South Africa is the first right hand market where the Tiggo 8 Pro launched, but having experienced its smaller sibling, I expected quality.
However, this extremely spacious front wheel driven SUV delivers impressive responsiveness with only a 1600cc engine, that generates 145 kW and 290 Nm matched with a slick seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Minimal levels of wind and road noise, when overtaking effortlessly at full blast hints at superb levels of insulation and a rigid body structure. We tried all three driving modes (Standard, Eco, Sport) and enjoyed the electric power steering system feedback.
Even the entry level SUV comes standard with just about everything imaginable and competes with far more expensive cars in its segment, which will no doubt cause some disruption in our market.
Tony Liu, the Executive Deputy General Manager of Chery South Africa, explained their first-class travel analogy, where you don’t anticipate hidden costs, no surprise bills, and luxury is a given. A rather sensitive point to car buyers who increasingly resist paying for long lists of extras. Unfortunately, the moment you sell your car those extras are not factored into your resale value.
Pricing ranges from R496 900 to R546 900 and includes five years of road-side assistance, as well as a five-year or 150 000km warranty, which automatically extends to 10-years or 1 000 000 km if the car remains in the original owner’s name. Rather unique, I’d say.
By Rubin van Niekerk – Editor, Gay Pages and President of the South African Guild of Mobility (Motoring) Journalists
