Meet the brand new cherry on high of Chery’s Australian lineup.
The 2024 Chery Tiggo 8 Professional Max arrives because the Chinese language model’s new SUV flagship – not less than for now – and is the primary seven seater to be supplied within the its Australian vary.
It’s a direct shot at three-row mid-size SUVs just like the Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Path; in addition to barely bigger crossovers just like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Skoda Kodiaq, and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.
Like its smaller stablemates, the Tiggo 8 Professional Max goals to shake up the institution with upmarket design, and a excessive degree of normal tools for a pointy drive-away value. It additionally gives a strong turbocharged powertrain that isn’t matched by something on the value level.
Chery retains reiterating it’s right here for “a very long time, not an excellent time” and continues increasing native growth and tuning, and growing its seller footprint. It’ll even launch an adventure-focused Jaecoo sub-brand by 12 months’s finish.
With that mentioned, the Omoda 5 launch specifically was marred with software program complaints – largely to do with driver help methods – and a few disjointed on-road behaviour, forcing the model to return to the drafting board and launch working adjustments.
Can the Tiggo 8 Professional Max show the model can get it proper the primary time?
How does the Chery Tiggo 8 Professional examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Chery Tiggo 8 Professional towards equally sized autos.
Chery
Tiggo 8 Professional
How a lot does the Chery Tiggo 8 Professional Max price?
Pricing is sharp – the bottom City begins from $41,990 drive-away.
To see how the Chery Tiggo 8 Professional Max traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device.
What’s the Chery Tiggo 8 Professional Max like on the within?
Just like the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 7 Professional earlier than it, the Tiggo 8 Professional Max gives very upmarket cabin presentation that’s clearly been impressed by luxurious European manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz.
The general design and structure has successfully been lifted out of the Australian-market Tiggo 7 and tailored to the Tiggo 8’s bigger dimensions – observe the Tiggo 7 Professional is definitely 2mm wider in keeping with Chery’s specs, however over 200mm shorter in size…
It undoubtedly feels a reduce above one thing like a GWM Haval H6 or MG HS on first impression, although there are some indicators of its cheaper price level which to be truthful, is predicted for the cash.
The higher sections of the dashboard and doorways have a stitched-effect leather-like trim that appears very very like the grained leatherette trimmings supplied by luxurious manufacturers – although it’s just a little shiny and mismatched to the seat trims.
In the meantime, the twin 12.3-inch shows are properly built-in and nicely featured, with inbuilt satellite tv for pc navigation, an clever ‘Hey Chery’ voice assistant, in addition to wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto all customary.
The shows themselves are first rate decision however the processing energy will not be fairly so spectacular. Sometimes you’d discover it lags whereas loading apps or menus, and the refresh fee on the instrument cluster wasn’t at all times as fast as you’ll discover in some rivals.
Additional, the inbuilt navigation app has a loading display screen labelled “turbodog”, maybe a enjoyable title bestowed by software program engineers. It’s little issues like this these that with an added layer of polish might make Chery very aggressive with among the greatest in market.
Regardless of this, the assorted views and menus for the digital cluster are fairly cool, together with a full map view with minimised dials, a reside driver help feed that would have come out of a Tesla or BMW, in addition to a number of layouts that may be as typical or as new-age as you want. Not dangerous.
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay labored nicely as soon as we linked, although our restricted time with the automobile meant we couldn’t gauge extra long-term usability and reliability. Similar goes for the clever (however not net-connected) voice assistant, activated by urgent the little cartoon circle with eyes or saying “Hey Chery”.
I tried a few prompts like “open the sunroof” and “I’m chilly”, to which the automobile replied with an open sunroof and an elevated local weather management temperature respectively. Nevertheless, saying “Hey Chery” didn’t at all times work.
Poke and prod round and you’ll actually see the Mercedes-Benz affect, proper right down to the window switches and starter button that appear like they’ve been lifted from the previous GLC. Even the speaker grilles appear like the Burmester covers utilized in numerous Mercedes fashions, although with out the Burmester script and never fairly as metal-like in really feel.
In contrast to the Tiggo 7, the Tiggo 8 has an identical wood-effect panel throughout the dashboard that matches the centre console, although the attention-grabbing textured plastic within the doorways stays. The infotainment show was additionally very prone to fingerprint marks.
Construct high quality feels fairly strong general, although one of many Ultimates we drove on the launch had an annoying rattle within the sunroof becoming. The switchgear all has a clicky really feel to it like some luxurious manufacturers, and I actually love the feel and appear of the steering wheel.
It’s a really clear and upmarket design with a top quality really feel and user-friendly switchgear – although the toggle switches don’t transfer up and down such as you would possibly initially anticipate.
The second row advantages from a 40mm enhance in wheelbase over the Tiggo 7 Professional, courtesy of the stretched platform.
At simply over 6’1 I had loads of room behind my most well-liked driving place, even with the massive panoramic sunroof fitted to the flagship Final. Two full-sized adults will likely be very happy again there, and three might match at a pinch.
You get rear air vents however no separate local weather controls – although the third row will get vents and separate fan controls – and there’s each USB-A and USB-C cost ports on the rear of the console. There’s additionally a folding centre armrest with cupholders, in addition to ISOFIX and high tether factors for youngster seats.
The third row maybe received’t put a Kia Sorento or Hyundai Palisade on discover, however towards a Mitsubishi Outlander or Nissan X-Path it’s a reduce above. I pulled up the rear chairs and after sliding the second row ahead barely to permit for my leggy body, I used to be pleasantly shocked on the area.
Smaller adults might sit right here for brief journeys simply fantastic, and children will likely be even higher again right here. I’d go as far to say it’s higher than the present Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. Props.
The Tiggo 8 Professional Max gives between 117L and 739L of boot area in seven- and five-seat configurations (see desk under), although the seats don’t all fold fully flat. It’s a small element, however value mentioning.
Chery has additionally included a short lived area saver spare wheel throughout the vary.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Only one powertrain is obtainable at launch – with the selection of front- or all-wheel drive relying on variant.
You’ll discover the 390T badge on the tailgate doesn’t correlate to any of the drivetrain specs proven right here. That’s as a result of that’s the badge that adorns South African fashions with a 390Nm model of the drivetrain and the native arm hasn’t bothered to take away them – bizarre.
Chery Australia says it’s additionally engaged on bringing the Tiggo 8 Professional Max Plug-in Hybrid, which groups a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with twin electrical motors and a 19.27kWh ternary lithium battery.
System outputs are 240kW and 545Nm, with EV vary quoted at 80 kilometres on the extra lenient WLTC cycle. This PHEV drivetrain will probably debut in Australia with the smaller Tiggo 7 Professional Plug-in Hybrid first, the corporate says.
I’ll additionally observe gas effectivity. The Tiggo 8 Professional Max acquired mighty near its marketed declare carrying two passengers and baggage on board, with street situations together with highways, spirited driving on B-roads, in addition to stop-start city driving.
To see how the Tiggo 8 Professional Max traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device.
How does the Chery Tiggo 8 Professional Max drive?
It’s no secret that the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 7 Professional have wanted some enchancment within the driving division – the Tiggo 8 Professional Max simply feels just like the model’s most full and refined product but.
Having attended the Tiggo 7 Professional launch and being just a little underwhelmed a couple of disjointed really feel and a few driver help quibbles, I hoped it wouldn’t be the identical expertise with the Tiggo 8. Fortunately, it wasn’t (principally).
From the second we set off from the Qantas Valet carpark at Sydney Airport and began our journey to the central coast settlement of Terrigal, the Tiggo 8 Professional Max felt noticeably extra responsive and refined than its smaller sibling.
A key a part of that’s the extra highly effective 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which gives smoother and torquier response at metropolis speeds. It pairs nicely with the seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission, although it’s not at all times good.
Sometimes a fast stab on the throttle will see it lurch ahead after an preliminary second of delay, however measured and gradual throttle inputs in typical low-speed city eventualities are met with fairly agreeable response.
It’s not a slouch both. In comparison with a naturally aspirated Outlander or X-Path this factor will really feel suitably extra pressing, and a few uphill climbs and freeway onramps demonstrated the Tiggo 8’s spectacular tempo.
We spent most of our time within the Final AWD, which will get all its 180kW and 375Nm down fairly nicely. A shorter stint within the Elite FWD revealed the entrance tyres will be simply overwhelmed by the engine’s grunt, which might solely be made worse by inclement climate, little doubt.
The two.0-litre boosted 4 is a fairly refined operator general, and even underneath heavy throttle by no means was overly thrashy or intrusive like some rival powertrains can get when getting as much as freeway speeds or overtaking.
Highway noise wasn’t fairly as nicely insulated as I used to be anticipating, although there was a distinction between the big-wheeled Final and the chubbier-tyred Elite. It’s acceptable, however not class-leading.
The Tiggo 8 Professional Max rides and handles way more consistent with its acknowledged aim than its stablemates. It’s softer and extra fluid in its controls and calibration, which ties in nicely with its bigger footprint.
It was solely actually upset by the odd bridge be part of down the Pacific Hwy at 110km/h, specifically on the rear. This was felt within the Final with its bigger 19-inch alloys and skinnier-profile 235/50 rubber. Chery did observe the Tiggo 8 went via some Australia-centric engineering to attain its tow ranking, which could possibly be the reason for the terser rear.
The Tiggo 8 runs a MacPherson strut entrance suspension system and multilink rear, and thru some windier part of backroad heading into the central coast impressions it’s clearly paid off on the subject of street holding, physique management, and steering response.
Will it topple one thing like a Skoda Kodiaq or Kia Sorento for on-road prowess? No, however for the cash and the relative youth of the model’s native operation, it’s a fairly strong effort.
Now the motive force help methods. They’re principally good, and higher than earlier Chery fashions I’ve pushed, however not fairly good.
The adaptive cruise management does a significantly better job at sustaining pace and following gaps, and gives the power to regulate the pace based mostly on the detected pace restrict.
It usually crept 1-2km/h over the set pace up and down hills, which generally is a fear on Australia’s heavily-policed highways, and the Built-in Cruise Help nonetheless isn’t there but.
I attempted it on suburban freeways in addition to the high-speed Pacific Freeway, and like different Chinese language autos I’ve examined it had a bent to hug the left facet of the lane and tug on the wheel – which is just a little annoying, and at occasions unsettling when one facet of the lane isn’t a painted line, however a wall.
Whereas I fully perceive how a lot engineering, growth and cash goes into recalibrating methods and applied sciences particularly for the Australian market, not to mention native dealing with and sturdiness assessments, it’s irritating not one of the new Chinese language manufacturers – maybe aside from BYD – have gotten these things proper but.
It appears foolish to cite lengthy lists of help methods if they can not work as described on the spec sheet. With that mentioned, the whole lot else labored fairly nicely – together with the useful customary 360-degree digicam system with 3D view.
What do you get?
Three trim ranges can be found – City, Elite and Final.
Tiggo 8 Professional Max City highlights:
18-inch alloy wheelsLED headlightsLED tail lights12.3-inch digital instrument cluster12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment systemSatellite navigationVoice assistantWireless Apple CarPlay, Android AutoWireless cellphone chargerAmbient lighting8-speaker Sony sound systemBlack leatherette upholsteryHeated, ventilated entrance seats3 x drive modesAir high quality administration system
Tiggo 8 Professional Max Elite provides:
Energy tailgateHeated exterior mirrorsBuilt-in dashcamThird-row air vents with fan pace controlIlluminated door sills with Tiggo letteringRetractable cargo blind
Tiggo 8 Professional Max Final provides:
All-wheel drive19-inch alloy wheelsFragrance systemPuddle lampsPanoramic sunroof10-speaker Sony sound systemPrivacy glass
Colors
Exterior
Lunar WhiteStar SilverRhine BlueLoran VioletMercurial GreyTechnical GreyAurora GreenSpace Black
Inside
Black leatheretteBrown leatherette (no cost-option on the Final)
Is the Chery Tiggo 8 Professional Max secure?
The Chery Tiggo 8 Professional Max has but to be examined by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
Commonplace security options embrace:
10 airbagsFront airbags x 2Front facet airbags x 2Curtain airbags x 2Front centre airbags x 1Driver knee airbag x 1Rear facet airbags x 2Forward collision warningAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Emergency lane keepingLane departure warningLane-keep assistAdaptive cruise controlTraffic Jam AssistIntegrated Cruise AssistAdaptive cruise + lane centringBlind-spot assistRear collision warningRear cross-traffic assistSafe exit warningSpeed restrict informationSpeed Management AssistTraffic signal recognitionDriver monitoring system360-degree camerasParking sensors entrance, rear
How a lot does the Chery Tiggo 8 Professional Max price to run?
Chery Australia covers its lineup with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
It additionally gives seven years of capped-price servicing and roadside help.
Scheduled upkeep is required each 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.
2024 Chery Tiggo 8 Professional Max service pricing:
CarExpert’s Tackle the Chery Tiggo 8 Professional Max
The Tiggo 8 Professional Max is one of the best automobile Chery sells in Australia, to this point.
Clearly the model is taking up suggestions from media and prospects to continuously fine-tune and polish its merchandise, and the Tiggo 8’s value positioning and degree of kit compares very favourably with established competitors.
It additionally drives comparatively nicely, gives a comparatively environment friendly powertrain homologated to cleaner EU6 requirements, and gives above-average inside area and practicality for the category. Even higher, it don’t look half dangerous both.
There are nonetheless some minor kinks to iron out, specifically the overzealous freeway lane centring operate and the occasional shudders of the DCT, and maybe the corporate ought to look into torque limiting the FWD model within the first two gears to keep away from it turning into the automobile personification of the Looney Tunes Roadrunner every time it units off.
However all instructed it is a way more well-rounded providing than the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 7. You don’t simply take into account this as a substitute for section stalwarts as a result of it’s ‘low cost‘. It’s undoubtedly an indication that the Chinese language model has making strikes and is bettering with each launch Down Beneath.
Let’s simply cease including so many badges, please Chery?
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