Chery has introduced a new entry-level model to its Tiggo 7 Pro Max range in South Africa, bringing down the crossover’s price by R30,000.
The Max series has been a big contributor to Chery’s local success, and buyers can now pick up the most affordable Premium model for R499,900.
This is a mere R300 less than the top-spec version of the country’s best-selling passenger car, the Toyota Corolla Cross GR-Sport.
Considering that the two vehicles play similar roles in their respective line-ups and have a near-identical asking price, a comparison is only natural to see which one offers better bang for your buck in the current motoring landscape.
Powertrains
Chery’s creation runs on a 1.6-litre, turbocharged petrol engine which produces a total of 145kW and 290Nm
A seven-speed automatic gearbox feeds drive to the front wheels, and it has an average fuel consumption of 7.0l/100km.
The Toyota, in contrast, uses a larger 1.8-litre, naturally-aspirated motor but has a lower output of 103kW and 172Nm on account of the lack of forced induction.
It is also front-wheel drive but features a less desirable CVT transmission, with its main benefit being a slightly lower fuel consumption of 6.8l/100km.
Features
Looking at the equipment found on both the Chery and Toyota, buyers can expect automatic LED headlights and daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, a multifunction steering wheel, leather upholstery, hill assist, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, ABS, stability control, and an infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Items unique to the Tiggo 7 Pro include a 24.6-inch curved dual display for the driver and media, onboard navigation, an eight-speaker Sony stereo, cruise control, a full-sized spare wheel, and four airbags.
In contrast, the Corolla Cross comes with a six-speaker sound system, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a multi-info driver’s display, front parking sensors, lane-trace assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a space-saver spare wheel, and seven airbags.
It’s also worth noting that the Max and GR-Sport have cosmetic details not seen on their standard counterparts, with both benefitting from a two-tone exterior with a black roof and sportier wheels and bumpers.
The Chery has a more distinctive front end with blue accents under the headlights, while the Toyota boasts a black-and-red interior with Gazoo Racing branding on items like the push-start button.
Pricing
The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max 1.6TGDI 290T Premium has a South African starting price of R499,900.
Each purchase carries a 5-year/150,000km warranty, a 10-year/1-million kilometre drivetrain warranty, and a 5-year/60,000km service plan.
The Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-Sport has a local starting price of R500,200.
This includes a 3-year/100,000km warranty, and a 6-service/90,000km service plan.
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max
Toyota Corolla Cross GR-Sport
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