Analysis of the Chery Tiggo 8 PRO, a Chinese SUV that leaves no doubt

2023-06-09T11:02:42.900Z

Highlights: The Chery Tiggo 8 PRO is an elegant and well-behaved SUV. The finishes have nothing to envy to models of high-end manufacturers. The soundproofing is one of the highest points. The weather stripping on the doors prevents noise from leaking into the wind or from outside. It is powered by an efficient 1.6-liter gasoline, turbocharged engine, which delivers 186 horsepower from 5,500 laps. Its commercial launch is scheduled for next month, although the presale is already available for $ 54,056.

Space for 7 passengers and an unprecedented evolution in quality, technology and mechanics.

The evolution of the Chinese auto industry over the past 10 years has been astounding. There is practically nothing left of those models of dubious quality and mechanics, with designs "borrowed" from other brands and basic comfort.

Unlike other brands such as Baic, Haval or Geely, which arrived at the end of the last decade with a more sophisticated letter of introduction, Chery started well from the bottom and much earlier than any other; in 2008 to be more precise.

The landing was precisely with the Tiggo, which from that first generation assembled in Uruguay to the current Tiggo 4 PRO seems to have an abyss. In the middle passed, first, other models such as the Face (also from Carrasco), QQ, Skin and Fulwin; and then Tiggo 3, Tiggo 5, Tiggo 2 and Tiggo 4, in that order.

The first model of the brand in the country with driving assistance systems. Photo Maxi Failla

It could be said that despite the evolution of its models, Chery took the big leap from 2022 when it eliminated cars from its portfolio to centralize its strategy in SUVs and present the new PRO family whose flagship is the newcomer Tiggo 8, the first model of the brand in our country with driving assistance systems, Three rows of seats and automatic transmission of double pack.

Its commercial launch is scheduled for next month, although the presale is already available for $ 54,056 which, as clarified from the brand, are pesifiable to the official exchange value ($ 13,622,112, at the close of this edition). The problem is that not all concessionaires (if any) respect that policy.

Under "official conditions" the Chery Tiggo 8 PRO is the most accessible model in its class, followed by the Peugeot 5008 GT Tiptronic ($14,712,100), the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace ($16,671,050) and the Jeep Commander ($66,500).

The grille is the main feature of the aesthetic DNA of the Tiggo PRO family. Photo Maxi Failla

Superior quality

The Chery Tiggo 8 PRO is an elegant and well-behaved SUV, with a very well achieved figure that inspires solidity, quality and class. The finishes have nothing to envy to models of high-end manufacturers; It has subtle chrome details and a large glazed surface that enhances the feeling of habitability.

Other distinctive elements are the two active exhaust outlets (one at each end), the 18-inch diamond wheels and the imposing grille that is the primary gene of the PRO family.

Inside the perception is even higher. The level of quality and finish is really very good from the weatherstripping of the doors and the injected plastics of the entire front plate to the door coverings, the details in gray wood imitation and the aluminum inserts.

Interior of very good quality and materials pleasant to the touch. The two 12.3" screens (dashboard and console) stand out. Photo Maxi Failla

All this in a digital environment composed of two large 12.3-inch screens for the dashboard and the infotainment system, plus another smaller one to operate the bi-zone climate control by touch.

The quality of the screen of the multimedia system deserves a separate paragraph for the quality of the graphics and the sharpness with which it projects the different views of the vehicle (in 2D, 3D, front, rear and 360°). From there it is possible to operate the functions of smartphones (Android Auto and Apple Car Play), although the response to touch is the only point to improve.

The soundproofing is one of the highest points. The weather stripping on the doors prevents noise from leaking into the wind or from outside, while the engine is also very well insulated.

Touch screen of the bi-zone climate control. Photo Maxi Failla

On the same level is the interior space, which offers good amplitude for arms and legs both in the front and intermediate square. The third row, as in this type of vehicle, is reserved for children or people of small build. The access and exit is not very comfortable and is achieved by retracting the backrest of the seat of the second row.

Expected premiere

The Tiggo 8 PRO also takes the laurels in mechanics. It is powered by an efficient 1.6-liter, turbocharged gasoline engine, which delivers 186 horsepower from 5,500 laps. It is a propeller that perhaps does not have great explosiveness from below, but that begins to push with energy from 2,200 revolutions.

As we anticipated, the great novelty is that instead of the classic CVT transmission that accompanied and accompanies the rest of the Tiggo family, this SUV has a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that allows ride comfort to be noticeable.

It brings an unprecedented seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Photo Maxi Failla

The dynamic behavior is consistent with the robustness that transmits its image. On cobblestones or irregular surfaces the work of independent suspensions is remarkable. The poise it delivers en route gives a remarkable sense of security.

The only uncomfortable moment we notice is when crossing a surface with more marked irregularities, where the blow does accuse a more.

The equipment is very high, especially in safety and driving assistance, composed of adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping system, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot radars, among others.

With all seven seats in use, trunk capacity is reduced from 892 to 193 litres. Photo Maxi Failla