New Models / 23 June 2025 / Michael Taylor

Chery launches the most affordable hybrid SUV in South Africa – Pricing and features

Chery has officially launched the new Tiggo Cross Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) in South Africa.

The CSH is the first hybrid model from the Chinese automaker to make an appearance in our market, adding to the Tiggo Cross series that made its debut in late 2024.

The hybrid is available in two specifications based on the existing Comfort and Elite trim levels, and prices start at R439,900.

This makes the Tiggo Cross CSH the most affordable hybrid in the country, undercutting the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV by R54,500.

Engine

The CSH uses a non-turbocharged version of the 1.5-litre petrol engine found in the regular Tiggo Cross, which produces 71kW and 118Nm.

The engine is aided by an electric motor and a small 1.83kWh battery, which raises the total output to an impressive 150kW and 310Nm.

As a reference, the turbocharged Tiggo Cross generates 108kW and 210Nm, meaning the hybrid is substantially more powerful.

The new models are front-wheel-drive and make use of a dedicated hybrid transmission intended to smoothly deliver power to the tarmac.

It has four driving modes – Pure Electric, Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid, and Energy Recovery – which it automatically switches between depending on the car’s speed.

The hybrid also benefits from an intelligent Stop/Start to minimize fuel usage while idle.

Chery claims that the hybrid has a combined fuel consumption of 5.4l/100km, which gives it a range of 1,000km on a single tank.

In comparison, the standard SUV averages 7.2l/100km, which allows it to travel 708km on its 51-litre tank.

Features

Like the standard models, the new hybrids come standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, vertical daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, a sporty tailgate spoiler, a chrome-plated dual exhaust, and a studded front grille.

The Elite is also fitted with red brake calipers and an electronically-operated sunroof.

The interior features black leather upholstery, a soft-touch dashboard, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, a wireless phone charger, four speakers, a multifunction steering wheel, and keyless start.

There are two 10.25-inch screens for the driver and infotainment systems, the latter of which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Elite adds to this with a leather steering wheel, a six-way electronically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and two more speakers.

On the safety front, both versions offer cruise control, traction control, emergency brake assist, hill descent control, brake assist, parking sensors, a rearview camera with guidelines, and dual front, front side, and side curtain airbags.

Anyone who picks up the Elite can also expect adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, blind-spot detection, door opening warning, front collision warning, high beam control, lane change assist, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic jam assist, and an improved camera with a 360-degree field of view.