Chery Philippines and its fast-growing network have recently launched the brand’s image-bearer – Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and we take it to Subic!
Officially launched last April 7, 2022 at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), Chery PH introduces the evolution of the latest Chery “MOVEMENT DESIGN” language, which was created by the Chery design team as a synergy of bionics and aesthetics.
It’s fair to say that Chery Philippines has done a lot in recent years to change Filipino consumers’ perceptions of Chinese-made vehicles. No longer merely competing on price, Chery’s offerings are now regarded as genuinely attractive options, regardless of how much they cost. So how does the new Tiggo 8 Pro tickle the fancy of buyers, hmm?
Exterior:
The Tiggo 8 Pro is a handsomely styled crossover that seems to compete in several categories. At the centre of the new design language, is the chiselled imposing front face, a three-dimensional “Galaxy inspired” grille, the “Tiger Eye” Matrix type LED headlamps and multi-layered LED daytime running lights – all combining to create a visually appealing yet aggressive look. It’s certainly an eye-catching, stylish machine.
The rear end is typical boxy shaped, giving it a traditional SUV look, and its sleek taillights are exceptional in appearance. The design of taillights is inspired by Chinese culture, the wooden pane in old Chinese architecture. The eighteen inches alloy wheels are designed in an artistic way giving Tiggo 8 pro more dignity.
Interior:
It has to be said that in terms of design, Chery is really at the top of its game when it’s designers created the Tiggo 8 Pro’s cabin. It boasts (by some measure) the most upmarket finishes in its segment and the choice of materials is superb. The first is the instrumentation panel, which is a large horizontal 12.3” high-resolution screen. The screen not only displays the necessary vehicle information but dynamically adapts to the driver’s needs and can display much of the infotainment and mobile phone information as well.
The panoramic sunroof enables you to enjoy the blue sky and let the fresh air enter the cabin. It is a seven-seater SUV, and the trunk’s capacity is enough to carry luggage for a family trip. A seven-inches LCD screen is used as an instrumental cluster, while 10.25 inches floating LCD screen is mounted on the central console to provide infotainment.
The infotainment system is compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and CarLife functions. The physical buttons present with the infotainment system are easy to use and contribute to the cabin’s attractiveness. In contrast, the electronic shift lever and dashboard design further enhance the beautiful interior.
Engine and Performance:
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is powered by one of Chery’s award-winning turbo-petrol engines with direct injection and intelligent control. As fitted to the Tiggo 8 Pro, the 1.6 TGDI delivers a maximum power output of 195HP and a solid 290Nm across a notably wide powerband between 2,000rpm and 4,400rpm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) that delivers power to the front wheels. Standard, Eco and Sport driving modes are all available to ensure smooth driving on any terrain
Taking the Tiggo 8 Pro in some town roads, going up Mt. Samat, the driving impression of the Tiggo 8 Pro will leave you with utter joy. It corners very flat like a low-slung sedan, in which the super comfortable seats support you. Acceleration is decent, it wants to be revved up high and then those brakes! Oh god the brakes are the best thing. Braking feel is just solid. The improved suspension of the Tiggo 8 pro enables more precise steering control, good tracking, and high reliability.
Space and Practicality:
Overall storage for the front seats is generous, with voluminous door bins and cubby hole, cupholders, a refrigerated centre armrest/box (with various configuration options and 2 USB ports), and a split-level centre console.
All seven seats are leather-clad on the Distinctive model, and should you opt for the Executive model, the trim is upgraded to black and brown leather with a modern diamond-stitched pattern. All Tiggo 8 Pro models have a six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with a memory setting. The rear seats in both models can fold completely flat in a 60:40 configuration.
Safety and Tech:
This is one of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro’s main drawcards, because it includes a whole bunch of things that can only be ordered as options in most other cars of this size. In fact, most premium-badged (but similarly-sized) SUVs costing twice as much still expect you to tick plenty of option boxes, just to achieve spec parity with the Chery.
The Tiggo 8 Pro’s standard package of 6 airbags, a 360-degree camera system, rear parking sensors, stability control, emergency brake assist, rear ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a 5-star C-NCAP crash test rating.
That camera system is particularly impressive, and is on par with the top-shelf systems which are generally offered as options with most premium-branded SUVs. The display quality is crisp and easy to interpret, the dynamic reversing guidelines are intuitive, and it can even be set to automatically show the view down the car’s side when turning the steering wheel in either direction.
On top of all this, Executive trim adds a host of extra safety features. Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, front collision warning, rear collision alert (which flashes the hazard lights when a vehicle approaches too quickly from behind), traffic sign recognition, and intelligent high-beam control are among the premium safety features for which you won’t pay extra in the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Executive.
Verdict:
It doesn’t happen very often that a new car meets and exceeds quite lofty expectations, but the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is one of those few remarkable newcomers. It’s really difficult to fault, and deserves consideration on its own merits, rather than just its pricetag. I’d even go so far as to suggest that the Tiggo 8 Pro is perhaps the most-European Chinese car out there at the moment, with a decidedly Germanic driving experience and similar attention to small details.
Once in first class, your every need is satisfied. There are no hidden costs, no surprise bills, and luxury is a given. That is what Chery have created for customers of the Tiggo 8 Pro, from design, to seating, to performance and of course to luxuries.
Personally, perceptions of Chinese cars have changed from cheap to genuinely attractive, value-for-money offerings. Once potential buyers look past the badge, they may just decide that a premium name isn’t really worth that much extra money, anyway – especially when the alternative is so agreeable! The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is a testament to that. It looks damn good, feels refined and the handling is sublime. Have I mentioned the price? Chery, take my money!
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro will offer a comprehensive 10-year/one-million-kilometre engine warranty. Only the original owner is afforded this warranty and it is not transferrable. Chery will also offer customers five-year FREE PMS plan and three-year bumper to bumper warranty as standard with its flagship Tiggo 8 Pro.
Price:
Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6- ₱1.645
Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV- ₱2.4 Million
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