If Chery’s flagship Tiggo 8 Pro e+, a plug-in hybrid vehicle priced at P2.698 million, is too rich for your blood, get ready for the marque’s first mild hybrid units.
The Tiggo 5x Pro MHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle) and the Tiggo 7 Pro MHEV were front and center at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) ‘best booth,’ indicating that Chery PH is committed to delivering their latest mobility tech to the local motoring market.
Chery PH’s presentation was just a preview as both models are not available yet, and neither are their indicative prices, but sources tell us that units could be in dealerships before the year ends.
In the meantime, learn more about these models because if you are looking to ease yourself into hybrid/electric mobility, these will make the transition comprehensible, fool-proof, and more importantly, affordable.
Chery Tiggo 5X Hybrid
The smallest model is the Tiggo 5x MHEV. It is a five-seater subcompact crossover that gets the Pro treatment, which means it has the ‘Sunshine Galaxy’ grille, fancier fog lights, redesigned lighting elements, and a fresh set of alloy wheels. The cabin takes after the 5x we currently have in the market, albeit with a few updated amenities. It now has a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a touch-sensitive air-conditioning system panel, and a wireless charging pad. This model will be perfect for young professionals who want a small, maneuverable, yet efficient vehicle with high ground clearance and a small footprint.
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Hybrid
The Tiggo 7 Pro MHEV would be a better option for couples and small families. It is still a five-seater with a longer wheelbase, which translates to more cabin space for the kids and luggage room when the fambam goes out of town). The only new exterior component is a new set of alloy wheels. The cabin also features the same features as the highly-appointed internal combustion sibling. It has a seven-inch LCD meter, a 10.25-inch high-definition center console display, an eight-inch A/C LCD touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a wireless charger.
Both models use the same powertrain. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a 48-volt belt-starter generator that replaces the conventional alternator. It gets power from the engine and regenerative braking and uses that stored energy to provide additional acceleration, known as torque assist. Another fuel-saving feature is its auto start/stop system. Drive goes to the front wheels via a nine-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The diminutive Tiggo 5x Pro MHEV will be its entry-level electrified unit, while the Tiggo 7 Pro MHEV is the bigger, more appointed option. Chery PH will reveal other details, specifications, and prices closer to the launch date.