When Chery first entered the South African market their cars were a bit rough, they didn't sell well and just seemed to be years behind the competitors. Chery went away and I’m not sure what they did but when they came back everything had changed. Not only are their cars good to look at, they are packed with features and in some areas well ahead of the competition. We got behind the wheel of the Flagship Tiggo 8 pro Max recently to see what it is like.
It is worth noting, before we dive into the vehicle that Chery has made it onto the top 10 sales list here in South Africa. An achievement accomplished in just over a year of being active in SA as a standalone entity. This is testament to their vehicles and perhaps the economy which has seen customers flock to new, more affordable brands that are packed with features. So, the newcomer then.
From the outside the Tiggo8 Pro MAX continues that muscular yet stately design. We particularly like the front design which features a large grille with a new brushed aluminium surround, slim headlights with LED technology. The Tiggo8 is a relatively large car, in fact it is a 7-seater of which only the Volkswagen Tiguan All-Space shares the same seating capacity within the segment. The rear features sportier looking tail lights and quad-exhaust pipes for a more performance orientated look.
The rear gets revised clear taillights with LED technology and there are four tailpipes on each end of the bumper. We would have however liked to see a set of sportier rims to further differentiate it from the standard Tiggo8 Pro.
The Chery Tiggo8 Pro is as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside. Step inside and you are greeted by a plush interior full of soft-touch materials, large screens and ample space. The fascia is visually appealing and relatively minimal in its construction. Climate control functions are controlled via a centre console 8 inch touchscreen. Then you get the usual high-definition touchscreen infotainment system which measures around 10.25” is mounted atop the dashboard. It offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as various other vehicle control functions.
The third screen is the digital instrument cluster, measuring in at 12.3 inches it adds to the overall tech-fest. Other niceties include voice control, an 8-speaker Sony audio system, 360-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors, plus auto wipers and LED headlamps with daytime running lights.
As the top-spec model, the Tiggo8 Pro Max gets comfortable 4-way electrically adjustable front seats. The headrests even fold in to add extra support, even the rear features these fancy headrests. There’s a panoramic sunroof and 3rd-row ventilation controls. All seats feature a quilted pattern which adds further appeal to the interior. Perhaps paddle shifters and contrasting stitching could add to the sporty appeal but that is our personal opinion.
From a safety point of view, this Executive model offers items such as Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent High-beam Control, Blind Spot Monitoring , Front Collision Warning , emergency Brake Override System, as well as a Door-Open Warning and Prevention system.
The standard Tiggo8 Pro is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo petrol motor but this Max model features a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol motor. This 4-cylinder turbocharged engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that has been sourced from the German manufacturer, Getrag. Power is rated at 187kW and 390Nm and drive is sent to the front wheels. The configuration is decent, sure, there is a bit of uptake on initial pull-away but once on the move the drivetrain blends well.
When you need to exploit all of its performance the Chery Tiggo8 is all but eager to oblige. It’s pretty quick and offers various driving modes to suit the occasion. We however found Comfort mode the best.
Some drawbacks do exist though. It could be that our car was fresh off the transport and had 200km on the clock when we got behind the wheel but it is thirsty. We tried our utmost best to crack below 9l/100km and failed. This vehicle will sit at around 10l/100km and fuel just doesn't seem to last very long, no matter how economically you try and drive. It is a pity but one which is made up for when you consider the overall package and how much it costs.
One of the biggest alluring aspects of this car is the price. R629 900 (at the time of testing) is what you can expect to pay for this feature-packed 7-seater. It is impressive that they have managed to bring the vehicle to market at that price, with all of the features that it has. It is well below the entry cost of many of its competitors and in that regard should be on your list when shopping in this segment.
Also worth a look: the Chery Tiggo Cross: A Value-Packed Contender with Premium As and the Chery's Remarkable Achievements in 2023 and future ambitions.
FAQ
Q: What does the Chery Tiggo8 Pro Max cost in South Africa?
The Chery Tiggo8 Pro Max is priced at R629,900 in South Africa, making it one of the most affordable seven-seater SUVs in its segment with premium features included.
Q: Is the Chery Tiggo8 Pro Max worth buying?
Yes, the Tiggo8 Pro Max offers exceptional value with its seven-seater configuration, premium interior materials, advanced tech features, and comprehensive warranty, all for significantly less than established German competitors.
Q: How many seats does the Chery Tiggo8 Pro Max have?
The Chery Tiggo8 Pro Max is a proper seven-seater SUV, making it one of only two vehicles in its segment alongside the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace to offer this seating configuration.
Q: What engine does the Chery Tiggo8 Pro Max use?
The Tiggo8 Pro Max comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 145kW of power and 290Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Q: Does the Chery Tiggo8 Pro Max come with a warranty?
Yes, Chery offers a comprehensive five-year or 150,000km warranty on the Tiggo8 Pro Max, plus a five-year or 60,000km service plan for added peace of mind.
Should You Buy It?
The best seven-seater SUV under R650,000 in South Africa is absolutely the Chery Tiggo8 Pro Max at R629,900. This is a proper family hauler that doesn't compromise on luxury or tech, offering soft-touch materials, dual screens, LED lighting, and genuine space for seven adults. While Chery's reputation in SA started rocky, this vehicle proves they've done their homework and returned with a winner. The five-year warranty and service plan sweetens the deal considerably. Sure, it's not a BMW X7, but for families needing space, features, and reliability without the premium badge tax, the Tiggo8 Pro Max is a brilliant buy that'll have you wondering why you'd spend double on anything else.
