Latest news with #CheryTiggoCrossHEV
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Chery Tiggo Cross hybrid serious threat to Toyota Corolla Cross
Chery takes on Toyota's star performer in terms of price, performance and fuel economy. We predicted that the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) was going to be a disruptor, based only on the car's on-paper credentials. The caution was because the normal Tiggo Cross minus hybrid did not receive a favourable review from the Citizen Motoring team. The throttle calibration was woeful, the DCT gearbox jerky and the brakes were non-existent. Besides the car's better price, that put it above VW's T-Cross in the pecking order, there was no way one could recommend this model derivative in good faith. This negative sentiment has been comprehensively undone after spending some time behind the wheel of the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV. It's like the two cars came out of different factories. It's so much smoother and more refined than the normal Cross. And this one now also has the firepower to gun down the big dog, the top-selling Toyota Corolla Cross HEV. ALSO READ: Hybrid Chery Tiggo Cross declares war on Toyota Corolla Cross Big undercut in price Coming in at R469 900 for the top-of-the-range Elite spec, the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is comfortably better priced than the Corolla Cross HEV in XR spec at R545 200. A R75 300 difference in sticker price within this budget-sensitive part of the segment is a massive win in favour of this Chinese offering. A value-for-money offering Chery is backing up by offering their Tiggo Cross HEV with a five-year/150 000km warranty, 10-year/unlimited mileage (for first owner) battery warranty and five-year/60 000km service plan. The Toyota Corolla Cross HEV is offered with a shorter three-year/100 000km warranty and eight-year warranty on the battery. But the Toyota comes with a substantially longer, six-services/90 000 m service plan. And funny first owner small print stuff. The next big talking point is without a doubt the performance of the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV. When you first read that the car comes with 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that develops a mere 71kW of power and 118Nm of torque, you would think it is dead in the water. But you need to read a bit further and then the picture changes dramatically. The addition of a battery powered electric motor, shoots the claimed numbers up to 150kW and 310Nm. The Chery Tiggo Cross HEV means business. Picture: Mark Jones Almost too good to be true, right? Are the Chinese taking a chance in overstating their numbers here? Can a small 1.83kWh battery make this much of a difference? Chery Tiggo Cross HEV packs a punch The Corolla Cross HEV has a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated mill that Toyota rate at 72kW. With electrical assistance, the numbers only marginally increase to 90kW while the torque stays quoted at 142Nm. Don't ask me why. It's just how they do it. ALSO READ: PODCAST: Chery Tiggo Cross takes fight to Toyota Corolla Cross Now, all I can tell you is that I don't know what is inside of that Chery battery, but the Tiggo Cross HEV destroys the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV in a sprint and everyday driveability. The Tiggo is over four seconds quicker to 100km/h and hits the national limit a full seven seconds earlier. Even more decisive is the 12-second gap when the cars accelerate from 60km/h all the way to 140km/h. They are honestly not in the same league when it comes to aspect of the road test. One anomaly, and there are always some when road testing Chinese cars, the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV would not go over 150km/h. I couldn't find a claimed top speed anywhere, so you are going to have to accept that doing top speed runs is not in your future. And that you will be on the speed limiter in less than 500m of road anyway. Kind of bizarre, but who needs more from a car like this? The Tiggo Cross features two digital screens. Picture: Mark Jones Fuel consumption on par with Toyota Where they are very much in the same league though is when it comes to fuel consumption. We got a figure of 5.4 litres per 100km when we spent a few months in the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV. And I managed the exact same number in the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV. My wife on the other hand came home and bragged that her day spent in Sandton traffic saw this number drop as low as 4.7 litres per 100km. Either way, both these cars offer exceptional fuel economy, with the Chery's bigger 50-litre tank to the 36-litre tank of the Toyota, allowing you to go a lot further between refills with the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV. Is the Tiggo Cross HEV perfect? Of course not. The steering is ridiculously light. The car also had a few rattles right off the bat and it just didn't feel as solid as the Corolla Cross HEV. Will you regret your decision in a few years' time? Who knows. Probably more importantly right now, does your wife care for all this? No. Why? Because at the price point and with the performance on tap, the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is impossible to ignore. Chery Tiggo Cross HEV road test results
The Citizen
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
PODCAST: Chery Tiggo Cross HEV game changer in the making
Chinese hybrid goes up against South Africa's best-selling new energy vehicle the Toyota Corolla Cross. Ambitious Chinese carmaker Chery launched an all-out onslaught on South Africa's number one manufacturer Toyota by rolling out the Tiggo Cross HEV. The Chery Tiggo 4 has made huge strides to rank as one of Mzansi's favourite passenger cars. Now the Tiggo Cross HEV, which stands for hybrid electric vehicle, has entered the battlefield against the country's best-selling new energy vehicle, the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV. In typical Chinese fashion, the war starts with the pricing. At R439 900 the entry-level Chery Tiggo Cross HEV in Comfort guise undercuts the most affordable Corolla Cross in Xs guise by a whopping R54 500. Chery Tiggo Cross HEV makes a Pitstop In this week's episode of The Citizen Motoring's Pitstop podcast, we discuss the Tiggo Cross. Road Test Editor Mark Jones has driven the Chery after also spending lots of time in the Corolla Cross earlier this year, pits the two against each other. The Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine hooked up to electric motor and 1.83kWh battery pack. The combined power output is 150kW and 310Nm which goes to the front wheels by a dedicated hybrid transmission. This is much more than the Toyota Corolla Cross' combined power output of 90kW/142Nm. During our high-performance test, the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV clocked 8 seconds in going from 0 to 100km/h. The Corolla Cross came in at just over 12 seconds. ALSO READ: 10 things you need to know about the new Chery Tiggo Cross HEV Frugal sipper Chery claims that the Cross HEV will only sip 5.4 litres per 100km and for the first few days we've had it on test are getting close to this number. Mark reckons it will settle in the high fives, maybe 6L/100km at the most. This is fractionally higher than what we achieved in the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV.
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
10 things you need to know about the new Chery Tiggo Cross HEV
Hybrid SUV is set to rattle the cages of the Toyota Corolla Cross and VW T-Cross. We will be road-testing the new Chery Tiggo Cross HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) in the next few days, but all indications are that this car is set to become a game changer. It comes in at a better price than all its competitors, and this includes the likes of the Toyota Corolla Cross and VW T-Cross. It offers substantially more power and torque than them too thanks to state-of-the-art hybrid technology. Fuel consumption is also said to be vastly improved, and being a Chery, the Tiggo Cross HEV is jampacked with tech and features that the others just can't compete with. ALSO READ: Hybrid Chery Tiggo Cross declares war on Toyota Corolla Cross Here are 10 fast facts about the Tiggo Cross hybrid you need to know: 1. Hybrid performance The Chery Tiggo Cross HEV pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a dedicated hybrid system to deliver smooth, responsive performance. With a combined output of 150kW and 310Nm, it offers strong acceleration off the line and effortless power delivery that enhances everyday driving. 2. Low fuel consumption The fuel consumption of the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is claimed to be a mere 5.4-litres per 100km in mixed driving conditions. This obviously helps you go further between fill-ups and is easier on your pocket too. The hybrid system is self-charging and does all the work in the background, so you don't have to worry about plugging anything in and flat batteries. 3. Instant response, smoother drive Without any turbo lag to deal with or a loss of power at altitude, the electric motor of the Cross HEV is said to deliver a near-immediate response for confident overtaking and city driving. It's touted to be quiet, refined, and surprisingly quick off the mark. A claim The Citizen Motoring can't wait to test. Watch this space! 4. Chery Tiggo Cross HEV stylish A bold front grille, LED lighting, and sleek styling give the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV a confident presence. Inside, the cabin combines sporty touches with premium finishes, creating an upscale atmosphere that punches above its price like we have already said. 5. Two feature-rich trims The Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is available in Comfort and Elite trim levels. Both come with strong standard specification, with the Elite adding high-end extras like a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. ALSO READ: Chery Tiggo Cross has enough going for it to make up for its flaws 6. Impressive tech standard on Chery Tiggo Cross HEV On both Tiggo Cross hybrid models, you'll find a dual-screen setup, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice control, a wireless charging pad, and multiple USB ports. The Elite variant includes an upgraded Sony sound system and ambient lighting. 7. Comfort without compromise The Chery Tiggo Cross HEV's cabin is well thought-out, with quality materials, supportive seats, and clever storage throughout. Rear seat passengers benefit from generous legroom and their own charging ports. Ideal for road trips and everyday use alike. 8. Advanced safety across the board Both hybrid models come with a comprehensive list of safety features, including electronic stability control. The Comfort offers six airbags, while the Elite adds a seventh, along with advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera. 9. Chery Tiggo Cross built for real-world practicality Despite its compact footprint, the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is a surprisingly practical SUV. The boot is spacious enough for weekly shopping trips or weekend away luggage, and the rear seats fold down to accommodate larger loads when needed. 10. Backed by a strong after-sales plan Every Cross HEV is backed by a five-year/150 000km warranty, 10-year/one-million km engine warranty, and five-year/60 000km service plan, providing peace of mind and long-term value.
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Hybrid Chery Tiggo Cross declares war on Toyota Corolla Cross
Massive undercut in price means that Toyota will have its hands full in fight against Chinese. We have said this several times before. Toyota have weathered the Chinese onslaught the best, with the Corolla Cross being one of their trump cards in this fight. But the Chery Tiggo Cross hybrid (HEV) has just landed locally and is going straight after the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV. It's not a fight anymore, it's an all-out war now! Aggressive pricing Chery have priced the Tiggo Cross HEV models at R439 900 for the Comfort and R469 900 for the top-of-the-range Elite. This massively undercuts the Toyota Corolla Cross XS HEV at R494 400, the XR R545 220 and the HEV GR-S at R561 700. Give or take a price difference of almost R100 000 is going to put the Toyota Corolla Cross under pressure. Especially in the more budget sensitive part of the market. Powering the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is a 1.5-litre engine which develops 71kW of power and 118Nm of torque in normal guise. Now add to this an electric motor powered by a 1.83kWh battery pack and the combined power jumps up to 150kW and 310Nm. This is sent to the front wheels by a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). It is more than enough to outgun the 90kW/142Nm Toyota Corolla Cross HEV on paper. Perhaps of even more importance, especially if you are talking savings, the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is claimed to return an average fuel consumption of 5.4 litres per 100km. The Chinese carmaker says this translates into a range of around 1 000km on a tank of fuel. The vehicle employs an intelligent start-stop system to further conserve fuel. Chery Tiggo Cross offers best of both worlds The Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is said to deliver the best of both worlds by eliminating range anxiety yet still delivering outstanding fuel efficiency. The vehicle's intelligent powertrain seamlessly switches between four operating modes: Pure Electric, Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid, and Energy Recovery. As to be expected, during low-speed city driving, the system prioritises pure electric mode to eliminate unneeded fuel consumption. ALSO READ: Gloves off as Chery Tiggo Cross hybrid shoots for Corolla Cross The Chery Tiggo Cross Comfort and Elite HEV get to ride on model specific 17-inch alloy wheels. But their comprehensive spec list aligns closely with the non-hybrid Comfort and Elite variants. This means you get the likes of automatic LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. Plus a tailgate spoiler, chrome-plated dual exhaust tips, and body-coloured exterior finishes. The Elite variant adds sports red-painted brake callipers, and an electrically operated sunroof. On the inside, the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV offers a soft-touch dashboard and black leather upholstery. Which, on the Elite, extends to the multi-function steering wheel. You also get a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with heating for passenger and driver. Ambient lighting, automatic wipers, two zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, second row air vents, and a 60/40 split rear bench are standard across both trims. ALSO READ: Toyota Corolla Cross leads uprise of new energy vehicles in Mzansi Packed with spec There is a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, and an infotainment touchscreen. The latter including Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Comfort gets a four-speaker sound system. The Elite receives a six-speaker unit, and but both trims gain a wireless mobile phone charger. The Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is also equipped with the latest safety features. These include items such as Traction Control, Emergency Brake Assist to dual front, front side, and side curtain airbags. The Comfort variant receives a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines. The Elite comes equipped with a host of electronic driver assistance features Chery Tiggo Cross HEV pricing Chery Tiggo Cross HEV Comfort – R439 900 Chery Tiggo Cross HEV Elite – R469 900 *Pricing includes a comprehensive five-year/150 000km warranty, 10-year/unlimited mileage (for first owner) battery warranty and five-year/60 000km service plan.
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.
