Details firm for Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max

A BIGGER Chery is about to drop in the Tiggo 8 Pro Max, a large three row seven-seat SUV due in a month or so. No pricing has been announced for the good-looking newcomer available in two- or all-wheel drive format coming out of China.

It will compete directly with the petrol powered GWM Tank 300 (a 4x4) priced from $46,990 drive-away and the LDV D90 2WD from $38,937 drive-away which is probably the most direct competitor spec for spec.

To mix metaphors nothing else on price is within a bull’s roar of these models comparing apples with apples so it wouldn’t surprise the new Tiggo 8 is pitched at this level.

The company expects adequate stock of the Tiggo 8 Pro Max to fulfil pre-orders starting in May.

The stylish and well-equipped model joins Chery’s existing range starting with the Omoda 5 and Omoda 5 GT next month, the Tiggo 7 Pro medium SUV and sometime down the track, an electric e-Omoda compact crossover.

Chery has been able to tempt some three million buyers into the Tiggo family in 80 different countries since the nameplate’s introduction.

We will get three versions of the 8: Urban, Elite and Ultimate offering a range of features that give the driver and passengers what Chery describes as “a first-class experience.”

All models come equipped with Chery’s most powerful petrol engine to date, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit, producing 180kW and 375Nm the mill driving through seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Claimed fuel consumption combined is 8.1 litres per 100km for the 2WD, more for the AWD. The vehicle has an un-braked tow rating of 750kg, 1300kg braked.

It is Chery Australia’s largest model measuring 4720mm long, 1860mm wide and 1705mm high, with a 2710mm wheelbase. With a third row of seats, luggage capacity is 117 litres (VDA) when all seven seats increasing to 479 litres with the third row folded.

Taking a closer look at what’s on offer here we find the entry level Urban has dual 12.3-inch multi-media screens, ambient lighting, air purifying system, plus heated and ventilated front seats.

Also included (on this entry model) are 18-inch alloy wheels, 18 advanced driver assistance systems, native sat-nav, black synthetic leather seats, three drive modes, ‘Hello Chery’ voice command, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, ambient interior lighting, LED head and tail-lights.

Over the Urban, the mid-spec Elite gains a power tailgate, heated exterior mirrors, built-in dash cam, third row air vents with fan speed control, illuminated ‘Tiggo’ door sills and a retractable cargo blind.

To this, the top of the range Ultimate adds AWD, 19-inch alloy wheels, a fragrance system, puddle laps, panoramic sunroof, optional brown synthetic leather seats, a 10-speaker Sony sound system and privacy glass.

In terms of safety, the new Chery scores a comprehensive list of active and passive safety features, including front, front side and centre, rear side, driver knee and side curtain airbags complementing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) integrating 18 kinds of advanced driving assistance functions such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping assistance.

It will be available in eight including: Lunar White, Star Silver, Rhine Blue, Loran Violet, Mercurial Grey, Technical Grey, Aurora Green and Space Black.

“We are excited to introduce the Tiggo 8 Pro Max to the market, representing the next evolution of Chery's commitment to delivering outstanding vehicles," said Chery Australia managing director Lucas Harris.

“The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max with its combination of luxury, performance, and advanced features we believe will provide drivers with excellent value and a truly extraordinary driving experience.”

The new Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max will be covered by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with included capped-price servicing and roadside assistance.

Pricing is expected to be announced closer to the model’s local launch.