Is Chery Auto Philippines going to launch their very own hybrid SUV? That may be the case based on teasers posted by the Chinese auto brand the past few weeks (check out their posts below).
Heading to what could be its Philippine market debut at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) from April 7 to 10, 2022 is the Tiggo 8 Pro. If that’s the case it’ll be the third member of Chery’s “Tiggo Pro” family following the Tiggo 7 Pro and the Tiggo 2 Pro.
Just this March, Chery Auto International did confirm the arrival of the Tiggo 8 Pro. Quoting their official press release:
Next, Chery will also introduce Tiggo 8 Pro and other models to Ecuador, Costa Rica, the Philippines, and other American and Asian markets, bringing Pro power, Pro technology and Pro safety, as well as high-quality driving experience to consumers around the world.
Moreover, it was spotted being tested on Philippine roads.
The Tiggo 8 Pro is the latest product from Chery Auto’s Global Chief of Design, Kevin Rice. The Brit was formerly employed by Mazda as well as BMW. Now, curiously, Chery Auto Philippines is very proud of the Tiggo 8 Pro’s color palette (they even have a social media contest promoting it), and this could signify that the Nebula Purple hue might be available for the Philippine market along with the more usual hues of Pearl White, Titanium Gray, Mercury Gray, and Rhine Blue.
So far, the Tiggo 8 Pro launched elsewhere carries one engine variant and that’s a 1.6-liter turbocharged direct-injected engine making 197 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque. This is then mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic enabling the 7-seater SUV to achieve a 0 to 100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds, and fuel efficiency up to 14.7 km/L. In so far as possible powertrain choices, this is the most likely.
Having said that, in the series of Chery Auto Philippines’ teasers, one in particular stood one; that one contained the caption, “Electrify your spirit.” Now, the caption could simply be referring to the Tiggo 8 Pro’s electronic shifter but it could also signify that the 7-seater SUV could be made available with some sort of gasoline-hybrid technology.
Checking the Tiggo 8 Pro’s Chinese domestic market line-up reveals that one powertrain does fit that description. This drivetrain pairs the brand’s tried-and-tested 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system to deliver a peak 171 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. Power is then routed to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox. If the Tiggo 8 Pro goes this route, then for sure, the Geely Okavango would be its direct competitor.
In other markets, the Tiggo 8 Pro carries not just the usual myriad of technology features (digital gauges, panoramic sunroof), but also comes with advanced driver aids such as autonomous emergency braking with pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. So far, Chery Auto Philippines hasn’t confirmed if these features would be made available locally, but if they are, they’d be the first Chinese automaker to offer them.
Whatever the case, expect Chery Auto Philippines to reveal the full specs and details at MIAS. The show opens from April 7 to 10, 2022 at the World Trade Center.
Keyword: Is Chery Auto Philippines Going To Launch A Hybrid SUV At MIAS?