New Chery plug-in hybrid SUVs showcase all-terrain capabilities in China as Australian launch looms
Chery has showcased the capabilities and design of two key plug-in hybrid SUVs – the 2024 Chery Tiggo 7 PRO e+ and Tiggo 8 PRO e+ – which are both a strong chance to be launched in Australia next year.
The Chinese car-maker, which has plans to rapidly expand its model range Down Under beyond the 2023 Chery Omoda 5 small SUV, set up a challenging course on the sidelines of the recent Shanghai motor show to demonstrate the performance and all-terrain credentials of the mid-size Tiggo 7 PRO e+ and the larger three-row Tiggo 8 PRO e+.
The PHEVs use a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that combines with two electric motors for a total system output of 180kW/510Nm.
A 19kWh battery pack enables an all-electric driving range of up to 100km, according to Chery.
A series of ramps, moguls and other obstacles were set up in Shanghai to demonstrate the PHEVs’ capabilities over rough terrain, with Chery emphasising the ample torque of the e-motors which aid low-speed manoeuvring and regenerative braking.
A three-gear “11-speed-ratio” direct hybrid transmission sends power to all four wheels via the on-demand 4WD system, which can also operate in 2WD depending on the driving environment and the drive mode selected (there are nine in total).
Chery says the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace-sized Tiggo 8 PRO e+ will launch from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds and cover almost 1000km on a full tank and charge, 75km of which is provided solely by the battery.
Standard equipment highlights on the top-spec seven-seater includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.5-inch infotainment screen, 8.0-inch climate control interface, 360-degree camera, eight-speaker Sony sound system, ambient lighting and a panoramic roof.
The Tiggo 7 PRO e+ features an integrated dual-screen arrangement spanning 24.6 inches from corner to corner, a powered tailgate and wireless phone charging.
Both PHEVs are still to be confirmed for Australia, but are likely to follow their combustion-engined counterparts that are due in local showrooms by the end of this year.
A harder-core ‘J Series’ Jeep rival is also in the pipeline.
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Keyword: 2024 Chery Tiggo 7 and 8 PHEVs ready to roll