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

Chery has officially launched the facelifted Tiggo 7 in South Africa, giving the SUV a fresh look and an expanded list of features.

Interestingly, the facelifted Tiggo 7 has dropped the “Pro” suffix seen on Chery’s other vehicles, and it appears it will be sold as a separate model, as both the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 7 Pro are currently listed on the company’s website.

Like the Tiggo Cross, which is an updated version of the Tiggo 4 Pro, the new Tiggo 7 will give customers the most up-to-date version of the car, while the older Tiggo 7 Pro will hang around as a more affordable alternative.

The new Tiggo 7 is available in three specifications with prices starting at R429,900, while the Tiggo 7 Pro starts at R389,900.

The facelift also does not apply to the more powerful Tiggo 7 Pro Max units or the Tiggo 7 CSH (Chery Super Hybrid) model introduced in late June.

Engines

The base model, known as the Prime, is fitted with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

This is the same powertrain found on the Tiggo 4 Pro and the Tiggo 7 Pro, which produces 108kW and 210Nm.

It is linked to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch (DCT) automatic gearbox, resulting in an average fuel consumption of 6.9l/100km.

Upgrading to either the mid-range Prestige or the top-end Legacy will grant access to a more powerful 1.6-litre turbo – the same block used by the Tiggo 7 Pro Max.

This raises the power output to 145kW and 290Nm, though its fuel consumption is slightly higher at 7.2l/100km.

Notably, the 1.6-litre models also have a seven-speed DCT instead of the six-speed box found on the Prime.

Features

Visually, the Tiggo 7 differentiates itself from the older Tiggo 7 Pro with a new diamond-effect grille, a more prominent front bumper, and an updated set of LED headlights.

The vertical daytime running lights below the headlights have also been removed, giving the SUV a cleaner appearance.

The entry-level Prime comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, electric side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, a multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, and six speakers.

The dashboard is dominated by a dual-screen setup consisting of two 12.3-inch monitors for the driver and infotainment systems.

The touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Chery’s Intelligent Voice Command.

It also features safety and driving aids such as cruise control, traction control, tyre pressure monitoring, parking sensors, a rearview camera, and four airbags.

The Prestige will then throw in larger 19-inch alloys, a 540-degree camera, faux leather upholstery, a six-way electronically adjustable driver’s seat, ambient lighting blind-spot detection, a door opening warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The flagship Legacy, meanwhile, offers heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, an electric tailgate, an eight-speaker Sony stereo, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, emergency lane keeping, intelligent headlamp control, and traffic jam assist.

Boot space clocks in at 565 litres, which can be expanded to 1,396 litres by folding down the rear seats.

Pricing

The South African pricing for the Chery Tiggo 7 range is as follows:

• Chery Tiggo 7 1.5T Prime – R429,900 (New)
• Chery Tiggo 7 1.6T Prestige – R499,900 (New)
• Chery Tiggo 7 1.6T Legacy – R549,900 (New)
• Chery Tiggo 7 1.5T CSH Plug-In Hybrid Plus – R599,900
• Chery Tiggo 7 1.5T CSH Plug-In Hybrid Ultra – R679,900

All Tiggo 7 models come standard with a 5-year/150,000km warranty, a 5-year/60,000km service plan, and a 10-year/1-million kilometre powertrain warranty valid for the first owner.

The engine warranty can be transferred to a second owner on the condition that the vehicle is bought from a Chery pre-owned dealership.