The exceptionally busy N1 highway is clogged with trucks that often form truck-trains of three or four vehicles with barely a playing card space between them, requiring caution, patience and instantaneous acceleration from cars when a passing gap opens up.
That acceleration is something a plug-in hybrid – PHEV – provides in abundance and I recently had the chance to test this to the full on a trip from Johannesburg via Colesburg and Port Alfred to Gqeberha putting the Tiggo 7, 8 and 9 PHEV models through their paces in real world driving conditions.
With four people and luggage in each vehicle and driving as any owner would – ie not doing a ‘economy’ run – it was an easy run (apart from the trucks) to Colesburg with all three variants more than comfortably making the 600 or so kilometre run with both fuel and charge to spare.
Recharging a PHEV takes less time than a full electric vehicle and, with a fast charger we could refuel and recharge in around 30 minutes a vehicle – less time than it takes to order and have breakfast.
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Chery South Africa’s line-up of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles feature its CSH architecture that pairs small turbo petrol engines with electric motors and dedicated hybrid gearboxes, aiming to offer decent electric range and low combined fuel consumption without pushing prices too high.
The three models target different needs. The Tiggo 7 is aimed at compact SUV buyers looking for value, the Tiggo 8 offers seven seats and comfort for families and the Tiggo 9 serves as the range-topper with stronger performance and optional all-wheel drive.
Tiggo 7 CSH PHEV
Using the Chery Tiggo 7 to charge things around the campsite
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The Tiggo 7 uses a 1,5 litre turbo engine with a dual-motor CSH setup, producing 265 kW and 530 Nm of torque. It comes with an 18,3 kWh LFP battery, and Chery claims an electric range of 93 km on the WLTP-style cycle. Combined fuel consumption is quoted at around 4,9 l/100 km when the battery is below 30% state of charge. Total range using both petrol and battery power is said to reach up to 1 200 km.
Obviously real world conditions have an impact and the actual fuel use on the trip was slightly higher and varied between 5,2 l/100 km and 5,8 l/100 km depending on traffic conditions.
Despite its compact size, the boot offers 626 litres with the seats up. The five-seater includes dual 12,3-inch screens and a full set of advanced driver assistance systems across the range.
Tiggo 8 CSH PHEV
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The Tiggo 8 delivers 255 kW and 525 Nm from its 1,5-litre turbo and electric motor. It shares the same 18,3 kWh battery, with a claimed electric range of up to 90 km and a combined range close to 1 200 km.
Here, again, consumption is traffic dependant and my stint on that busy N1 with really vicious acceleration from time to time pushed the numbers up into the mid-sevens but on a quieter section of road my driving partner was averaging in the low sixes.
The seven-seat layout is aimed at families and the Apex trim comes with a 15,6-inch touchscreen, a panoramic roof and a 12-speaker Sony sound system. Chery offers extended warranty and service packages on the Tiggo 8 PHEV, longer than what is available on the Tiggo 7, as part of its value proposition in the local market.
Tiggo 9 1.5T CSH PHEV
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The Tiggo 9 is available in two PHEV versions. The Pinnacle, with front-wheel drive, produces 280 kW and 610 Nm using an 18,3 kWh battery. The Vanguard, with all-wheel drive – which we drove - uses a three-motor setup making 455 kW and 920 Nm, paired with a larger 34,4 kWh battery. Electric range is claimed at roughly 90 km for the Pinnacle and 160 km for the Vanguard, with total single-tank ranges quoted up to 1 400 km.
This is a big car yet we were able to coax a shade over 5,0-l/100km out of it on the cruise from Colesburg to Port Alfred with that additional power requiring considerable less hammering of the throttle for overtaking action.
As the seven-seat flagship, it includes premium touches such as a 14-speaker Sony system, a head-up display and massage seats on higher trims, along with a comprehensive ADAS suite. It is priced at the top of Chery’s local range.
What the differences mean for buyers
The Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 share the same 18,3 kWh battery and similar electric ranges of around 90 to 93 km, tuned more for efficiency and value. The Tiggo 9 Vanguard stands apart with its larger 34,4 kWh pack, much longer electric range and higher power, aimed at buyers who want near-EV daily driving combined with strong performance.
For those needing seven seats, both the Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 offer three-row layouts, with the Tiggo 9 being the roomier and more premium option. On price, the Tiggo 7 undercuts other PHEVs in South Africa, the Tiggo 8 sits in the mid-range seven-seat PHEV bracket, and the Tiggo 9 commands a premium for its flagship features and high-output AWD option.
To make the most of any PHEV potential buyers need to understand there is a lifestyle shift and the savings work only if the vehicle is kept correctly charged to maximise the electric only motoring – cost saving that can make for happier wallets.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
proudly CHANGECARS
