Photos by KAMARUL ARIFFIN
THE Chery Tiggo 8 Pro comes fully loaded with high-tech features and performance usually reserved for vehicles priced at a segment above.
As the other member of Chery’s two sports utility vehicle (SUV) model introduction in Malaysia last year, the Tiggo 8 Pro offers family-like vibes compared with the slicker-looking Omoda 5 which caters to a younger crowd.
Priced at RM159,800 without insurance, the Tiggo 8 Pro seems to offer a value-for-money proposition in its seven-seater SUV segment.
A quick read of the features and specifications list reveals this SUV is loaded to the brim with top-notch comfort features and safety technology.
But it was only when we got on the road with it, that we became quite taken by its charming cocktail of premium appointments, abundant power, smooth handling and ride quality which strikes a good balance between firm sportiness and comfort.
The Tiggo 8 Pro competes with the likes of the Proton X90, Toyota Innova Zenix, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, Peugeot 5008 and Nissan X-Trail.
The look and feel of its brown leather-clad cabin, replete with faux wood, polished metallic surfaces, soft touch materials and Burmester-styled audio speaker covers, is on par with premium and luxury cars which costs double or more its price tag.
The first two rows, fitted with aviation-inspired, adjustable wraparound headrests – are among the most comfortable seat cushions we have experienced in any vehicle.
There’s a lot of muscle here, with a 256hp/390Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injected engine mated to a smooth and responsive seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Fitted with Cooper Evolution CTT tyres sized 235/50 R19, the front-wheel drive Tiggo 8 Pro is a gratifyingly quick sprinter on long, straight roads and does the century sprint in 8.4 seconds, onwards to a top speed of 200kph.
On the twisty stretches of the Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (DASH), the Tiggo 8 Pro tackled curves capably at speed, with minimal body roll as we hurried to our destination.
Its electronic power steering (EPS) is light and accurate, although as with many EPS, there is a sort of detached feel.
While the ride quality leans towards the firm and sporty side, road bumps and irregularities are still well absorbed and for us, motoring comfort levels was always more than decent.
The all-round disc brake set-up works well for progressive stopping power, and it did not take long for us to get used to the slightly longer brake pedal travel.
We drove in Eco mode most of the time, which delivered an enjoyable mix of relaxed motoring on township roads and ample power on tap whenever we need more speed on highways.
Other drive modes are Normal and Sport, selected via a dial on the centre console (next to the gear shift lever).
In Sport mode, the Tiggo 8 Pro turns into a feisty beast which holds the gears for longer and downshifts more eagerly.
Fuel consumption for the 1,711kg (kerb weight) SUV, which has a 57-litre fuel tank, is rated by Chery Automobile at 7.4 litres per 100km but we never achieved anywhere near that, with our impatient driving habits.
The Tiggo 8 Pro is billed as fitted with thicker sound-dampening glass, and we found cabin noise insulation to be quite impressive which made the music playback from the 8-speaker Sony Premium audio system even more enjoyable.
Chery engineers definitely did a great job regarding NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) control, and engine noise was always quite muffled despite our heavy-footed driving style.
As for its exterior design, the Tiggo 8 Pro easily stands out on the road with its sleek and athletic silhouette, large and striking three-dimensional grille featuring chrome “stars in a black sky”, and slim LED automatic headlamps.
Quad tailpipes also add to its sporty exterior appeal.
Our tester unit came with optional electric side steps (costs RM2,999) which automatically extend out when doors are opened – very useful for getting into and out of the car.
As you approach the car with the key fob, its side mirrors swing out, LED lights switch on, doors unlock and in low-light conditions, the ground on both sides of the car is illuminated by a TIGGO logo thanks to projector lights on the side mirrors.
The car door projector lights and optional electric side steps are features seen on some premium and luxury European cars, and just underline how Chery threw the kitchen sink into the Tiggo 8 Pro.
We won’t dwell too much on the numerous premium features here, as the list is quite lengthy.
The dashboard is dominated by a large 24.6-inch one-piece dual screen, consisting of a touchscreen for vehicle settings and infotainment functions, and another screen behind the steering wheel for vehicle and driving data.
Starting a drive in the Tiggo 8 Pro is a seamless and premium experience – get into the car, the dual screen comes to life, welcoming us with a short animated display and dramatic music.
The infotainment system is activated automatically, and Android Auto (wireless) connects quickly to our Samsung smartphone.
Step on the brake, and press the engine start-stop button – air-conditioning turns on automatically, and the driver’s seat (with memory) slides into the preferred position.
Fasten the seat belt, pull down the space-saving short gear lever into D, release the electric parking brake and drive.
Parking this three-row SUV is also made easy with the rear view camera (with dynamic guide lines) and 540-degree HD panoramic camera system.
Regarding cabin space, the first two rows offer ample room but 1.7-metre adults will find headroom in the third row to be a tad tight, even with the seats fully reclined.
Rear cargo capacity is 193 litres (all seats up) and this can be expanded to 1,179 litres (third row seats folded down) and 2,101 litres (all rear seats folded down).
According to Chery Auto Malaysia, the company delivered more than 4,500 units in the last four months of 2023 with over 80% consisting of the Omoda 5, and the Tiggo 8 Pro making up the balance.
That’s a remarkable achievement in a short span of time for a car marque which officially re-launched in the country in July last year.
The Tiggo 8 Pro offers a premium ambiance and power at a much more accessible price tag, and brings serious competition to more established car marques locally.
SPECIFICATIONS
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro
Engine: 1,998cc turbocharged petrol direct-injection
Maximum power: 187kW/256hp at 5,500rpm
Maximum torque: 390Nm at 2,000 to 4,000rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed DCT dual-clutch gearbox
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive with Eco/Normal/Sport modes
Fuel tank capacity: 57 litres
Fuel consumption (combined): 7.4 l/100km
Suspension: Front Macpherson struts; rear longitudinal towing-arm independent
Features: Electronic power steering – tilt and telescopic, electric parking brake (EPB with auto hold), 19-inch wheels, 8 speakers with Sony Premium audio, rear view camera (with dynamic guides), rear and front parking sensors, LED automatic headlamps with daytime running lamps (DRLs), LED tail lamps, roof rails, powered front seats with ventilation and heating, driver seat with memory settings, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, third-row independent air-conditioning, push-start button, keyless entry (remote engine start with cooling cabin), hands-free power tailgate, electric panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade, 24.6-inch dual screen, Apple Carplay and Android Auto (wireless), voice assist function, 50W wireless charger, 2 USB-A ports and 2 USB-C ports, optional electric side steps (RM2,999)
Safety features: Nine airbags, all-round disc brakes, Brake Assist and Brake Override, electronic stability programme (ESP), traction control, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Advanced safety features: Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping System (LKS), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA), Front Collision Warning (FCW) with Vehicle Identification, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Intelligent High-beam Control Headlamp (IHC), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), 540-degree HD Panoramic Camera
Warranty: Seven years or 150,000km warranty (whichever is first) on engine and transmission, 3 years or 60,000km warranty (whichever is first) on engine and compartment, chassis and undercarriage, electronic components; 5 years free service
Extended warranty option: RM2,000 for 10 years warranty (up to 1 million km)
Price: RM159,800 on the road without insurance
