned, expect final confirmation to only emerge at the end of the year or before Denza's official product launch next year. NOW READ: What next from BYD? Three more products coming to South Africa
