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There's an ever-growing interest in bigger family cars and SUVs, which is ironic as there is also a demand for downsizing engines and creating more economical vehicles. This has brought with it a new generation of large cars with smaller engines, and most mainstream manufacturers have become rather good at producing cars to meet this demand.
However, there is a brand which is rapidly gaining traction as they, too, have mastered the production of these vehicles. The aspect that is sparking a debate around this brand is how much more affordable they are. Yet they still provide you with decent quality, good comfort and up-to-the-minute technology.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is the largest SUV from Chery, and I am impressed. Initially, I didn't think much of the brand, but the more I asked around, the more I found that people enjoy these cars. So I was looking forward to testing one out for myself.
Styling highlights include the Tiggo 8 Pro's LED headlights with integrated turn signals, which look sleek. Also, using plastic around the wheel arches is typically a touch I am not fond of. However, Chery has done an excellent job of blending the harsh plastic trim with the rest of the body in an almost unnoticeable way. That could be due to the dark colour of the car's Rhine Blue paint, which is pleasantly understated.
The interior of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Distinction is likely its second most favourable selling point after its price. It comes with uniquely designed pleather seats with the Chery logo imprinted. The dash is quaint yet stylish, and the infotainment system is impressive – at least when considering the capital outlay. It has a 10.25" multi-media display, delivering a high-quality resolution and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The infotainment system is easy to use and adds to the sleek aesthetic inside the cabin.
The 8 Pro comes with a huge panoramic sunroof that allows plenty of natural light into the cabin. With seven seats and a moveable middle row, chances are all your passengers will find a comfortable seating position. The parking assists are also helpful with immediate feedback regarding the car's surroundings, especially the 360-degree view camera.
Lastly, the gloss plastic on the centre console somewhat detracts from the cabin feel, leaving steaks and fingerprints at even the lightest touch.
So, one of the first things I experienced in this car, although it is a large seven-seater SUV, is that it packs a decent punch. It is responsive and provides you with more than enough power. The Chery Tiggo 8 comes with a 1.6-litre TGDI turbo engine which produces 145 kW and 290 Nm. Sure, it doesn't seem like much on paper, but it's punchy, to say the least. However, I found one issue with this power: the throttle is rather excited. Its turbo lag is by no means in the realm of annoying, but when the boost builds, there is a fine line between 50% and 100% of throttle application. Once you get used to this sprightful action, it is manageable; however, it can catch you off guard.
The ride quality in this SUV is also one of its more robust features. It sits effortlessly on the highway and battles the poorer roads with surprising ease, with very little in the way of noise and rattles. It is also surprisingly quiet, which put a smile on my face as I wasn't expecting such a pleasant driving experience.
The Tiggo 8 Pro Distinction is a bargain at R496,900, which is considerably more affordable than competitors like the Volkswagen Tiguan, which only starts at R619,900 and the Kia Sportage at R593,995. The Tiggo 8 Pro comes with a 5-year/60,000 km service plan and a 5-year/150,000 km warranty. Chery is so confident in its engine application that it offers a 10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty which tackles the reliability questions.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Distinction is a phenomenal car for the price; it comes packed with tech and features like the infotainment system, panoramic sunroof and driver assists for nearly R100,000 less than its closest competitor. Chery still needs to establish a name for itself as it's still fresh-faced in the SA motoring space. It is, however, well on its way. It is a good-quality family SUV with plenty of power and enough tech to impress even the most demanding buyer.
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