Cheaper Chery Tiggo 7 launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

Chery has launched a new model for the Tiggo 7, the Distinction Dark Edition, with exclusive styling in the local market.

Its arrival makes it the cheapest Tiggo 7 in the line-up by around R15,000, but not quite as affordable as the Tiggo 7 Pro, which is still R25,000 less than the new model.

The Distinction Dark Edition slots in between the Tiggo 7 Pro and the rest of the Tiggo 7 range, thanks to its R415,900 price tag.

“The Dark Edition gives the Tiggo 7 Distinction a stronger individual character while adding equipment that customers will appreciate every day,” explained Verene Petersen, National Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa.

“The introduction of seven airbags and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission strengthens the overall package without moving the vehicle away from its value-focused positioning.”

Features

The seven-seat SUV received a blacked-out exterior treatment, including a dark-finished grille, window surrounds, 18-inch alloy wheels, and rear privacy glass.

It also allows buyers to choose from four exterior finishes, including Khaki White, Carbon Black, Phantom Grey, and Black-and-White two-tone.

Inside, the darker theme continues with black faux-leather upholstery, darker detailing, and a faux-leather multifunction steering wheel.

The rest of the trim remains unchanged, and the new model features the same dimensions, load capacity and storage as the existing Tiggo 7 Distinction trimline.

The Dark Edition is fitted with a curved dual-screen display that combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment system.

This system supports Apple CarPlay and voice commands, with sounds delivered through a six-speaker audio system.

Drivers can also enjoy the convenience of keyless entry, one-button start and dual-zone climate control, while the Dark Edition gains a power tailgate with smart-key operation.

Significant upgrades have been made to the SUV’s safety specifications, as the Dark Edition features seven airbags, including curtain airbags – an increase from the four in the previous Distinction.

Its passive-safety package features a high-strength safety cage incorporating hot-stamped steel, tyre-pressure monitoring, an anti-theft alarm, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines.

Powertrain

The Distinction Dark Edition is fitted with the familiar Chery 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, producing 108kW and 210Nm.

However, unlike the continuously variable transmission (CVT) previously used in the Distinction, the Dark Edition is fitted with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission sending power to the front wheels.

This configuration is good for a combined fuel consumption of 6.9l/100 km on the WLTP cycle, allowing a driving range of up to 739km, thanks to its 51-litre fuel tank.

Pricing

Prices for the entire Chery Tiggo 7 range in South Africa are as follows:

• Chery Tiggo 7 Distinction Dark Edition – R415,900 [NEW]
• Chery Tiggo 7 1.5T Prime – R429,900
• Chery Tiggo 7 1.5T Executive – R457,900
• Chery Tiggo 7 1.6T Prestige – R499,900
• Chery Tiggo 7 1.6T Legacy – R549,900
• Chery Tiggo 7 1.5T CSH Plug-In Hybrid Plus – R619,900
• Chery Tiggo 7 1.5T CSH Plug-In Hybrid Ultra – R679,900

These models are covered by a five-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and a five-year/75,000km service plan. The first owner also receives Chery’s 10-year/1 million km engine warranty,