AS Chery Auto Malaysia, steps up its presence in Malaysia, we managed to sample its latest offering at its home base in Wuhu, China recently.
Meet the Tiggo 9 PHEV – a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for the full-sized D-segment sports utility vehicle (SUV) which promises a wealth of upmarket inclusions.
Introduced recently during the Beijing Auto Show (2024), this particular SUV will also serve as the base for Jaecoo’s incoming larger J8 SUV.
Under the hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injected engine, producing a total systems output of 238hp and 385Nm of torque.
With an Aisin eight-speed automatic transmission to manage power delivery, it can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 4.5 seconds when the 165kW electric motor kicks in.
The electric motor uses a 3DHT– 3 (for the number of physical gears) Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.
In terms of fuel economy, its range is touted to be more than 1,200km (WLTC).
With the showing of the Tiggo 9 PHEV during the autoshow, it was noted that its official market launch in China is expected to be in the fourth-quarter of this year.
With the use of Chery’s “Conquer” exterior theme, this seven-seater rolls on with 20-inch multi-spoke wheels while sporting full-LED headlights, pop-out door handles and a large grille.
Inside, the seats are held together by special three-dimensional stitches for the dual-tone beige and blue leather upholstery that help to enhance that upmarket appeal.
Meanwhile, a 15.6-inch 2.5K HD screen that will power the Sony sound system resides prominently at the centre of dashboard that’s accented by large brushed aluminium inserts.
Along with the powered front seats is the thick flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel with touch buttons.
However, no paddles-shifters have been provided but there will be a wireless charging pad and a roundel that allows drivers to select a plethora of driving modes for on and off-roading.
Also included are “boss” seat controls, moon roof, a plush headrest for the front passenger and a headrest with integrated speakers for the driver.
Out on a closed circuit, the Tiggo 9 PHEV was put through a quick lane change exercise which connects to a figure-eight before ending with a slalom and a separate high-speed brake test
While carrying a few curious and potential dealers, the Tiggo 9 PHEV was gentle off the line at full-throttle.
The initial thought was that the SUV might have a problem with the added weight, but that notion was quickly quashed as soon as it entered the mind.
A strong surge soon followed as the SUV gained speed quickly to ensure everyone’s backs were fully planted.
Easing off the throttle before throwing this SUV through the lane-change exercise, it was evident that the suspension was more comfort-tuned with the amount of pitch-up from the nose during acceleration.
The steering felt light on the first lane change but what was to come was unexpected in its behaviour.
While the SUV was expected to tip considerably over to one side, it did not as much.
Rather, the suspension would allow for some roll but it was not significant enough to cause much of a concern.
As the weight transitioned from the right to left, the SUV remained calm and the rear end seemed rather subservient to the front end.
This provided a little more confidence in the upcoming figure-eight exercise, which would allow drivers to test the limits of the vehicle cornering abilities.
Once traction was lost, it was evident that the SUV’s electronic stability control and dynamic stability controls had intervened in order to keep this SUV pointed in the intended direction.
Moving into the slalom, the light steering feel and strong accelerative qualities allowed this weighted SUV to feel nimble through the series of turns.
The last and final exercise was the high-speed braking exercise and while some might feel speculative at this point, the mere fact that this article made it to print is testament to this SUV’s ability to stop.
For pedal feel, there is a slight free-play but prodding further will unveil its true bite force which is strong and consistent.
While we remain impressed with the Tiggo 9 PHEV’s abilities thus far, it had to be said that the China-made tyres were always in squealing in protest and while the steering was light in operation to enhance comfort levels, it does provide for a detached feel for the road.
Truly, the Tiggo 9 PHEV did impress with its on-road prowess – while fully loaded with passengers but it might seem unfortunate that this SUV requires about 18 months to arrive in right-hand-drive (RHD) form.
Hopefully, the conversion is already in the works and it could arrive sooner than expected. Fingers crossed.
