It’s been four years since Chery returned to the SA market and its sales success has been meteoric, benchmarking affordability and innovation by which all other contenders in the many segments are now measured.
The brand from Wuhu has introduced a range of new plug-in hybrids, and we spent time with the new all-wheel-drive Chery Tiggo 9 CSH, the Vanguard specification and halo model that accommodates seven passengers. It’s also available in front-wheel drive Pinnacle grade.
Looking at the model more widely, the car’s proportions are present and correct for a seven-seat family SUV. You cannot identify it as anything other than a Chery thanks to a large and sparkly grille. The 4,810mm long SUV gives Mercedes-Maybach vibes with the multi spoke alloy wheels.
The 2,800mm wheelbase pays dividends in terms of passenger space. The minimalist and airy cabin reflects a look and feel of a luxurious and technological car. You sit low in the driver's pew, and with space being the real-estate of large SUVs, second-row passengers have ample legroom while third-row passengers less so. The boot that’s accessed via an electric tailgate yields 448l. With rear rows folded the loading space increases to a useful 2,065l.
Physical switchgear is at its minimal, but climate control buttons aimed at swifter access are located in the centre. The large and colourful main display dominates while a second and smaller unit acts as a driver's information binnacle. A voice-activated artificial assistant performed well most times.
The Tiggo 9 CSH’s hybrid powertrain consists of a turbocharged 1.5l petrol four-cylinder engine and 34.4 kWh battery managed by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. Total system output is 455kW and 920Nm, and you plug it into direct or alternating current chargers. With both battery and the 70l fuel tank topped up it promises a 1,400km driving range.
Among the column of buttons in the centre console are hybrid and EV mode switches. In the latter mode it promises 160km of pure electric drive and the grunt never feels meagre for highway cruising or overtaking. When the battery is depleted it defaults to hybrid mode, and recharges the cells on the move. Drive modes include Eco, Normal, and Sport and a Sand terrain response mode.
In Sport mode the petrol and electric power combines to give the Tiggo 9 CSH serious legs. It also handles corners with impressive poise for its size, with little sway. The drivetrain and damping is refined and suitable for both urban and extra-urban travel.
And it's frugal. Chery claims 1.4l/100km in hybrid mode and 6.2l/100km with the battery depleted.
We set out to test whether Chery's claim of a 1,400km range could translate into urban reality. We managed an acceptable 6.5l/100km average and 940km before needing a refuel. It's a good enough score, and charging the car daily from a home or work wall box realistically can supersede the conventional engine for long spells during ownership, such is the efficiency of the electric half of the drivetrain.
Disappointingly, though, there were also some known Chery foibles. The main screen would inexplicably reset, throwing out connectivity including Android Auto.
Despite the electronic glitches, the Tiggo 9 CSH seems a convincing buy in many different ways.
The Vanguard specification is priced from R989,900 and rivals include a slew of SUVs such the BMW X3 20, Omoda C9 PHEV Explore and Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4x4 GR-Sport.
It’s sold with a seven-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, 10-year/1-million kilometre engine warranty and 10-year/unlimited mileage hybrid battery warranty, all for the first owner exclusively.
Chery Tiggo 9 CSH vs rivals
Volkswagen Tayron 1.4TSI R-Line, 110kW/250Nm — R899,900
Chery Tiggo 9 CSH, 455kW/920Nm — R989,900
Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4x4 GR-Sport, 165kW/550Nm — R999,000
Kia Sorento 2.2CRDi EX+, 148kW/440Nm — R999,995
Omoda C9 1.5T PHEV Explore AWD, 440kW/915Nm — R999,000
Ford Everest 2.0 BiTurbo 4x4 XLT, 154kW/500Nm — R1,017,500
Audi Q5 40TDI quattro Advanced, 140kW/400Nm — R1,018,200
BMW X3 20, 148kW/310Nm — R1,047,760
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