Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0TGDI 390T Executive (2023) Review

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• Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0TGDI 390T Executive (2023) Review

Chery has stormed the local market and has introduced a full range of practical SUVs ranging from small crossovers to mid-size 7-seaters. The last entrant was the Tiggo 8 Pro which has now received a new addition. We tested the new Max model and this is what you will find inside this new model.

Interior & Space

Chery to the Max

Chinese automaker, Chery has come a long way since its introduction to South Africa over a decade ago. Gone are the poor-quality copy/paste machines that left many motorists disappointed. In their place comes a range of modern-looking and incredibly well-equipped range of crossover SUVs that have consumers lining up to get their hands on one.

The Chery Tiggo Pro range has the 4 Pro, 7 Pro and 8 Pro with the majority of these machines employing small turbocharged petrol engines to move them around. The vehicles are stylish, well built, and loaded with features as standard and the best part of all is they are very affordable. The latest addition to the 8 Pro lineup is the Max model which as you can guess is the flagship derivative and we got to spend a week putting this unit to the test

Styling 

At first glance, the Max model doesn’t appear to be any different from the rest of the 8 Pro lineup. It has a strong muscular profile that gives it an air of purpose. The reverse point grille and narrow LED headlights give the Tiggo an aggressive look. Privacy glass on the rear windows adds to the brawny look while the multispoke wheels and cladding trimmed arches give it an air of off-road worthiness.

The only way to really tell that this is a standalone model is the 390T and Max badging in red lettering on the rear tailgate. On the whole, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max is a good-looking vehicle and there are no offensive lines to speak of.

Space & Interior 

Your eyes do not deceive you, that is indeed a third row of seating. This is a full-sized 7-seater and while the 3rd row is meant for those of smaller stature there is actually quite a lot of space for a large family and their gear.

Seats are all covered with leather that is not as plush as you may find in a higher-value vehicle but is still very comfortable and there is a surprising amount of leg, shoulder and headroom. The full-length sunroof lets in plenty of light when open giving the interior a spacious airy feeling.

Comfort & Convenience 

With this being the flagship model it is loaded to the rafters with standard fitment. Cilmate control, USB and 12v outlets and an 8-speaker Sony sound system, wireless mobile phone charging and Adaptive Cruise Control, Ambient Lighting, Chery Voice Control, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an 8.0-inch touch screen that takes care of the aforementioned climate control.

Chery has upgraded the window glass to dampen exterior sound and the overall NVH levels are quite low with just the barest of wind noise coming from the wing mirrors.

Performance 

The Max derivative is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 187kW and 390Nm of torque which is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Performance and fuel consumption claims are bold, with 0-100km/h coming up in 7.3 seconds and fuel consumption rated at 7.0 L/100km.

Careful throttle management will yield quite an astounding drive as the powerplant really wakes up when you change the drive mode into its Sport setting. It is quite spritely in and around town but the obvious results will be seen at the fuel pumps.

Fuel Economy 

As it has been widely reported Chery’s consumption figures are somewhat lofty as there is just no possible way to achieve 7.0l/100km. Our combined cycle testing returned low 10’s at its absolute best. We do know why this is and it is mainly due to the factory programming in a wide fueling margin into the ECU to compensate for our altitude, climate, and perceived poor fuel quality.

This is not the end of the world though and a frugal driver could most likely get it down past 9.0l 100km if they tried.

Safety 

Along with the normal alphabet soup of ABS EBD and TSC, the 8 Pro Max gets an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that contains features such as Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control with Emergency Braking Assistance, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Monitoring. There is currently no NCAP rating but we can only assume it will be good due to the shopping list of safety equipment.

Price 

One of the best selling points of the entire Chery range is the affordability factor. The Chery range comes in significantly less than its closest competitors.

Everything that you need to know about the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro

Competitors 

In terms of size and standard equipment on offer, the Tiggo 8 Pro squares up against the Kia Sorento, Haval H6, and Hyundai Santa Fe but beats all contenders in the price stakes.

Verdict 

We have made no secret of our admiration for what Chery has accomplished in such a short time. The vehicles are top-notch, prices are reasonable and they are growing every month with new dealerships opening all the time. We do like the engine upgrade in this flagship unit almost as much as the features inside. We highly recommend taking one of these for a test drive if you are in the market for a price-competitive 7-seater crossover SUV.

 Lawrence MinnieLawrence has been involved with motorsports for almost 30 years. Whether it's two wheels or four, if it has an engine, he will try to race it. This love of motor vehicles has led him to ride, drive, film, photograph, and write about his passion. Freelance for a while but now a permanent fixture on the AutoTrader team for over 7 years, Lawrence contributes written, photographic, and video content for AutoTrader and AutoTrader Bikes.View News & Reviews

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Keyword: Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0TGDI 390T Executive (2023) Review