In many families, the middle child is often neglected or ignored. I have a very strong feeling that this is not going to be the case with the new Chery Tiggo7 Pro.
Slotting in between the previously launched Tiggo 4 and Tiggo 8 models, I think that the 7 could just be the sweet spot overall. Offering far more space and specification than little brother, it doesn't offer the 7 seater convenience of big brother.
Powered by the same 1.5l 4 cylinder turbopetrol engine as the Tiggo4, the figures of 108kW and 210Nm provide good performance with plenty in reserve for overtaking when required. The 9 speed (step) CVT automatic transmission drives the front wheels. In general driving it's unobtrusive and really doesn't feel like a CVT but rather a conventional torque convertor automatic.
Our test vehicle was the top specification Executive version , the lower Distinction has the same powertrain and transmission. Executive adds ADAS safety systems that include Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking and extra airbags to take the count to 6. Personally, I can never emphasize the value of safety equipment enough and that would make the Executive an automatic choice for me. Bank manager permitting of course. A panoramic sunroof and 360 degree camera system are also part of the package.
All versions include blind-spot warning and cross traffic warning. Items like a 10.25" infotainment screen, wireless charging pad, cooled central storage bin and artificial leather trim are standard.
On the road, the Tiggo7 is smooth, comfortable and effortless which perfectly suits the family SUV type vehicle.
Fuel consumption has been a concern with the Chery models to date. A complaint that I have noted with other models is that it’s not straightforward to reset the onboard computer. The vehicle arrived with only 1600km on the clock and was showing a figure of 9.9l/100km. After covering around 400km on the test, the overall figure was showing 9.0l/100km so my mix of urban and freeway driving averaged far less than this figure. It has also been noted by many owners of the Tiggo 4 and 8 models that fuel consumption reduces drastically after the first 5000km service.
With pricing of R409 900 and R444 900, this is also right in the middle of the pricing scales of Tiggo4 and Tiggo8. Including are the 5 year/ 60 000km service plan and 5 year/ 150 000km warranty that extends to 10 years/ 1 MILLION km for the first owner.
Alan Rosenmeyer: MotorMatters www.motormatters.co.za
