To find an SUV that has the works and only goes for P1.670 million is like seeing a unicorn, and since said SUV sold out even before the brand’s nationwide roadshow, that makes it a very intriguing model.
I am referring to the 2022 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6 TGDI, a Chinese mid-size SUV with seven seats. It will take on the Japanese big boys Fortuner, Montero Sport, Terra, and the American favorite, Everest. For starters, I have to say that the Tiggo 8 Pro is shorter (by length and height) but is broader than all of the above except for the Everest. It isn’t a big difference by dimensions, just a few millimeters here and there, so it is in the right segment.
The body does not stand out. It has simple lines, not as shapely, and the design is not edgy. I like the lustrous ‘Sunshine Galaxy’ grille, although it would look better in a more expansive form. The small touches that enhance its aesthetics are accents like chrome pieces on the fog lamps, fender fins, and daylight opening. There’s also the shiny rocker panel trim and the silver front and rear underbody garnishes.
Chery didn’t scrimp on the exterior equipment as well. It uses LEDs, sequential turn indicators, has a panoramic sunroof, a pair of load-bearing roof rails, a power tailgate, dual exhaust tips, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Itemizing the features does not do this vehicle any good because it is really more than just a sum of its parts. Collectively, these look great. It makes the plain body look more premium and adds a level of sophistication that even your snobbish self can’t brush off.
One of its best accessibility features is the smart key that automatically locks and unlocks the vehicle as you walk up or away from it — I didn’t even have to raise my arm. I’ve never experienced it in this segment, so it was a pleasant surprise.
The interior is where Chery antes up on luxurious trims and elements. The brown perforated, power-adjustable leather seats (with coolers and heaters in front) are the most noticeable. It gets butterfly headrests, an eye-catching pattern, and ample bolstering. In front is a streamlined and padded dashboard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen in the middle, a wide aluminum front panel, and slim ambient lighting.
Usually, the infotainment display is the highlight of the cabin, but in the Tiggo 8 Pro, it has to be the glossy center stack. It houses controls for the digital aircon, the drive modes, the ergonomic shifter, and various other vehicle settings.
The flat-bottom, leather multi-function steering wheel feels a little big and comes with a chunky horn. Behind it are paddle shifters and an LCD instrument screen.
Initially, I felt like the brown was too tan, but several hours in, it started to blend with the other colors and nicely mixed and matched. The seats are soft and comfortable. The tech is intuitive, but they could have dialed the touchscreen sensitivity higher. I love that the aircon controls have manual toggles, so I don’t have to wait for the system to boot up to adjust the fan and temp. The fit and finish could be better in certain parts, but there is no doubt about its luxurious vibe.
There is a third row, but it is small and ideal only for kids. It folds flat on the floor to increase rear storage capacity. It also has a removable tonneau if you want to cover up valuable items.
What is most impressive about this vehicle is its small displacement engine. It only has a displacement of 1.6-liters and yet can generate 195-HP and 290-Nm of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sends all that power to the front wheels.
Eco mode doesn’t feel like what I get from other vehicles. The Tiggo 8 Pro still feels responsive and snappy even on the low gears. It isn’t as reactive on the highway, yet it comfortably cruises at 100 km/h while only revving at 1,700 RPM. All that is heightened in Sport mode as the dials change in color to an orangey red hue. The transmission could use more smoothening, but it didn’t struggle between gears in stop-and-go traffic conditions. I averaged 10.2 km/l in mixed driving conditions.
Just like the plush seats, the ride is very comfortable. What can come down is NVH levels. Better sound-deadening materials would surely fix this. At least the steering feedback is light, which makes it easy to drive around. As it is lower than its competitors, it feels slightly better at reducing body roll along fast corners.
The 2022 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6 TGDI delivers on several counts, including premium equipment and amenities, but as mentioned above, there are a few factors it needs to sort out. Not to worry, these are not deal-breakers. At its price point, expect room for improvement, but with how it is put together, it is a logical seven-seater SUV option for buyers who do not want to break the bank.