Review: Chery Tiggo 7 SUV

A new model line-up from Jaecoo and Omoda’s parent company could add a welcome flourish for the Chinese carmaker’s recent sales success… The Chery on the top, if you will.

A year after its UK arrival, China’s Chery already has a four-car range of SUVs wearing its own branding and the model name ‘Tiggo’.

Here, we got to grips with the Kia Sportage, MG HS and Nissan Qashqai-rivalling Tiggo 7.

Arriving for test shortly after the disappointing Jaecoo 7 of its sister brand, the Tiggo 7 presents with similar strengths, namely value and spec-driven appeal.

Prices start at £24,995 for the 145bhp 1.6-litre petrol variant and £29,995 for Chery’s ‘Super Hybrid’ plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

The PHEV’s 1.5-litre petrol engine and 18.3kWh battery send 201bhp to the front wheels via a smooth seven-speed automatic gearbox.

That combination delivers a potential range of 745 miles, including 56 electric-only miles, making it an appealing PHEV option at this price, albeit MG’s impressive HS PHEV serves up a superior 75-mile electric range.

First impressions of the Tiggo might not inspire in the same way as the Range Rover-aping Jaecoo 7.

Its conservative styling makes a Nissan Qashqai look adventurous.

That said, its tall stance delivers an elevated driving position, which many buyers will love.

They will also benefit from an ample standard specification.

Entry-level Aspire trim features dual-zone air-conditioning, adaptive cruise control, a Sony audio system and front and rear parking sensors.

All Tiggos also feature two 12.3-inch displays – one central touchscreen, the other an instrument panel – and 540-degree parking cameras.

The higher-grade Summit (£32,995) tested here upgrades to an eight-speaker Sony audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, an electronic bootlid and a heated steering wheel.

Cabin space is good, and the materials are attractive and pleasingly tactile for a car at this price point.

Rear legroom is also plentiful and the 565-litre boot larger than many rivals, barring the commodious Kia Sportage or Skoda Karoq.

Sadly, the cabin’s user friendliness is compromised by the concentration of too many functions into the infotainment system. Its small icons make it a faff on the move.

On the road, the Tiggo 7 makes impressively smooth progress, only calling on its rather angry-sounding engine on inclines or under prolonged acceleration.

However, its ride and handling are not a match for the more established competition.

Although body roll is fairly well contained, the suspension can feel busy when tackling road imperfections and the steering lacks weight and precision.

Overall, the Tiggo 7 makes a strong case for itself, though.

It might not be as polished or user friendly as its slightly more expensive and established rivals, but it just undercuts the MG HS among the market’s cheapest plug-ins.

Tiggo 7 Summit PHEV

Price: £32,995

Engine: 1.5-litre petrol

Power: 201bhp

Torque: 365Nm

Transmission: automatic dedicated hybrid transmission

Top Speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 8.5 seconds

Economy: 234.5mpg (WLTP combined)

Emissions: 23g/km