The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro: A New Competitor in the Australian SUV Market
The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro has arrived in Australia, following the success of its predecessor, the Tiggo 5. This new SUV enters the highly competitive midsize SUV segment, going head-to-head with popular models like the Toyota RAV4. Chery is determined to make a mark in Australia after leaving the market in 2015.
A Familiar Design with a Fresh Facelift
While the Tiggo 7 Pro has been around for about three years globally, it is all-new for Australia. The design is handsome, with no offensive elements. However, upon closer inspection, you can see the influences of other car makers. The SUV is offered in three variants in Australia, starting with the base model “Urban” and progressing to the mid-spec “Elite,” ultimately leading to the flagship “Ultimate” version. The entire range is priced from $39,990 drive away, slightly undercutting its main competitor, the Toyota RAV4.
An Impressive Exterior
The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro boasts a stylish exterior, especially the ultimate version, which features 19-inch wheels. The lower two grades come with 18-inch wheels. All variants are equipped with intelligent LED headlights, an attractive Diamond patent Grill, and the option of a two-tone paint effect for the elite and ultimate high-speed versions.
So far, Chery seems to be on the right track with their offerings.
A Competitive Price Point
The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro may be a budget-friendly option, but it does not compromise on quality. Priced similarly to the Toyota RAV4, it is clear that Chery wants to establish itself as a serious contender in the market. The exterior design and overall build of the Tiggo 7 Pro suggest that it should not be dismissed as a cheap alternative.
Interior Features
The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2023 offers a reasonably conventional interior with a lot of added extras that buyers expect. Even the base Urban version comes with impressive features such as a dual 12.3in digital display, dual-zone climate control, fake leather upholstery, and a full-size panoramic roof. The overall ambience is pleasant, although it lacks in innovative design. However, the fake carbon fiber effect on the dash adds a touch of premium feel. The build quality is solid, and there are minimal cheap plastics used in the interior. Most surfaces are soft touch, giving a sense of luxury. The infotainment system is fully featured and includes proprietary satinav, natural voice recognition, and Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The controls are conventional and logical, but Cherry has made the frustrating decision to integrate many of the HVAC controls into the touchscreen, which can be distracting.
Trim Levels
The baseline version of the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro offers many of the aforementioned features. However, upgrading to the elite version adds several nice enhancements. The elite version includes a 360-degree camera, an air quality management system, a powered tailgate, and other smaller details. Aside from these additions, the base and mid-spec versions remain largely identical. The elite version comes at an additional cost of $2000, which is a reasonable step up from the base Urban trim.
Interior Features
The top SP Ultimate version of the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2023 offers a few additional features compared to the mid-range model. It includes ventilated and receip, which adds to the overall comfort and convenience. However, the question arises whether the 4 grand price difference between the two versions is justified, as there aren’t many other notable differences.
Moving on to the back seat, there’s nothing particularly surprising here. However, the panoramic roof is a standout feature that allows plenty of natural light to flood in. This is great news for the kids, as they will love the airy ambiance it creates. The quality extends from the front to the back of the car, with well-designed door trims and back seats that are nicely stitched with trim details. Conveniences such as rear air vents, a USB port, a cubby, and a fold-down armrest with two cup holders are all present. In terms of space, the midsize SUV offers ample headroom and knee room, making it a comfortable ride for passengers in the second row.
Cargo Space
Moving on to the boot, the higher-grade versions of the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2023 come with an electric towergate. This feature opens up to reveal a generous 626 liters of storage space. With the 60/40 split fold rear bench, the cargo capacity increases to a commendable 1672 liters. Additionally, Chery deserves credit for including a full-sized spare alloy wheel, measuring 18 inches. This ensures peace of mind for drivers, knowing they have a reliable spare tire on hand.
Performance
All three variants of the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2023 are equipped with the same 1.6-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine. This engine delivers a respectable power output of 137 kW and a torque of 235 Nm. While these figures are commendable, they aren’t exceptionally high compared to the standards of small SUVs today. Nonetheless, the Tiggo 7 Pro offers a fine balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for daily driving and occasional adventures.
In conclusion, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2023 is an affordable SUV that offers a range of features and capabilities. Its interior is well-designed, with comfortable seats and convenient amenities. The ample cargo space and inclusion of a full-sized spare wheel are noteworthy. While the performance figures may not be groundbreaking, they still provide a satisfying driving experience. Overall, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2023 is a compelling option for budget-conscious SUV buyers.
Powertrain and Performance
The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2023 comes equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which sets it apart from other SUVs that typically have a conventional torque converter. While the lower-grade models are front-wheel drive, you’ll need to opt for the ultimate version to enjoy the benefits of all-wheel drive.
The engine and dual clutch work together relatively well, providing a decent performance overall. However, there are moments when it can feel a bit unsettled and jumpy, especially when maneuvering around town or driving at low speeds. Once you get going, though, the ride becomes smooth and surprisingly quiet. There’s ample power under the hood to give the vehicle a brisk acceleration.
When fully loaded with passengers and luggage, the Tiggo 7 Pro doesn’t seem to lack torque. Chery claims that the front-wheel drive variants have a fuel consumption of 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers combined. However, during the Australian launch, where we tested the all-wheel drive model, it seems to consume around 9.4 liters per 100 kilometers. While not terrible, it does fall short of the mid to high sevens promised by Chery.
Driving Experience
In terms of the powertrain, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is rather unremarkable and workmanlike, but it does its job well enough. One notable aspect is the light and airy feeling that it provides, which is likely to please many drivers. The steering, although lacking in feedback, is cooperative and easy to handle, making parking a breeze. It’s light and direct, without the grumpy quirks found in its smaller stablemate, the Oto 5.
Driving Experience
The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2023 offers two options when it comes to its drivetrain: the front wheel drive version or the all wheel drive version. Although this SUV is not built for off-road adventures, it begs the question whether it is worth splurging on the all wheel drive variant. Opting for the front wheel drive option may not provide an exhilarating drive, but it does offer a relaxing and comfortable experience. The vehicle has done a great job in suppressing noise, vibration, and harshness, resulting in a pleasant ride quality. On the smooth roads of the launch program, the Tiggo 7 Pro performed well. However, it remains to be seen how it handles sharp speeds, humps, or potholes, which have been a sore point for some of Chery’s older models.
Safety Features
Safety is always a top concern for any potential SUV buyer. The OTA 5, a predecessor of the Tiggo 7 Pro, has been rated with an impressive five-star safety rating. Cherry is aiming for the same achievement with the Tiggo 7 Pro. Equipped with eight airbags and 18 different driver and assistant systems, this SUV is determined to provide a safe driving experience. It is important for the Tiggo 7 Pro to achieve a high safety rating if it wants to be taken seriously as a mainstream family vehicle.
Ownership Costs
One of the major factors to consider when purchasing a vehicle is the cost of ownership. The Tiggo 7 Pro comes with a price tag of $280 per year for the first 5 years of servicing. This may seem reasonable, considering that it is covered by a generous 7-year unlimited kilometer warranty. However, it is worth noting that the Tiggo 7 Pro requires the use of 95 RON premium fuel. This is something to consider when calculating the overall cost of owning this SUV.
Improvements Over Previous Models
Cherry has come a long way since its earlier days of pedaling woeful J-branded models a decade ago. The Tiggo 7 Pro is a definite improvement over its predecessor, the OTA 5. The exterior design is appealing, and the size is just right. However, one area where the OTA 5 fell short was its on-road dynamics. Fortunately, the Tiggo 7 Pro seems to have addressed this issue and promises a better driving experience.
In conclusion, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2023 is a cheap and cheerful SUV worth considering if you are in the market for an affordable family vehicle. It provides a comfortable and relaxing drive, with ample safety features to ensure peace of mind. Although it requires a specific type of fuel and there may be some skepticism due to Chery’s past models, the Tiggo 7 Pro shows promising improvements and is a step in the right direction for the brand.
Loaded with Features and Safety Improvements
The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2023 range has a lot to offer when it comes to features and safety improvements. The brand has addressed many of the safety shortcomings that haunted them in the past, providing buyers with more peace of mind on the road. With a warranty of 7 years, this SUV offers an enticing entry price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Reasonable Running Costs
In addition to its impressive features, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2023 also boasts reasonable running costs. This makes it a practical choice for those looking for a reliable SUV that won’t break the bank. Its fuel efficiency and low maintenance requirements ensure that owners can enjoy their SUV without worrying about excessive expenses.
Lacks Originality and Electric Options
Despite its strengths, one major criticism of the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2023 is its lack of originality. It doesn’t bring anything groundbreaking or unique to the midsize SUV segment. This might be disappointing for buyers who are looking for a more distinctive and standout vehicle.
Furthermore, unlike some of its rivals, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2023 is only available in a petrol-powered version. This means that there is no option for those who prefer electrified vehicles. With the increasing popularity of electric cars, it is unfortunate that Chery hasn’t incorporated this option into their lineup.
A Welcome Addition to the Midsize SUV Market
While the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2023 may not be exceptionally original or remarkable, it does provide an added choice to the ever-growing midsize SUV market. With its affordable price point and decent features, it can certainly attract buyers who are on the hunt for a cheap and cheerful SUV.
In conclusion, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2023 brings a range of features and safety improvements, making it a worthy option for budget-conscious buyers. However, its lack of originality and absence of electrified options may be a downside for some. Ultimately, it adds to the variety of choices in the midsize SUV market, giving consumers more options to consider.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is an exciting addition to the Australian SUV market. Despite its low price point, it offers a stylish design and competitive features. Chery is focused on reestablishing its presence in Australia and the Tiggo 7 Pro represents a step in the right direction. With its impressive exterior and attractive price, this SUV is certainly worth considering for budget-conscious buyers.
The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2023 presents itself as a cheap and cheerful SUV option in the market. While its powertrain may not be extraordinary, it delivers adequate performance and a pleasant driving experience. The dual-clutch transmission adds a touch of modernity, and the all-wheel drive option ensures better traction in various conditions. Overall, it’s a practical choice for those seeking a budget-friendly SUV without compromising too much on quality and features.
