Upgrading the SUV budget
Chery has launched an updated Tiggo into the local SUV market
THE SUV sector is fiercely competitive in SA, with models from almost every manufacturer jostling for a piece of the action. It can also be a fickle market where a badge can mean everything.
It was against this backdrop that Chinese car maker Chery launched its Tiggo back in 2008. It set out to be cheap and cheerful with some styling attributes that were familiar to owners of the previous generation Toyota Rav4 or the Suzuki Vitara.
Now the company has updated the model which continues to sit at the lower end of the price spectrum, starting at R229,900.
The front and rear appearance is much more rounded and sleeker and includes a flowing look which the company’s designers refer to as hydrodynamic surfacing. The exterior also benefits from 17-inch alloy wheels, compared to the 16inch wheels fitted previously. Daytime running lights are another new feature, while there are LED taillights as well as front and rear fog lamps standard.
The 1.6l Acteco engine has been upgraded to develop 93kW of power at 6,150r/min and 160Nm of torque at 3,900r/min. This represents a power increase of about 15% over the previous version. The engine continues to drive the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
An important change to the interior is the fitment of grey leather-trimmed seats, while convenience features include Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel mounted audio controls and rear park distance control. Hill-start assist is another useful feature which is standard.
Air-conditioning, electric windows, power steering, electricallyoperated exterior mirrors, 60/40 split rear seat backrest for load versatility, an audio system with CD player and MP3/USB jack are all standard as is central locking with remote keyless entry.
Safety is catered for with an electronic stability programme (ESP), dual airbags and ABS with electronic brake distribution (EBD) as well as Isofix fittings for child seats.
In line with the upgrades, the company has also improved aftersales care.
There is now a three-year/ 75,000km service plan, factorybacked five-year/120,000km warranty and roadside assistance.
The local importer and distributor says that it makes a significant local test programme obligatory before the launch of any new or revised model and that this is the case with the latest version of the Tiggo. It has been driving on a variety of road surfaces all over the country as part of an extensive local evaluation programme.
Testing of the outgoing model here in SA previously included conquering the icy Sani Pass in winter. This rugged mountain pass, which is the only link between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, is usually an environment for four-wheel drive vehicles.