Spec-heavy, wallet-friendly
6
Spec-heavy, wallet-friendly
It’s no longer accurate to say Chinese cars are getting better. They have been getting better. At a rapid pace. Gone are the days of questionable build quality or unexpected surprises. One of the biggest hurdles these brands faced not too long ago was fuel consumption. Now, with electrification sweeping across the industry, the simple solution is hybridisation.
The Chery Tiggo 4 was already a strong contender as a feature-packed SUV that proved you don’t need a big budget to get big specs. But there’s a new name using that familiar silhouette, and it brings a fresh take on efficiency. It’s called the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV, and I’m driving it to find out whether the Chinese idea of hybridisation really works.
Circling the Tiggo Cross upon arrival, I quickly came to appreciate the look. It combines modern simplicity with a funky design that elevates the bar for a car priced under R500,000. However, hopping into the driver’s seat revealed the first of my issues. The seat squeaked against the centre console, and adjusting it to my normal driving position wasn’t a quiet affair. This squeaking continued as I crept over the speed bumps in my area, so as far as first impressions go, the squeak didn’t sit too well with me. But the week had just begun, and I was hyper-focused on this new hybrid system in the midst of all the squeaks.
Recently the larger Tiggo 8 PHEV, or CSH, massively impressed us with its efficiency, throttle response and power output, and now this tech has trickled its way into this Tiggo Cross in a smaller, mild-hybrid form. Straight away, the instant torque made itself known, delivering smooth, responsive performance while cruising through Fourways at lower speeds. It was instant and quiet, and all the more impressive considering it’s not a plug-in. It’s a 1.5-litre inline-4 paired with an advanced mild-hybrid system that offers 150kW and 310Nm which is plenty for darting around town.
The gearbox, though, proved intriguing since it sounded like a CVT while the delivery felt electric. It’s called a DHT, or Dedicated Hybrid Transmission, which is a fairly new innovation. Effectively it is a gearbox that balances the power from the engine and electric motor. In practice it feels like the vehicle is driving in full EV with the benefit of internal combustion for added charge and output. In turn, it forces the engine into the higher rev spectrum when you’re needing power for overtaking or highway driving. Naturally, it’s a noisy exercise. I found that at low speeds it works brilliantly, with instant torque off the line and a nippy and responsive feel that recharges the battery without a second thought. On the other hand, at highway speeds, there is a noticeable absence of power.
As for the Tiggo Cross chassis, it’s a familiar platform in handling and comfort characteristics, much like the Tiggo 4. In fact, it is an impressively comfortable ride. Only the steering did feel overly sensitive, with the smallest of inputs drastically changing the vehicle’s direction. Staying in the middle of the lane takes some getting used to, with minor, constant corrections, but it is something you get used to.
Working our way inside, the cabin space is tech-forward, with a good sound system and a digital driver’s display with plenty of driving information. The infotainment setup is broad, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities that are easy to set up and use, while I appreciated the more tactile controls for your aircon and volume settings. Strangely, when it came to steering wheel functions, I found the cruise control to be overly complicated. The speed controls are easy to locate, but engaging the function proved finicky.
Some aspects within the Tiggo Cross still need polish, but the price curbs any major concerns. This advanced hybrid technology with all the bells and whistles will set you back R469,900, which is impressively affordable for such a diversely specced car. It’s the one trump card which the Tiggo 4 held: you get everything for considerably less than the likes of the Toyota Corolla Cross and Suzuki Vitara hybrids. Both of these models come in at nearly R100k more for a hybridised drivetrain and a substantially less impressive interior. Even the Haval Jolion Pro HEV with a similar spec sheet comes in at R519,950, which is a lot more for a similar product.
At the end of the day, affordability looks more premium on the surface thanks to the Tiggo Cross. Yes, there remain a few refinement issues, but for the price, it’s hard to disagree that it’s a mighty competitive offering. It has the premium leather feel and technological touches that nobody can compete with for the price. It feels slightly rushed in its delivery, but only in the little things. It makes a strong argument for the compact Chinese offerings, and one that makes sense for the average road user who enjoys a plush day-to-day drive without the lavish monthly repayments.
Get TopGear SA news and reviews in your inbox
