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Core Chery entrant detailed

Tiggo 7 Pro set to position as value-laden medium SUV choice.

EARLY insight of features and potential pricing for one of the models likely set to be important when China’s budget-minded Chery relaunches here has disclosed.

The star of Chery’s resurgence here seems set to be an all-electric version of its Omoda 5, a medium crossover.

The battery-pure derivative of a car also set to sell in petrol engined form, in front and four-wheel-drive formats, is likely be become Chery’s most significant item of interest when it comes to technology reach.

Yet, in respect to sales volume potential more rests with the Tiggo 7 Pro, a five seater medium sports utility similar with some beyond-seal aptitude that could well contest the same price space as the Haval H6 and MG HS.

Details of what the latter will bring when the dealer network enacts - probably in early 2024, though no firm time framer has been shared - have just been shared via Australia, where Chery is already operating.

Over there, the Tiggo 7 Pro will represent in three variants - Urban, Elite, and Ultimate - on offer with national prices spanning from $NZ43,398 to $NZ49910.

The Tiggo 7 Pro runs a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine that generates 137kW and 275Nm. The engine is Euro-6 compliant.

The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that sends power to the front or all four wheels, depending on trim.

The model measures 4513mm long, 1862mm wide, 1696mm tall and rides on a 2670mm wheelbase. Chery cites 626 litres’ cargo space.

Inside is plenty of technology, as you’d expect from a Chinese newcomer. Chery’s excellent voice assist features, as does a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, and LED headlights.

The Tiggo 7 Pro has eight airbags and 18 driver assistance technologies, including AEB, lane-trace assist, driver-attention monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Chery has not yet put the Tiggo 7 Pro forward for ANCAP testing.

Tiggo is a name Chery uses for all its SUVs. In fact, the J11 model that Chery had in New Zealand for a short while 10 years ago was sold as a Tiggo in its home market.

A PHEV plug-in hybrid powertrain, fitted in a model dubbed the Tiggo 7 Pro e plus, might also come to NZ. 

Chery also has Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 models, the latter a seven-seater, in line for export. Australia has puts its hand up for those vehicles.