Chery Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 Super Hybrids now in New Zealand

Chery Motor has introduced its Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid models to the New Zealand market. 

Both Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) SUVs are said to offer a combined driving range of up to 1200km and deliver elements of electric and hybrid motoring.

The Tiggo 7 will be available in two variants: Urban and Ultimate. Pricing starts from $42,990 plus on-road costs for the Urban model , which Chery says makes it one of the most affordable plug-in hybrid SUVs in the New Zealand market.

The Tiggo 8 Ultimate is priced from $51,990 plus on-road costs.

“We’re excited to announce our Super hybrid models, which deliver advanced technology, outstanding efficiency, and premium features all at an accessible price point,” Chery Australia and New Zealand chief operating officer Lucas Harris says. 

With this model, we’re not just offering a new powertrain option, we’re making cutting-edge hybrid performance a realistic choice for more buyers,” he says.

Hybrid System

Both the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 feature a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine which produces 105kW/215Nm, while a single electric motor provides 150kW and 310Nm of torque. All power is sent to the front wheels via a single-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).

The system offers four driving modes: pure electric, series, parallel, and energy recovery. Drivers can operate in pure electric for city commutes and achieve efficient fuel consumption at higher speeds in hybrid mode.

The Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery in both models has a capacity of 18.3kWh. The Tiggo 7 offers up to 93km of pure electric range , while the Tiggo 8 provides up to 95km. 

Both can be charged from 30-80 per cent at up to 40kW on a DC fast charger in 20 minutes. Above 30 per cent charge, the CSH models can run as a pure EV up to speeds of 120km/h. In hybrid mode, the two units work together to achieve a potential driving range up to 1200km.

Design and features

The Tiggo 8 Ultimate features Chery’s diamond point grille, 19-inch alloy wheels, power retractable door handles, and LED head and tail-lights. Inside, it offers a cabin with synthetic leather seats, a 10-speaker sound system, a 10.25-inch LCD driver instrument cluster, and a 15.6-inch LCD infotainment touchscreen. 

Other features include a Head Up Display (HUD) , heated and ventilated front seats , a panoramic sunroof , and intelligent voice command (“Hello Chery”). The Tiggo 8 also features a 6-way powered driver’s seat with massage function and illuminated scuff plates.

The two Tiggo 7 grades on offer also feature Chery’s diamond-style front grille, as well as slender LED headlamp clusters, and integrated taillights. The interior includes a 12.3-inch twin-screen digital dash, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, and an eight-speaker Sony stereo system in the Ultimate variant. 

The “Hello Chery” voice-control feature allows drivers to operate functions such as opening the sunroof or adjusting the climate. 

The Urban grade includes 18-inch Alloy Wheels , Reversing Camera , Synthetic Leather Seats , Acoustic Glass Windscreen , 6 Speaker Sound System, 12.3-inch LCD Driver Instrument Cluster , 12.3-inch LCD Infotainment Touchscreen , Apple Carplay and Android Auto (Wired + Wireless) , 6-Way Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat , LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) , and LED Taillights and Headlights (Projector Type). 

Stepping up to the Ultimate grade adds a Panoramic Sunroof, Colour Selectable Ambient Lighting, Heated and Ventilated Front Seats, Driver Seat with Memory Function, Puddle Lights, Privacy Glass, and a 360-degree Around View Monitor.

Safety

Both models include a range of active and passive safety features. The Tiggo 8 CSH includes nine airbags , while the Tiggo 7 CSH features eight, including front, front side and centre, driver knee and side curtain airbags. Both SUVs are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) which include adaptive cruise control (ACC), autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and lane keeping assistance (LKA).

Both the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 models are supported by Chery’s seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, which includes up to seven years of roadside assistance.