NEW TIGGO 8 expands Chery European presence

With an increasing amount of new Chinese manufacturers launching cars across Europe it’s no surprise that we’re constantly seeing names that are unfamiliar on our roads. CHERY Automobile designs, engineers and develops much of its technology in-house and although they are independent brands is also the parent company of Jaecoo and Omoda. Jaecoo in particular has made a big presence on UK roads. Chery confirmed late last year that its first seven-seat SUV would go on sale with prices starting from €32,776/£28,545.

The company continues to expands its European dealer network, and with the launch of the TIGGO 8 there are two main powertrain options: a 147hp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 204hp 1.5-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid (PHEV), known as “Super Hybrid”. The PHEV offers around 90km/56 miles of electric-only range. There are two high‑specification trims – Aspire and Summit – and a diverse colour range including Reef Blue and Forest Green.

In 1.6-litre Turbocharged petrol form the 100kph/62 mph benchmark is reached in an acceptable 9.8 seconds with a top speed of 190kph/118 mph. Meanwhile, the Super Hybrid – the plug-in hybrid model with both self-charging and fast charging capabilities – offers a total range of 745 miles, including 90km/56 EV-only miles, and is capable of a 0-100kph/62 mph time of just 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of 180kph/112 mph.

Two interior trims – Aspire and Summit – feature lots of USB sockets for all occupants, a 6 way power adjustable driver seat, heated seats, ergonomic controls, panoramic sunroof, hands-free automatic tailgate, air conditioning vents for second and third row seats (something often overlooked in large family SUVs) plus an upgraded 12-speaker SONY audio system.

Both trims feature 15.6-inch Quad HD central console display, multi-function steering wheel, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. With the top-line Summit specification lumbar and electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated seats, with passenger massage function in the front row, and heated outer second row seating, alongside a head-up display is standard.

Priced from €32,776/£28,545 for the 1.6-litre TDGI and from €38,517/£33,545 OTR for the Super Hybrid, both variants have a 7-year/161,000km/100,000-mile warranty, with unlimited mileage in the first 3 years. The TIGGO 8 Super Hybrid will have an 8-year/161,000km/100,000-mile battery warranty.

During January to September last year, Chery sold 145,000 vehicles in Europe, more than doubling its sales compared to the same period last year. I suspect we’ll be seeing more this year as they continue to grow their presence.