Latest news with #CSH

IOL News
a day ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Chery's Super Hybrid technology: 1,300km on a tank - who needs a fuel station?
Chery South Africa put its hybrid technology to the test with impressive results. Image: Supplied Chery South Africa recently put two of their Chery Super Hybrid Technology (CSH) cars through a real-world test to show the efficiency of their latest hybrid models. While South Africans are still sceptical about full electric vehicles, there has been a relatively keen interest in hybrid options. With the fluctuating fuel price, we are looking to get as much as we can out of a tank of fuel, which is one of the reasons that hybrid technology is becoming more popular. Drive it till it's empty The company took the Tiggo 9 CSH, launching later this month, and Tiggo 7 CSH Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and drove them as far as they could go on one tank. The endurance test yielded impressive results, with the Tiggo 7 CSH PHEV achieving a combined range of 1,290 kilometres, 90 kilometres more than its official 1,200 kilometres. The hybrid Tiggo 9 CSH achieved an impressive 1,374 kilometres on a single tank of fuel, exceeding its Worldwide Harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure estimated range of 1,050 kilometres. Engine and battery The Tiggo 7 PHEV integrates the fifth-generation 1.5 TGDI dedicated hybrid engine with 115kW and 220Nm of torque into a stepless Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and a high-performance hybrid battery. The DHT works seamlessly with the engine, utilising a dual-motor system that delivers combined outputs of up to 265kW and 530Nm of torque. For urban commuting, the hybrid battery offers more than 90 kilometres of electric range, which is sufficient for most daily commutes. Chery states that with its DC fast-charging capability, recharging the battery from 30-80% should take approximately 19 minutes. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The company says the Tiggo 7 CSH's engine boasts a thermal efficiency of 44.5% (typically ICE engines range between 20% and 40%), while its DHT achieves a mechanical efficiency of up to 98%. They say that in charge-depleting mode, fuel consumption drops to as low as 4.9l/100km. As South Africans, we love our outdoor lifestyle, and with most household appliances operating below 2.5kW, the Tiggo 7 CSH comes with a 3.3kW vehicle-to-load capability, effectively eliminating the need for additional portable power stations. 'These results reinforce our belief that hybrid technology can deliver more than just efficiency; it can redefine what South Africans expect from family vehicles, whether you're commuting in the city or crossing provinces,' said Verene Petersen, national brand and marketing manager at Chery South Africa. Tiggo 7 CSH Pricing Tiggo 7 CSH Plus: R619,900 Tiggo 7 CSH Ultra: R679,900


Perth Now
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid review
You're looking at the second part of Chery's two-pronged plug-in hybrid (PHEV) launch strategy in Australia: the new Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid seven-seat SUV. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert Under the bonnet, it's identical to the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid that's also now being released. That means it has a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a transmission-mounted electric motor, fed by an 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. This PHEV system is known as Chery Super Hybrid (CSH), and it will soon power more models from the fast-growing Chinese auto brand, with the incoming Tiggo 9 large SUV next up. That gives us a lot to look forward to, because it's difficult not to be intrigued by the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid. The Tiggo 8 CSH is fitted with one of Chery's newest interiors, headlined by a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster – a significant upgrade over the petrol-powered Tiggo 8 Pro Max. It's sharp and offers plenty of 'wow' factor to draw potential buyers in. It also has a new front-end design headlined by a revised grille, making it all the more tidy compared to its purely petrol-powered relative. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert Much like the Tiggo 7 CSH, the Tiggo 8 was benchmarked against traditional plugless hybrids from Hyundai and Toyota. This was confirmed to CarExpert by Chery chief engineer David Xianqiang Lu, as the brand intended to make its CSH system feel like a traditional hybrid. Driving a conventional hybrid is generally smooth and effortless, and so Chery wanted to replicate that powertrain experience with a PHEV that has the benefits of recharging and longer-distance electric-only driving. Chery invited media to drive both the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 Super Hybrids back-to-back from Sydney to New South Wales' Hunter Valley, providing us with the opportunity to test them over long-distance routes, rough roads, and several different driving conditions. Is the Tiggo 8 any more 'super' than its powertrain-sharing sibling or its rivals? The Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is $6000 more expensive than the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid, starting at $45,990 drive-away for the base Urban. Above that is the top-spec Ultimate for $49,990 drive-away. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert The gap between petrol and hybrid Tiggo 8 models is not as large as with the Tiggo 7; there's now a $4000 price difference petrol-only and PHEV variants at base level (instead of $10,000), and just $2000 at top-shelf Ultimate level. That's a good thing, because it means the much more complex and more efficient powertrain hasn't made the Tiggo 8 unattainable. As mentioned, it also makes the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid by far the most affordable seven-seat PHEV available in Australia. Granted, that's a niche pool of models, and there are currently only three other options in Australia. There's the mid-size Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starting at $69,290 before on-road costs, and both the larger Mazda CX-80 P50e that starts at $76,245 before on-road costs, and the Kia Sorento PHEV priced at $84,660 before on-roads. There are also several seven-seat plugless hybrid SUVs on the market, including the mid-size Peugeot 5008 ($55,990 before on-roads), and the large Hyundai Santa Fe ($57,000 before on-roads), Toyota Kluger ($62,410 before on-roads), and GWM Tank 500 ($64,490 drive-away). To see how the Chery Tiggo 8 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool This is where the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid has a clear advantage over all other Chery-badged cars in Australia. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert Its screen-heavy cabin may seem derivative, but its organisation and layout make this mid-to-large SUV feel much better thought-out than that. Headlining the interior is its 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which – in typical Chery fashion – is where you'll find and operate almost every key vehicle function. Luckily, therefore, it's incredibly sharp, with crisp and clean graphics that make it pleasant to look at and use. There's a small degree of customisation available, mainly in the backgrounds you can swipe between, plus a series of shortcut widgets permanently open along the bottom of the display. But if you're like us, you'll probably spend most of your time using Apple CarPlay. Fortunately, you have the benefit of a wireless connection when doing so, and the interface takes up the entirety of the enormous screen. There's still novelty value in seeing CarPlay so large, and we like it. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert Climate controls are still locked inside the screen, but there's an always-on ribbon at the bottom to make them easier to access. This has been seen in other Cherys, including the Tiggo 7, but the functionality here is vastly improved. You're finally able to open the climate menu while smartphone mirroring is enabled. Swiping gestures make this easy, and it's infinitely better than having to navigate back to the car's native user interface. Chery's voice assistant also appears to be pretty clever, which means you can ask it to make adjustments on the fly. There are physical air vents controls too, which saves you from having to drag virtual air flow graphics on the screen like in a Tesla. There's still plenty of value in the native system, with full-screen apps like navigation on hand. All considered, this is arguably the best infotainment system we've seen in an Australian-delivered Chery to date. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert To the right is the 10.25-inch digital instrument display, which appears small in comparison but no less useful. It now sits alone in front of the steering wheel, with the old conjoined panel nowhere to be seen. Otherwise, it's a fairly standard screen for Chery. There's basic information navigable using the 'buttons' on the steering wheel, with everything presented in a no-nonsense manner. The leather-wrapped steering wheel's buttons are haptic and finished in gloss-black plastic, which means they feel a bit spongy and look second-hand after fingerprints start to pile up. They're labelled clearly enough, but it'll still take a moment to get used to how everything works. The wheel itself is huge and sits at a relatively forward-sloped angle, but the steering column doesn't extend far enough for my ideal seating position. Shorter fold may need to compromise by sliding the seat further forward, which makes your legs feel cramped for the first few minutes before you acclimatise. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert The seats are comfortable and finished in quilted synthetic leather. Heating and ventilation aren't included in the base Urban variant though, much like the panoramic sunroof or the passenger-seat massage function. Powered driver's seat adjustment is standard. Still, the front of the cabin is a pleasant space, and the use of quality materials balances the compromises in terms of ergonomics. It's simple – everything that looks like leather is soft, and everything that doesn't, isn't. The high window lines and tall centre console 'bridge' create a cockpit-like feel. The latter includes a split-lid storage box with soft armrest padding. There's plenty of space inside, while the open tray underneath is nicely sized for small bags. You also get a ventilated wireless phone charger, which is exposed to sunlight coming through the windscreen, a pair of cupholders, and a sparse selection of driving-related buttons – many of which are finished in more piano black plastic. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert Climbing into the second row is easy, thanks to the large door opening and unintimidating step height. It's comfortable here too, with the same quilted synthetic leather providing the same premium atmosphere as up front. This is elevated further in the Ultimate, as the panoramic sunroof makes it feel airy. Not that space is an issue, because the larger dimensions of the Tiggo 8 provides plenty of leg and head room regardless of anyone's seating position. The folding and sliding function of these seats – to accommodate third-row access – also provides some adjustment for passengers. A fold-down centre armrest is standard, though the dual cupholders have been slathered in yet more piano black plastic, which won't stand up to kids with drinks. If you are carrying small kids, you'll have two ISOFIX anchors and three top-tether points for child seats. Otherwise, there are two rear-facing air vents for comfort, along with USB-A and USB-C ports for device charging. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert Stretching space isn't generous in the third row though, which is expectedly cramped. It isn't easy to climb into either, as even with the second row pushed as far forward as possible, it's still a fair hike to vault yourself over the wheel-arch. At 173cm, I could fit snugly into the rearmost seats, albeit with my knees touching the seat in front. It's all par for the course for a relatively small seven-seater, but it means the very back seats are best for kids or very short trips. The boot also disappears with the third-row seats in place. They fold flat into the floor, providing ample cargo space once you've dragged items over the high opening lip. However, there's no spare tyre; instead a tyre repair kit is standard. Chery hasn't quoted boot capacities for the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid, but petrol versions offer 117 litres in seven-seat mode, and 479L with the third row stowed (also to the top of the seats). For context, a seven-seat Outlander Aspire petrol offers 163L and 478L respectively. To see how the Chery Tiggo 8 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Chery's Super Hybrid system comprises a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 105kW of power and 215Nm of torque. It's paired with a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission, which incorporates a 150kW/310Nm electric motor, though combined outputs aren't quoted – all of which is identical to the smaller, five-seat Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert We didn't get enough time in any one car to record a representative real-world fuel economy figure. Even so, and much like the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid, we did see numbers hovering around the 5.8L/100km mark after a couple of hundred kilometres on the road. That may sound a bit high, but Chery says 6.0L/100km was a realistic figure for the car in the conditions we drove. Curiously, the official combined fuel consumption claim is 0.1L/100km lower than the Tiggo 7's, while its energy consumption is 0.9kWh/100km better, and its claimed NEDC electric range is 2km longer – despite being around 100kg heavier and utilising the same powertrain. These small gains are somewhat undermined by the Tiggo 8's requirement of 95-octane premium petrol. The Tiggo 7 only needs 91-octane regular unleaded despite using an identical powertrain. Beyond speculating about mitigating the weight gain, the reason for this isn't apparent – we were told it's simply a requirement by Chery's engineers. As for energy consumption, we saw figures close to 0kWh/100km, or even lower (yes, we saw a number as low as -1.1kWh/100km), when the battery was low and energy regeneration was strong and therefore more power was being produced than consumed. And at full charge, we got within 15km of Chery's electric range claim. To see how the Chery Tiggo 8 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Despite sharing its platform with the Tiggo 7, the Tiggo 8 is noticeably better to drive. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert You may not get the chance to drive the two cars back-to-back on the same roads as part of your car-buying journey (nor want to, given they're aimed at different buyers), but doing so exposes the comparative strengths of the Tiggo 8. Putting drivetrains aside for now, we were thoroughly impressed with this car's ride quality. The key drawcard here, and perhaps marking a return to form for a Chinese brand, is how supple and plush it feels when speeds pick up. It's not the car's ability to iron out minor imperfections, which it doesn't do with any real aplomb. Instead, the Tiggo 8 does an excellent job of ironing out the kind of larger bumps, depressions and undulations you'll find on regional roads around Australia. It makes for a very comfortable ride, and the compliant suspension setup means the Tiggo 8 is great for longer freeway stints. You just don't feel tired after spending a few hours behind the wheel. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert We suspect its cushiony ride is a result of the increase in sprung weight compared to its powertrain-sharing sibling. Either way, the composed ride doesn't come at the expense of stability of road holding; it takes a fair hit to throw occupants around or unsettle the car. Supporting its easy freeway cruising is a well-calibrated suite of driver-assist gear, echoing the Tiggo 7. Chery says it has put a lot of work into improving this aspect of its cars, and our positive experiences in both of its two newest offerings lend credence to its claims. The Tiggo 8 CSH can confidently keep itself in line with freeway traffic using adaptive cruise control, and it has no problem following bends in the road. Even with the radar cruise deactivated, you won't have significant issues with its passive lane-keeping function unless you're genuinely about to cross a lane marking. It'll resist by steering back into your lane, but release when you turn on the indicator, as it should. Similarly, its blind-spot monitoring system is competent and reliable. And while it has speed limit recognition, its audible overspeed warning is muted by default. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert The only slight hold-up is the driver monitoring system, but even then it's nowhere near as bad as you may expect. Most of the time it's quiet, but it will pipe up if you spend a second too long looking at the infotainment display or your side mirrors. This can at least be deactivated by pressing a button in the car's settings menu. Unfortunately, you'll probably spend a bit of time looking at the screen anyway, as it's strangely tricky to adjust the level of regenerative braking. You can't do it while moving, at least not as far as we could figure out. It's possible to adjust it when stopped, but it's still needlessly complicated – a simple button or shortcut on the car's home screen would sort this out in a heartbeat. Further, the car's brake pedal feels a bit vague and wooden, with little feedback until more pressure is applied. Doing so will engage the car's physical brakes, providing sudden stopping force that can be challenging to manage until you get used to it. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert All that aside, we continue to be impressed with the performance of the CSH system. When everything's working as it should, it's properly smooth – the transition from electric to petrol power is seamless, and power delivery is satisfying and predictable, almost like a traditional plugless hybrid. Under high load, it's nearly impossible to hear the petrol engine fire up or revving away. This surprised us, as the car's cabin insulation is good, but not exceptional, as some road noise still makes its way into the cabin on coarse roads at higher speeds. The car has decent poke from a standstill, pushing you back into your seat nicely thanks to the instant torque of the electric motor. You can lock it in electric-only mode too, where it behaves like a fully electric vehicle, but it'll revert to petrol power above 120km/h or below roughly 25 per cent of battery charge. Its three dive modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport) also do exactly what they say on the tin, making this an enjoyable and predictable car to drive in a variety of conditions – certainly a good step forward over the standard petrol model. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert Unlike the Tiggo 7 CSH, in which we experienced a sudden 'clutch-dump' problem that we detailed in this review, we didn't have any issues while driving the Tiggo 8, and we spent a lot more time driving it than the Tiggo 7 at the press launch. Granted, most of this driving was done on freeways, but it was a consistently trouble-free experience while driving through the regional towns of NSW. Unfortunately, as per the Tiggo 7, the steering is very light at low speeds but doesn't quite manage to weight up enough at higher speeds, creating a somewhat wobbly feel when applying lock on sweeping bends. This was more pronounced in the Tiggo 8 than it was in the Tiggo 7, but a software tweak to the electric power steering systems of both models would likely eliminate it. To see how the Chery Tiggo 8 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Two grades of the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid are available at launch. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Urban equipment highlights: 19-inch alloy wheels Tyre repair kit Automatic LED projector headlights LED tail-lights Rear fog light Rain-sensing wipers Heated, power-folding side mirrors Auto-dimming rear-view mirror Synthetic leather upholstery Leather-wrapped steering 6-way powered driver's seat adjustment 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto DAB+ digital radio Satellite navigation Intelligent voice command Wireless phone charger 1 x USB-A port front and rear 1 x USB-C port front and rear 10-speaker Sony sound system Dual-zone climate control Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Ultimate adds: Puddle lights Panoramic sunroof Power tailgate 4-way powered driver's seat lumbar support Driver's seat memory function 6-way powered front passenger seat adjustment Heated and ventilated front seats Front passenger seat massage function Head-up display 2 x driver's headrest speakers To see how the Chery Tiggo 8 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool While the petrol Tiggo 8 Pro Max boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2023, it's not yet clear whether this rating has been carried over to the Super Hybrids. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment highlights: 9 airbags, including: Adaptive cruise control Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Blind-spot monitor Driver monitoring system Front and rear parking sensors Lane-change assist Lane-keep assist Rear cross-traffic alert Safe exit assist Surround-view monitor Traffic jam assist Tyre pressure monitoring To see how the Chery Tiggo 8 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Like the broader Chery Australia range, the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert Chery's individual service prices are detailed below. For context, a non-hybrid, front-wheel drive Tiggo 8 Pro Max will cost $2201.93 to service over seven years, while the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid costs the same as its larger, powertrain-sharing sibling at $3174.15 over the same period. To see how the Chery Tiggo 8 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Chery's Super Hybrid system has injected new life into the Tiggo 8, and the low prices make this a seriously compelling seven-seat offer. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert It's mind-boggling just how much cheaper this car is compared to its established rivals. Sure, some could argue there's more substance to an equivalent Mitsubishi or a Mazda in terms of presentation, but they are the same size and Chery's tech is more modern. Some (like me) prefer the physical buttons you get in those competitors, but it's impossible to ignore the quality of the Tiggo 8's interior systems. It's also a vast improvement over the standard petrol Tiggo 8. Then there's the ride, which is pillowy without making this SUV boat-like around corners. The ride/handling tune is exactly where it should be for a car like this and, as mentioned, it makes long hours being the wheel easy. Likewise, the Super Hybrid powertrain is a well-sorted system that succeeds in capturing some of the characteristics of a mainstream Toyota hybrid. The strong and smooth acceleration from both the electric and petrol power sources is a highlight, yet it remained comfortably efficient during our relatively brief drive. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert But of course no car is perfect, and the Tiggo 8's steering certainly isn't. Slight revisions to the electric power-assistance would do wonders to improve how confident the car feels on-road. The brakes can also be difficult to get used to if you try to drive as you would in most other cars. Again, a minor adjustment in regenerative braking system management would help here too, with a little more cohesion required between regen and physical braking. It's also hard to forget the potentially dangerous issue we had with the Tiggo 7 CSH, which suggests some PHEV powertrain niggles may exist, but the Tiggo 8 CSH did restore confidence in the system after two hours of trouble-free driving in it back to Sydney. Steering and braking finetuning aside, the Tiggo 8 CSH is a very compelling package that's well worth considering if you're after a very economical, very competitively priced seven-seat SUV. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Credit: CarExpert CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 8. Click here to get a great deal. MORE: Explore the Chery Tiggo 8 showroom Premium interior Plush ride, smooth powertrain Undeniably class-leading value Indirect, 'wobbly' steering Wooden brake feel Requires 95-octane juice


The Citizen
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Chery Tiggo 7 plug-in hybrid ready to shock the SUV segment
Sprints from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.4 seconds and won't break the bank at the pumps. Chery made big noise about its hybrid technology at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. After spending some quality time in two of the Chinese carmaker's new energy offerings, we understand Chery's sentiment. Along with the Tiggo Cross self-charging hybrid, Chery last month rolled out the Tiggo 7 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) locally. Two PHEV models head the revised Tiggo 7 line-up, which has dropped the Pro and Pro Max monikers from before. We recently had the Tiggo 7 Plus CSH, short for Chery Super Hybrid, on test. The Plus at R619 900 slots in underneath the R679 900 Ultra CSH and are marked down a full R20 000 as an introductory special offer. And even better, it still includes comprehensive after sales backing which features a 10-year/unlimited mileage battery warranty. ALSO READ: Hybrid warfare as Chery Tiggo 7 takes swipe at Jaecoo J7 Performance-like power Apart from the price, the standout feature of the PHEV model is its power outputs. Numbers so impressive that it will qualify as a performance offering in many other stables. The manufacturer's familiar 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine teams up with an 18.3kWh battery hooked up to a single electric motor to form the CSH setup. Together they produce a total of 265kW of power and 530Nm of torque. This is a significant power bump from the 145kW/290Nm produced by the 1.6-litre blown mill model. Even better than the extra oomph is the difference the single-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) makes compared to any other gearbox Chery has to offer. The DHT means the typical Chinese throttle calibration issues are all out the window, with the power delivery being buttery smooth. The steering is a bit light, but still better than what the Tiggo Cross hybrid feels like. ALSO READ: Newly facelifted Chery Tiggo 7 range priced with more features Throttle calibration issues sorted Chery claims the Tiggo 7 CSH will sprint from 0 to 100km/h in a mere 5.4 seconds and we have no reason to doubt them. The torque is so instantaneous when flooring the accelerator, that it behaves much more like a fully electric car than anything mechanical burdened by turbo lag. The Chery Tiggo 7 Plus CSH rides on 18-inch alloys. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe The twist is routed to the front wheels as Chery do not offer the hybrids as – or any Tiggo 7 for that metter – with all-wheel drive anymore. When you flatten the accelerator, the amount of torque on the front wheels is so great that it leads to wheelspin on any surface with the slightest tinge of dust about it. The Chery Tiggo 7 plug-in hybrid's claimed electric range is 93km. Some logistical issues meant that The Citizen Motoring were unable to charge the car at home or a DC fast charger to put this claim to the test. It did however give us a chance to observe the intricacies of the hybrid system. Chery Tiggo 7's clever system Unlike some brands' PHEV technology, the CSH system does not allow the battery to run flatter than 20%, which is very similar to the BYD Shark bakkie. The engine, along with power restored by regenerative braking, keeps the battery level around the 20% mark. In other words, it then functions like a self-charging hybrid, sans the benefit of a pure electric range. We were unable to determine the accumulated consumption for the car's weeklong stay, but a trip-by-trip readout never exceeded 6.4 litres per 100km, with 5.4L/100km being the lowest. This would indicate that Chery's claimed range of 1 200km with a full tank and full charge is within reach. In terms of styling, the Chery Tiggo 7 CSH adopts the upgrades that have been applied to the entire range. The front end now features a diamond-studded chrome grille and revised LED headlights. We really like the new rear styling, which is a lot more authoritative with its muscular lines. Loads of space and tech Inside, the CSH is as plush and comfortable as we have become used to over the years. Two 12.3-screens features on the dash which is rounded off by the generous use of leather, faux carbon, brushed chrome and veneer. The light emitted through the 1.1 square metre panoramic roof makes the already generous space in the cabin look even bigger. The Chery Tiggo 7 has two 12.3-inch screens. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe The infotainment system features six speakers and is geared with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also features the 'Hello Chery' voice assistant and 540-degree camera. There is also a 50W wirelessly charging tray and multiple Type-C USB ports. One feature that will take getting used to is the absence of a push start button. You can't help yourself looking for the button before realising that there isn't one. Once inside, you simply put it in gear and off you go. Providing your seat belt is fastened of course. Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV guns for glory Boot space is rated at 626 litres, with plenty of leg and headroom in the second row. The Chery Tiggo 7 Plus CSH comes standard with front and rear parking sensors and six airbags. Advanced safety systems include blind-spot monitoring, rear collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert. Chery has been hurting the heritage brands in the C-SUV segment and will continue to do that pridct like this. No buyer in this segment can ignore the attractive pricing and the comprehensive package that comes along with it.


Daily Express
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Express
Chery unveils new SUV
Published on: Saturday, August 02, 2025 Published on: Sat, Aug 02, 2025 By: Esther Glorie Leow Text Size: At the launching ceremony (from left): Timothy, Amanda, Bruce, Manager Louisa, Datuk Chok Yun Kiong, Lyanny and Hanafi. Kota Kinabalu: Car buyers in Sabah now have more options to consider with the arrival of the Chery Tiggo Cross, brought in by Universal Cherry Sdn Bhd, the authorised Chery dealer in the State. The new SUV is available in two variants, a 1.5-litre turbochanged petrol engine and a fuel-efficient 1.5-litre hybrid, known as the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH). Prices start at RM92,750 for the petrol variant and RM103,750 for the hybrid, both before the insurance fees. 'Universal Chery operates a full 4S centre, here, and 3S showrooms in Tawau and Sandakan, providing sales, servicing, spare parts and support for customers across Sabah,' said Datuk Chong Yun Kiong, Managing Director of Universal Group. The petrol-powered Tiggo Cross produces 147 PS and 210 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. It offers good performance while maintaining low fuel consumption at 6.3L per 100km. The hybrid variant delivers additional power, with a combined output of 204 PS and 310 Nm of torque, thanks to a system that combines a 96 PS petrol engine with an electric motor. It features five intelligent drive modes and uses just 5.4L of fuel per 100km, with a driving range of up to 1,000km on a full tank. 'Inside, the SUV features modern comforts including dual-zone climate control, a touchscreen panel for temperature settings, and a large 20.5-inch infotainment display. 'The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with voice commands, wireless charging, USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. 'On the safety side, the Tiggo Cross comes equipped with 16 advanced driver assistance features, such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, and more.' he said. Both versions are covered by a seven-year warranty (up to 150,000km), while the hybrid also gets an eight-year warranty (up to 160,000km) for its battery and electric motor. Customers will also enjoy seven years of free towing and two years of free service for early bookings, available to the first 2,000 buyers until Sept 30, this year. Colour options include Carbon Black, Phantom Grey, Khaki White, and Moonlight Silver, with Blood Stone Red available exclusively for the petrol version. 'To celebrate the launch, Universal Chery Sdn Bhd will be hosting two special events in Sabah's East Coast in the coming weeks, which will be held in Domaio Tawau on Aug 2-3, and Mydin Hypermarket Sandakan on Aug 8 to 10. 'These roadshows will offer visitors the chance to test drive the Tiggo Cross, explore its features up close and enjoy exclusive promotional packages,' he said. For more details, those interested can call its hotline at 016-832 8030 (Kota Kinabalu), 016-808 1590 (Tawau) or 016-813 7200 (Sandakan).


The Sun
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Why the Chery Tiggo Cross is gaining popularity
CHERY MALAYSIA shook up the local market recently with the introduction of the Tiggo Cross. Two variants were introduced: Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid CSH, priced at RM99,800. Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 Turbo, priced at RM88,800. Competing in the Malaysian market, the Chery Tiggo Cross is a game changer not only due to its price but also the technologies that it has to offer. It has amassed 1,000 bookings in just two days, but what makes it so popular? Some of the technologies that are offered as standard for both variants include a 360-degree Panoramic Camera, a 15-watt wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, an electric driver's seat, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, as well as a large 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster of equal size. However, the top-of-the-line variant comes packed with 16 intelligent Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Some of the systems include: Blind Spot Monitoring – Alerts the driver about vehicles in blind spots. Autonomous Emergency Braking – Intervenes in emergency situations by automatically applying brakes. Intelligent Headlight Control – Adjusts headlights automatically so as not to blind oncoming traffic. Forward Collision Warning – Warns the driver of a potential frontal collision. Lane Departure Warning – Warns the driver when the car drifts into a different lane. Adaptive Cruise Control – Maintains a predetermined speed by automatically braking and accelerating. Rear Collision Warning – Warns the driver of oncoming vehicles behind the car, particularly when reversing. Lane Change Assist – Monitors traffic behind the vehicle and alerts the driver with audio-visual cues to help with safe overtaking. The Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 Hybrid CSH also offers seven airbags for comprehensive safety and protection. However, the cherry on this Chery is the fact that the Tiggo Cross earned a five-star Safety Rating at the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), the independent voice on vehicle safety for Australia and New Zealand. But that is not the only reason why the Chery Tiggo Cross has become such a darling among car buyers; it is the hybrid technology that it has to offer as well. Called the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH), the tech represents Chery's proprietary cutting-edge hybrid powertrain technology, engineered for a cleaner and more efficient drive. The system works by combining an internal combustion engine with electric motors as well as a battery management system. Combined, this system offers class-leading fuel economy, lower emissions, as well as impressive driving dynamics. The technology is the result of two decades of advancement by a global R&D system that includes eight centres, 300 laboratories and 30,000 R&D professionals. In fact, in its current fifth-generation form, the CSH system sets a new global benchmark with thermal efficiency exceeding 44.5%. That is quite phenomenal considering that conventional petrol engines operate at a peak thermal efficiency of only 25-35% while some of the competitor hybrid systems are only able to offer 40-43% thermal efficiency. By now, the question at the back of your mind would probably be, 'but how does it work?' The CSH system works by intelligently switching between several drive modes automatically, depending on driver demand and driving load: For example, in Pure Electric drive mode, such as at low speed and when the battery has sufficient charge, the Tiggo Cross is driven purely by the electric motor. The engine is completely switched off, providing the driver with a silent, zero-emission driving experience. Then there is the Series Hybrid mode, which works when the battery charge is low or at moderate speeds. This is when the engine acts as a generator and provides electricity to the motors. The engine does not provide drive to the wheels but runs at its most optimal RPM to generate electricity for the motors. Similar to a range-extender, and consumes very little fuel in return. Further to that, there is the Parallel Hybrid mode. This is when both the engine and electric motors work concurrently to provide power to the wheels, such as at high speed or during acceleration. This is the primary mode during highway driving or overtaking. But at really high speed, such as when cruising on the highway, the Engine Direct Drive mode kicks in and drives the wheels directly, bypassing the electric motors. But when needed, the electric motors can still provide a boost. What about recharging, though? You might wonder. The Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 Hybrid CSH uses regenerative braking that recharges the battery during deceleration or when braking. The Chery Super Hybrid System is the company's core technology for its new energy vehicles, and now, with prices starting from just under RM100,000, the technology is available to more car buyers, in turn playing a part in reducing global emissions. Our short drive experience with the car revealed an impressive refinement level, and in the hybrid variant, the overall performance, such as acceleration, was fantastic to say the least. In fact, we found that the hybrid variant was smoother with fewer vibrations in the cabin as well. Speaking of the cabin, space was generous in all seats, and equipment levels match that of more expensive cars as well. Very few cars deserve the term game changer, but the Chery Tiggo Cross is definitely one of them.