KUALA LUMPUR: Chery recently introduced the Tiggo 8 Pro in South Africa, a move shortly after the automaker arrived in a few other large markets such as South America, Russia and the Middle East.
Interestingly, it is offered with an astonishing 10-year or 1,000,000km warranty for the engine. Yup you read that right.
And this is on top of the five-year/150,000km warranty for the vehicle together with five-years roadside assistance.
Two variants on offer for the South African market, Distinctive and the range-topping Executive.
The new Chery Tiggo 8 Pro features 'Movement Design' which is its new-generation design language.
There's a galaxy-inspired three-dimensional grille dominating the front fascia, and it is flanked by automatic matrix LED headlights with dual daytime-running lights (DRLs), all fitted as standard across the range.
To subtly elevate the styling, the Tiggo 8 gets some chrome satin accents around the lower air intake, fog lamps, windows, and roof rails.
Finishing the look is a set of 18-inch black and chrome wheels, while the Executive is topped with a panoramic sunroof.
Inside, it is rather minimalistic where all major controls are digitised in three separate screens: a horizontal 12.3-inch instrument panel, an 8-inch climate control screen, and a 10.25-inch floating infotainment screen in the centre console which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The climate control system is fully automatic, dual-zone and fitted with an N95-grade air purifying system as standard, while the Executive variant adds a third air conditioning system for the rearmost seats.
All variants offer reverse camera, wireless charging, intelligent voice control and eight Sony surround speakers.
Leather seats are standard, with the Executive variant's featuring a diamond stitched pattern.
Also standard is the driver's seat with six-way powered adjustment and memory function. The Executive variant adds four-way power-adjustment for the front passenger seats, with lumbar support.
Other interior features include 60:40-split folding rear seats, USB and 12V ports, and ambient lighting.
Safety department comes with all the usual suspects including six airbags, Traction Control (TCS), Roll Stability Control (RSC) and ISOFIX.
The Executive variant adds Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Automatic Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSC), Intelligent High-beam Control (IHC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSD), Front Collision Warning (FCW) and an emergency Brake Override System (BOW).
Now to the oily bits, the Tiggo 8 Pro is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine making 197PS at 5,500rpm and 290Nm of torque from 2,000 to 4,400rpm, and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The direct-injection engine is one of Chery's award-winning powerplants, lauded in the China Heart engine competition for its high efficiency.
Standard, Eco and Sport driving modes are selectable, along with Eco and Sport steering modes.
"In planning for the South African introduction of the Tiggo 8 Pro, we used the analogy of first-class travel," said Chery South Africa executive deputy general manager Tony Liu.
"Once in first class, your every need is taken care of. There are no hidden costs, no surprise bills and luxury is a given," he said.
Anyone excited? According to the media statement, the Tiggo 8 Pro is among the Chery models planned for launch in Malaysia.
