Latest news with #CheryTiggoCross
IOL News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Chinese hybrids heading to SA: Can these 10 new contenders steal some of Toyota's thunder?
The new Chery Tiggo 9 is one of numerous new Chinese hybrid vehicles destined for South Africa. Image: Supplied Very few South Africans are ready to take the plunge with a fully electric vehicle, but the latest statistics show that sales of hybrid vehicles are booming. According to Naamsa, sales of fully electric vehicles sank to just 276 units in the first quarter of 2025, down 16% from the same period in 2024, while sales of traditional hybrid vehicles rose by 14.8%, from 2587 units to 2970. Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales grew by 71%, albeit off a very small base from 141 to 241 sales. But will 2025 be the year that PHEVs rise to prominence? Featuring larger batteries than conventional hybrids, these vehicles claim to offer the best of both worlds, typically offering fully electric coverage of between 50km and 100km, depending on the vehicle. And there are plenty of new entrants on the way to South Africa, as we'll get to shortly. But PHEVs tend to be on the pricey side, with BYD's recently introduced Sealion 6 currently being the least expensive option at R639,900. Toyota's Corolla Cross, a conventional hybrid, dominates the new energy vehicle market by a wide margin, and that is largely due to its combination of affordability and practicality, with prices starting at R494,400. Toyota also sells a Rav4 hybrid, and numerous Lexus models. The Corolla Cross is Mzansi's most affordable hybrid vehicle at present, but that could change in the not-too-distant future, with a number of compact Chinese offerings heading our way. MG3 and ZS Hybrids With its sporty looks and compact dimensions, the MG3 hatchback will be a refreshing addition to the local market, and our sources indicate that it will be offered with hybrid power. New MG3 Image: Supplied The newcomer promises feisty performance, with its combination of a 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor offering a total output of 155kW, while combined fuel consumption is a mere 4.3 litres per 100km . Also pencilled in for South Africa is a hybrid version of the popular HS midsize SUV. Combining a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, customers can look forward to outputs of 165kW and 340Nm, as well as combined consumption of 5.5 l/100km. While these two MG hybrids are believed to be 'on the books' for South Africa, exact launch timing as well as pricing and local specifications have yet to be confirmed. Chery Tiggo Cross HEV Joining the petrol-powered Chery Tiggo Cross that was launched in South Africa in late 2024, the hybrid version is set to reach our shores in July. Chery Tiggo Cross Image: Supplied Specifics have yet to be confirmed, but it is believed the new HEV model is powered by a normally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine that pairs with two electric motors. Claimed fuel consumption amounts to 5.4 l/100km. Although it will command a premium over its ICE sibling, which is priced from R399,900 to R449,900, the Tiggo Cross HEV could still emerge as one of South Africa's most affordable hybrid vehicles. RISE OF THE PLUG-IN HYBRID Jaecoo J7 SHS You won't have to wait long to get your hands on the new Jaecoo J7 SHS plug-in hybrid SUV, which is set to officially launch later this week. Jaecoo J7 SHS. Image: Supplied According to the new PHEV model will be priced at R689,900, making it marginally more expensive than its BYD rival. But the stats are certainly impressive, with a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine pairing up with a powerful hybrid system to deliver combined outputs of 255kW and 525Nm. Thanks to its 18.3 kWh LFP battery, with DC charging capabilities, the J7 SHS can manage a claimed range of up to 90km between charges. Haval H6 GT PHEV Certainly one of the most electrifying hybrids to reach local shores this year, Haval's H6 GT PHEV is set to launch imminently. Haval H6 GT PHEV. Image: Supplied A true performance SUV, the new plug-in model boasts combined outputs of 321kW and 762Nm, allowing for a 4.9 second 0-100km/h sprint, while the carmaker claims a pure electric range of up to 180km. Omoda C9 PHEV The luxurious Omoda C9 will be joined by a supremely powerful plug-in hybrid variant in 2025, pairing the familiar 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine with four electric motors for combined outputs of 440kW and 915Nm. Omoda C9 PHEV. Image: Supplied Scheduled for launch in July, the new C9's is also said to be capable of covering up to 150km on electric power alone, thanks to a 34.5 kWh battery with DC fast charging capability. Locally the C9 PHEV will be available exclusively with the Explore specification level, which means 20-inch wheels, Nappa leather interior, with seat heating for front and rear occupants, and a panoramic sunroof. Chery Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 PHEVs Chery will welcome a stylish new flagship SUV to its fold around September. Meet the new Tiggo 9. Featuring a 1.5T petrol engine and three electric motors, the combined output is an impressive 230kW, while an all-electric range of up to 100km is said to be possible. The Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV Image: Supplied For the cabin, designers aimed to create a 'warm and tech savvy' space. Highlights include a 15.6-inch HD screen and integrated multifunctional console. Specially crafted 3D stitched seats, meanwhile, add an upmarket touch. While the Tiggo 9 represents the zenith of the local Chery line-up, the Chinese brand will also be introducing a pair of more affordable plug-in hybrids, with the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEVs due in July and August, respectively. More details on these models will be released in due course. GAC M8 PHEV GAC Motor, known for its sporty Emzoom and Emkoo crossover models, will be introducing something even more audacious in 2025. GAC M8 Image: Supplied
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Chery now offering certified pre-owned Tiggos at unbeatable prices
Cherished certified pre-owned programme gives used car buyers peace of mind. With a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT retailing for only R279 900, making it one of the most affordable SUVs on the market already, Chery South Africa will be encouraging more buyers into the brand with even better deals courtesy of their just launched certified, pre-owned, vehicle programme called Cherished. Every certified, pre-owned Chery Tiggo sold through Cherished will deliver the reliability, quality, and peace of mind that owners have come to expect from the brand. These vehicles will come with a myriad benefits, the most important of which is that they will retain the remainder of their 10-year/one-million-kilometre engine warranty. Premium pre-owned Chery Tiggo SUVs Inflation continues to impact new car pricing in the local vehicle market, making affordability a critical concern for buyers. Because of this, many buyers are finding themselves in a position where they must make sacrifices when it comes to replacing their vehicles. And many opt to trade down instead of maintaining or upgrading their existing vehicle. ALSO READ: Gloves off as Chery Tiggo Cross hybrid shoots for Corolla Cross In response to this shift, Chery is proud to offer a wide range of premium pre-owned Tiggo SUVs. This allows buyers to enjoy high-quality vehicles without compromising their needs. These certified, pre-owned, models come with the full backing of the automaker, ensuring that buyers no longer must settle for less. 'Our certified, pre-owned, programme allows us to offer customers quality vehicles backed by Chery's commitment to excellence,' says Jay Jay Botes, general manager for Chery South Africa. 'Every vehicle undergoes a comprehensive inspection, giving buyers confidence in their choice.' ALSO READ: Chery drops Tiggo 8 Pro's price below R500 000 for a limited time Peace of mind Buyers can rest assured that all Cherished certified, pre-owned, vehicles receive the balance of the service plan, with a minimum of one-year/15 000km remaining on the service plan. Furthermore, to qualify as a Cherished vehicle, the vehicle needs to have been maintained within the Chery dealer network, ensuring that customers have their pick of the bunch. Like their new counterparts, certified, pre-owned, Chery Tiggos are packed with the latest technology and comfort features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Many of their vehicles outpacing more expensive models in terms of standard equipment. Additionally, buyers can extend their service or maintenance plans, providing further peace of mind. Even for those who hold onto their cars for longer.
The Citizen
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Good news: Petrol and diesel prices to drop from Wednesday, 7 May
Motorists will get much-needed relief at the petrol pumps next week. Several factors, including the international petroleum product prices and the rand/US dollar exchange rate, contributed to the decrease in petrol and diesel prices. Picture: iStock South African motorists will be paying less for petrol and diesel at the pumps from next week. The petrol price decrease from Wednesday, 7 May 2025, will be a relief for cash-strapped motorists after the 0.5% VAT increase. Petrol and diesel prices The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) announced that the price of 93-octane will decrease by 22 cents per litre, while 95-octane petrol will also cost 22 cents per litre less. The price of diesel (0.05% sulphur) decreases by 42 cents per litre, while diesel with 0.005% sulphur goes down by 41 cents per litre. Meanwhile, illuminating paraffin will cost 31 cents less per litre, while the price of LP gas increases by 46c/kg. ALSO READ: Gloves off as Chery Tiggo Cross hybrid shoots for Corolla Cross How much will fuel cost you? When the fuel price increase kicks in, a litre of 93 unleaded petrol will cost R21.29 per litre, while 95 unleaded will be R21.40. The wholesale price of 0.05% diesel will increase to R18.93 per litre, and 0.005% will cost R18.91. Reasons for petrol decrease DMRE spokesperson Robert Maake said several factors, including the international petroleum product prices and the rand/US dollar exchange rate, contributed to the decrease in petrol and diesel prices. 'The average international petroleum product prices of petrol and diesel followed the decreasing trend of crude oil prices while the price of LPG increased due to higher freight (shipping costs) during the period under review. 'These factors led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 51.06 cents per litre (c/l), 71.28 c/l and 61.32 c/l respectively,' Maake said. Brent Crude oil price Maake said the average Brent Crude oil price decreased from 71.04 US Dollars (USD) to 66.40 USD during the period under review. 'The tariff and trade war initiated by the US which has raised global economic recession concerns and a possible lower demand for crude oil, and oversupply of oil from non-OPEC countries and the anticipated increase in oil production by OPEC+ members.' Rand/US dollar exchange Maake said the the Rand depreciated on average, against the US Dollar (from 18.30 to 18.84 Rand per USD) during the period under review when compared to the previous one. 'This led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and Illuminating Paraffin by 29.13 c/l, 30.34 c/l and 30.24 cents per litre (c/l) respectively'. Slate levy Maake said the cumulative slate amounted to a positive balance of R3.9 billion for petrol and diesel of at the end of March 2025. 'In line with the provisions of the Self-Adjusting Slate Levy Mechanism, a slate levy remains unchanged at zero cents per litre in the price structures of petrol and diesel with effect from the 7th of May 2025'. ALSO READ: Cape Town F1 Grand Prix proposal aims to build on World Cup legacy
The Citizen
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Gloves off as Chery Tiggo Cross hybrid shoots for Corolla Cross
Toyota will have a fight on its hands when Chinese carmaker rolls out its new energy crossover SUV. 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.
