Introduction
Today, we are excited to experience a completely new vehicle in our markets, the Chery Tiggo 7 from the Chinese manufacturer Chery. In this unique review, we will explore the vehicle further and assess how far Chinese automotive manufacturing has come in the mid-size SUV segment, and how it competes against well-established models like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. As always, don’t forget to subscribe to the YallaMotor YouTube channel and turn on notifications to stay updated with our latest reviews.
Exterior Design
The Chery Tiggo 7 features a striking and simplistic exterior design, drawing inspiration from the well-selling Hyundai Tucson. The model we have today comes equipped with xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, and adaptive fog lights that turn with the vehicle for enhanced visibility. Additionally, it boasts 18-inch alloy wheels, complemented by elegant design lines that start at the turn signal indicators and extend backward to meet the rear LED lights.
Interior Design
The interior design of the Tiggo 7 is practical and minimalistic, creating a visually appealing cabin that seems influenced by German automotive design, particularly Audi. There is a knob in front of the gear shifter that I initially thought controlled the display, but it primarily serves a decorative purpose. Nevertheless, the Tiggo 7's interior design stands out as one of the best in its class.
Enhancing the design's appeal is the use of distinctive leather upholstery on the seats, dashboard, and front and rear doors, accented with black wood on the center console and doors. The seats are exceptionally comfortable and sport a good side bolster for support. In this version, the driver's seat features 10-way electric adjustment along with heating for the front seats and a panoramic sunroof.
As for the material quality, it is mainly plastic, which is expected for a vehicle in this price range, especially with the Tiggo 7 retailing at just AED 69,900.
There is adequate rear space, along with a trunk capacity of 414 liters that can be expanded by folding down the rear seats.
Technology and Features
The Tiggo 7 comes equipped with a variety of technological features that are impressive given its price point, making it a strong contender for potential buyers. The Tiggo 7 includes:
- Keyless entry and ignition.
- 9-inch high-definition touchscreen with excellent sensitivity.
- USB connectivity for both Apple and Android devices.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents.
- 4.8-inch driver information display.
- Four cameras providing a 360-degree view around the vehicle.
- Safety features including airbags and curtain airbags.
Driving Experience
My expectations for driving the Chery Tiggo 7 were met, particularly for a vehicle in this segment. The 145 horsepower generated by the 1.5-liter turbo engine is sufficient for daily city driving or on public roads. However, pressing the accelerator for any real acceleration reveals a significant delay in gear shifting, resulting in a lack of genuine speed or driving enjoyment.
Final Verdict
After testing the Chery Tiggo 7, I can confidently say that Chinese cars are on the rise, and considering one in the near future will become a common thought. This vehicle demonstrates that Chinese automakers are on the right path, much like Korean cars have successfully penetrated the market. Ultimately, we want to remind you that the 2018 Chery Tiggo 7, with all these features, is competitively priced at just AED 69,900.
