The flood of cut-price Chinese language automobiles continues with the Tiggo 7 Professional, a five-seat mid-sized SUV concentrating on huge names such because the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan X-Path.
VALUE
As with every newcomer, providing extra for much less is a key a part of the enchantment of the Tiggo 7.
It’s obtainable in three flavours and we’ve examined the entry-level City right here.
Priced from $39,990 drive-away, it’s within the meat of the medium SUV phase, however the checklist of apparatus trounces many huge gamers.
There are 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, imitation leather-based trim, heated and powered entrance seats, wi-fi cellphone charging and twin curved 12.3-inch screens incorporating wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There’s additionally some carbon-look trim, high quality plastics and silver highlights to strengthen the up-market really feel.
Impressively, it additionally comes with a full-size spare wheel, though one omission is digital radio tuning.
COMFORT
It’s clear Chery is making an attempt to impress with consideration to element, though typically it’s misplaced. The 15 seconds of welcome music whenever you first sit inside is excessive.
You’ll be able to choose between three very completely different layouts for the display screen, every of which modifications the look markedly. In any mode, although, there’s the occasional frustration; alter the air circulate, for instance, and the AC show quickly takes over the display screen.
We additionally had Apple CarPlay fail to activate typically, forcing a dive into the menus to reconnect it manually.
The system needs to speak at you for some features, together with when altering drive modes. The warnings of not concentrating are additionally sometimes overeager.
However the entrance seats have mounted headrests for a sporty look and again it up with assist in the suitable locations.
A tall centre console up entrance homes a deep storage bin in addition to an open space beneath its most important floating part.
These within the rear have nice headroom and foot area, so even adults may have little to bitch about. There are air vents and a single USB-C for devices.
The tall boot does and not using a baggage cowl however has a good flat area together with 60/40 split-fold performance.
SAFETY
The Tiggo has eight airbags and a prolonged checklist of driver help tech that features blind-spot warning, speed-sign recognition, auto braking in ahead and reverse, rear cross-traffic alert and a driver monitoring system. If you happen to open a door when parked it’ll warn you to automobiles approaching from behind.
Regardless of ticking all of the packing containers, there are points with the way it works.
The lane-departure system can turn into confused over lane markings and sometimes jerks the steering wheel. It’s disconcerting and on suburban roads requires further focus.
DRIVING
Getting the Tiggo 7’s wheels turning requires some finesse, because the seven-speed transmission will be grabby when partaking. Convincing the stubby digital gear shifter to land on the suitable spot will also be an train in frustration, requiring a definite press of the button, a foot on the brake and a optimistic shift motion.
The spongy suspension means it’s straightforward to set off a chirp from the within entrance wheel in the event you’re too enthusiastic taking off. The Atlas tyres additionally don’t encourage a lot confidence within the moist, both.
A 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo delivers 137kW/275Nm and does a good job. But it surely takes a second to get up earlier than delivering respectable thrust.
Gasoline use is nothing particular, both. The official declare is 9.3 litres per 100km of premium unleaded, nevertheless it’s straightforward to make use of greater than that.
ALTERNATIVES
GWM Haval H6, from $37,990 drive-away
Filled with gear for the cash however sub-par driver help methods and dynamics let down the keen engine.
Kia Sportage SX auto, from about $41,500 drive-away
Spacious physique and stable checklist of ordinary gear backed up by nice driving dynamics. The two.0-litre engine is underwhelming.
MG HS Essence, from $38,990 drive-away
Lacks the bling of brisker rivals however makes up for it with sharp pricing. Modest 1.5-litre engine will be coarse.
VERDICT
Three stars
Presents properly and mounts a stable worth argument however the shine dulls out on the street.
QUICK GLANCE
Chery Tiggo 7 Professional City
PRICE From $39,990 drive-away
WARRANTY/SERVICE Seven years, 150,000km, $1400 for 5 years/75,000km
SAFETY Eight airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep help, rear cross-traffic alert, rear auto braking, driver monitoring, exit warning, speed-sign recognition, little one presence detection
ENGINE 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo, 137kW/275Nm
THIRST 9.3L/100km
BOOT 626 litres