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The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro entry-level crossover SUV arrived in Mzansi in 2021 when the brand of Chinese origins re-entered the market and it immediately became a hit in Mzansi by contesting in a segment where the likes of the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Magnite and now-defunct Ford EcoSport live.
Speaking of being a hit, Chery sold more than 10,000 units of the Tiggo 4 Pro in less than 11 months since it went on sale in November 2021.
In May this year, the brand achieved its best sales performance yet with 1,101 units of the Tiggo 4 Pro range sold in Mzansi, thus making it one of the best-selling crossover SUVs for that month and despite offering a wide range of standard features that customers would often pay extra for in other manufacturers, having acceptable road manners, and selling in buckets, its biggest letdown was its CVT transmission.
Sure, like all typical CVTs, the one fitted in the Tiggo 4 Pro exhibited a groaning nature, especially at reef altitude when immediate acceleration was needed and this had a significant impact on the car’s fuel consumption but a good thing though, Chery has added the 6-speed DCT transmission to address the issue and to ensure that the Tiggo 4 Pro continues to charm its way into the garages of Mzansi’s discerning drivers. This raises the question: Does the newly introduced transmission enhance the vehicle’s performance while optimising fuel economy? We find out.
In this review, while our primary focus remains on the newly introduced 6-speed DCT transmission, it is noteworthy to mention that Chery has also refined the Tiggo 4 Pro’s interior, thanks to a redesigned centre console featuring a split-level design, a 15W wireless charging pad—albeit positioned somewhat low within the lower tier—and improved graphics for the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The overall quality of the interior remains the same as the CVT-equipped models, featuring thoughtful details such as contrast stitching, faux leather on the seats, and a gloss black finish on the centre console, but it’s worth mentioning that during the test period, we observed fine scratches on the panel adjacent to the gear selector which might upset owners, especially those who prioritise spotless interior finishes.
The biggest change here and the reason for this review is the adoption of a 6-speed DCT transmission that is matched with the same 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 108kW and 210Nm. With all the power directed to the front wheels, the overall driving experience has taken a toll for the better, courtesy of the smooth-shifting DCT gearbox and gone is the typical droning nature associated with CVTs and while, for the most part, the new transmission smoothly shifts cogs, it tends to linger in the first gear for longer than it should, especially when pulling off from a stop yet it showcased strong pulling power once past that, making overtaking maneuvers effortless.
Another aspect we feel Chery could improve on is the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal. Finding the right balance of pressure, especially when starting from a standstill, can be challenging which results in a rather aggressive acceleration prowess. Also, the vehicle tends to roll backwards on a hill after coasting to a stop with auto stop/start activated. This behaviour can be especially noticeable in urban traffic or hilly terrain.
In and around town, where the Tiggo 4 Pro will likely be driven, it showcased acceptable road manners accompanied by a relatively quiet and comfortable interior cabin once on the open road.
When it comes to fuel consumption, there is great improvement. When we drove the Tiggo 4 Pro in 2021, our fuel consumption figures hovered between 8l/100km and 8.9l/100km which was high for a car of this calibre, however, this particular unit averaged 7.7l/100km which is a notable improvement over the CVT variant.
The Tiggo 4 Pro commands a price tag of R415,900 which is R7,000 more than what Chery asks for its Elite SE variant with a CVT gearbox. Like the entire range, it comes with a 5-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, a 10-year/1-million km warranty on the engine, and a 5-year/60,000km service plan.
The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro remains a robust contender in the compact SUV segment, delivering substantial value at a competitive price point. Its sleek design, contemporary features, and practicality position it as an enticing choice for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on style or equipment.
It’s a known fact especially in SA that, while Chinese products are popular among the local communities, concerns about quality persist. However, during our visit to its headquarters in China, Wuhu, a few months ago, the brand’s executives assured us that it’s making concerted efforts to alter this narrative.
That aside, the Tiggo 4 Pro’s compelling value proposition is further supported by its improved transmission, and enhanced features - a strategic move by the marque to demonstrate its proactive approach to continuous improvement and as we look ahead, we expect things to continue getting better from here.
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