Chery isn’t wasting any time breaking into the UK market, following up the launch of its Jaecoo and Omoda-branded cars, comes the new seven-seater Tiggo 7. Prices start at £24,995 for the petrol and £29,995 for the plug-in hybrid, making it one of the most affordable Qashqai-sized family SUVs.
It’s a busy market, though, so does the Chery Tiggo 7 offer enough in the real world to tempt you away from more established names? Here’s what you need to know about the latest value SUV hitting UK dealerships this summer.
What’s it like inside?
Chery is keen to impress with its cabin credentials. Every Tiggo 7 gets what the firm calls ‘comfort seats’, covered in synthetic leather, plus a curved dual-screen setup with a pair of 12.3-inch displays stretching across the dash. It looks well equipped for the money, with wireless charging, a six- or eight-speaker Sony stereo (depending on spec), and dual-zone climate control.
Front and rear parking sensors add to the equipment tally, what looks like ample rear legroom, and a generously sized boot (626 litres with the rear seats up and 1,620 with them folded), which puts in the same area as much more expensive models, such as the Skoda Karoq and Hyundai Tucson.
What models and trims are available?
Buyers get a choice of two engines: a 1.6-litre turbo petrol with 147hp and 275Nm torque or a plug-in hybrid promising a claimed 56-mile electric driving range and a headline WLTP total of 745 miles with a fully-charged battery and topped-up fuel tank (expect less in the real world). Both come with front-wheel drive and an automatic transmission – no four-wheel drive here.
As for trims, the range starts with Aspire. Even that comes with a leather-trimmed steering wheel, adaptive cruise, a quality sound system and those dual screens as standard.
Choose the Summit version and you’ll bag a heated steering wheel, puddle lamps and an upgraded eight-speaker system. All models come with a seven-year/100,000 mile warranty, while the hybrid adds an eight-year battery cover.
What this means for you
Chery is aiming to undercut the usual suspects by piling on value and kit. If you’re time-poor and want a family car that’s easy to buy, easy to own and has plenty of tech for the cash, the Tiggo 7 ticks those boxes, plus the hybrid version promises low running costs, especially for company car drivers thanks to low CO2 emissions.
The Chery name might be unknown right now, but if you want a chunk of car for your money and aren’t worried about what’s on the bonnet, there’s a lot to like potentially. We’ll drive it soon to see if the quality lives up to the spec sheet, but if you’re looking for a no-nonsense, high-value family SUV, the Tiggo 7 deserves a look if only for bangs for your bucks.
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