You might have noticed local dealerships now offering Omoda and Jaecoo brands – now they’re going to be joined by the parent company, Chery.
The first Chery-badged car to launch in the UK is the Tiggo 8. It’s nothing to do with Winnie The Pooh; instead it’s a three-row, seven-seat SUV with a plug-in hybrid engine.
The styling is reminiscent of Ford and Audi, which should give it a good start in the UK. Up front, there’s a wide, tall grille and modern-looking headlights, while the rear end features an LED lightbar to join the brake light clusters.
Set to use a similar powertrain to the Jaecoo 7 SVS, the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid – to give it its full name – promises a 745-mile total range, including a 56-mile electric range. That puts it in contention with some of the longest-range plug-in hybrids on the market.
The Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is one of a growing number of PHEVs to be able to fast-charge at a DC public charger, as well as slower AC charging, such as from a home wallbox or a rare Type 2 destination charger. Plug in to a 50kW motorway charger and the battery will be back at 80% in under half an hour.
There are two electric motors and a 1.5-litre petrol engine, with a combined total output of 204hp.
Chery calls the Tiggo 8 a ‘5+2’ seater, suggesting that the third row is best used for occasional uses and may not fit adults in.
As we’ve seen from a number of recent Chinese car brands, the interior features two large screens and plenty of technology – highlights are said to include a 12-speaker Sony sound system, wireless phone connectivity, adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and a panoramic sunroof.
The Tiggo 8 comes with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, which matches offerings from Jaecoo, Omoda and Kia – so you might soon see it on our list of the best cars with long warranties.
Prices and specs are due in the next few weeks, with customer deliveries starting before the end of the summer.
Shop used 7-seater cars and used plug-in hybrid cars for sale at Motorpoint, all with warranty cover as standard.
