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Chery’s second coming to Australia has been built on solid foundations in two of the country’s most popular segments with its Tiggo 4 small SUV and Tiggo 7 mid-size SUV.
Both set the class benchmark for affordability, and the tone for an auto brand with a budget-friendly and family-first focus.
The Tiggo 7 is the one with the greatest competition but also the greatest opportunity, with a recently revised model lineup that now includes an advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain option.
So, let’s check it out.
How many variants of the Chery Tiggo 7 are there?
There are four individual variants in the Chery Tiggo 7 lineup, defined by two model grades – Urban and Ultimate – with the choice of either a petrol-powered drivetrain or an advanced Super Hybrid plug-in system.
All four are genuine five-seat mid-size SUVs, with the entry-level Urban setting a new benchmark as the most affordable in its class with a starting price of just $29,990 drive-away.
Stepping-up to the Ultimate brings additional equipment (which we’ll explain next) for just $4000 more.
The price difference is the same for the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid versions, which cost $39,990 and $43,990 drive-away respectively for the Urban and Ultimate variants.
| Variant | Drive-away price |
|---|---|
| Chery Tiggo 7 Urban | $29,990 |
| Chery Tiggo 7 Ultimate | $33,990 |
| Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid Urban | $39,990 |
| Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid Ultimate | $43,990 |
What do you get?
Chery is making a considerable play at the title of best value car brand, with models like the Tiggo 7 fitted with a level of standard equipment that belies their affordable sticker prices.
Petrol-powered Urban variants come equipped with:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights, daytime running lights and tail-lights
- Sequential front turn signals
- Power windows
- Cloth trim
- Dual-zone climate control with rear air vents
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Wired Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Six-speaker audio system
- Voice command
- LED interior lighting
Ultimate variants add the following features:
- Synthetic leather trim
- Power adjustable driver and passenger seat
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Rear cargo blind
- 50W wireless phone charger
- Coloured ambient interior lighting
- Illuminated front scuff plates
- Puddle lights
- Power folding exterior mirrors
- Panoramic sunroof
- Power operated tailgate
Apart from the unique plug-in powertrain, the entry-level Super Hybrid Urban picks up a few additional features, including standard synthetic leather seat trim, a cooled centre console, and power adjustment for the driver’s seat. And the Ultimate has a premium eight-speaker Sony audio system
What’s under the bonnet?
Regular versions of the Chery Tiggo 7 are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that drives the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The engine produces 108kW of power and 210Nm of torque, and consumes a claimed average of 6.9L/100km of regular 91RON unleaded from a 51-litre fuel tank.
The Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid uses a retuned version of the same engine that produces 105kW and 215Nm, and also sends power exclusively to the front wheels. But it is linked to a 150kW/310Nm electric motor with an 18.4kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack and a dedicated single-speed hybrid transmission.
Chery does not state combined maximum outputs like other rivals for their plug-in hybrids, but claims it consumes an average of 1.4L/100km with a fully charged battery and can travel up to 93km on electric power alone.
| Specifications | Chery Tiggo 7 | Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo-petrol | 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo-petrol/electric |
| Engine outputs | 108kW / 210Nm | 105kW / 215Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | – | 150kW / 310Nm |
| System outputs | – | – |
| Battery | – | 18.4kWh |
| Transmission | Six-speed dual-clutch auto | Single-speed hybrid auto |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1524kg | 1825kg |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 6.9L/100km | 1.4L/100km |
| Energy consumption (claimed) | – | 16.3kWh/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 51 | 60 |
| Fuel requirement | 91-octane regular unleaded | 91-octane regular unleaded |
| Max DC charging rate | 40kW | |
| Towing capacity | 750kg (unbraked) | 750kg (unbraked) |
Is the Chery Tiggo 7 safe?
The original Chery Tiggo 7 scored a five-star ANCAP safety rating when it first went on sale in Australia in 2023. While that was based on testing with a different 1.6-litre engine, the result still stands for the facelifted petrol-only variants, but not the Super Hybrid.
However, all variants regardless of their powertrain share the same comprehensive suite of advanced crash avoidance systems and driver aids, including:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Forward collision warning
- Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
- Lane keeping assistance
- Blind spot detection
- Rear cross traffic alert and braking
- Door opening warning
- Driver monitoring
- Reverse parking display
- Rear parking sensors
- Rain sensing wipers
- Automatic headlights
- Eight airbags
Ultimate versions pick up a few additional features, such as powered child safety locks for the rear doors, front parking sensors, and 360-degree parking display.
How much does the Chery Tiggo 7 cost to run?
Like all other Chery models, the Tiggo 7 is covered by the brand’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with the first 12 months of roadside assistance included. This can be topped up each year when the vehicle is serviced within the authorised dealer network up to the end of the warranty period.
Service intervals for both petrol and Super Hybrid variants are 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first), and both are covered by a seven-year capped-price servicing scheme.
However, the money you save at the petrol pump with the Super Hybrid is offset by more expensive maintenance costs. The standard Tiggo 7 costs just $2151 over seven years (at an average of just over $300 per annum), while the Super Hybrid costs $3174 to service over the same period, which is approximately $150 more each year.
Conclusion
Whichever direction you choose, the Chery Tiggo 7 makes a convincing case for Australian families on a budget.
The petrol-powered models are the most affordable mid-size SUVs currently on sale, and yet they come equipped with loads of gadgets and the latest in safety systems.
Likewise, the Super Hybrid offers more for your money than its mainstream rivals, while mixing long-distance cruising capability with guilt-free, zero-emission mobility around town.
