SEVEN-seater sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are all the rage in Malaysia for what they can bring to the table.
They provide the best in space and capacity and are often times packaged with a sporty look and performance — at least when compared to family-friendly but also "boring" multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs).
Almost all automotive brands have at least one model in their lineup.
Amid this backdrop, newcomer Chery Malaysia has introduced the C-segment Tiggo 8 Pro, and for this writer, it is a force to be reckoned with.
TOWERING TURBO
The main design characteristic of the Tiggo 8 Pro is the "galaxy-esque" grille.
This is supported by an array of lighting that also plays a role in the SUV's aesthetic makeup. They include automatic LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, rear-end LED bar and tail lamps, T-shaped third brake lights, welcome lights, and multi-colour cabin ambient lighting.
At its heart is a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that delivers 256hp and 390Nm of torque.
It runs on 19-inch wheels and has three drive modes - Eco, Normal and Sport.
Its fuel consumption is rated at 7.4 litres per 100km.
It comes with the Advanced Driving Assistance System suite and safety features, including lane departure warning and steer, blindspot detection, door open warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and front collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and an all-around camera.
It also comes with nine airbags (which include the driver's knee bag and rear side) that are usually available only in luxury models.
The cabin control and entertainment come in the form of a dominating 24.6-inch dual screen at the front console that is supported by eight Sony speakers for its audio system.
Other highlights include an electronic parking brake with auto hold, electric front seats with ventilation and heating, driver's seat memory, dual-zone auto air conditioning with rear vents, hands-free powered tailgate, electronic panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and proximity sensor keyless entry.
The SUV's boot space is 193 litres when all seat rows are up. It becomes 892 litres when the third row is not in use and 2,101 litres with all rows down. In all, the vehicle has a length of 4,722mm, a width of 1,860mm and a height of 1,705mm with a 2,710mm wheelbase.
The Tiggo 8 Pro, priced at RM159,800, is available in a single variant and has Dark Black and Khaki White colour options.
Chery is offering a special comprehensive warranty policy that includes a seven-year or 150,000km vehicle warranty, and a 10-year or one million kilometres engine warranty for the first 3,000 customers.
Should the offer come to an end, those who wish to enjoy a close-to-similar extended warranty package can do so by topping up RM2,000.
PRACTICALLY PRO
While the SUV didn't stand out as much at first sight, this writer does feel that the Tiggo 8 Pro has had an overall easier time in making a case right from the start, unlike the sportier and more eye-catching Omoda 5.
In the looks department, the vehicle is designed with your standard seven-seater SUV in mind.
It commands a more regal and elegant aura when compared to the active and creative aesthetic of its five-seater sibling. This suits well for the modern-day executive, the businessman or woman, and those with a growing family who want a bit of a classy image with their vehicle.
It is a design that is easier to accept when it is somewhere in-between, where it isn't too generic that you could easily find elsewhere but nothing too alienating that requires an acquired taste.
The drive experience with it was a bit rough at the start. Like the Omoda 5, the short preview drive that most of us had when it was still in trade plate didn't exactly win over hearts.
Two factors contributed to this initial view: the preview drive was too short and the models still haven't been localised yet. Opinions took a 180-degree turn once we had our time with the officially registered model that was tuned based on local feedback.
Drive comfort and stability via suspension were greatly improved to better reflect the cabin's offerings and space. What took this writer by surprise was how well it performed overall along with engine output in tow.
And price is what really drives it into the spotlight, as there is no other seven-seater that offers what the Tiggo 8 Pro package has.
That is, a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine plus a very smooth drive. But bear in mind that power comes at the cost of not-so-economical fuel consumption — at least when compared to most of the competition in this price range.
Then again, most seven-seater SUVs above the RM100,000 mark aren't prized for their fuel economy unless they come with a hybrid powertrain.
A bonus if you're an audiophile as the Sony speakers really do a good job with the sound quality. Music is essential to this writer's daily driving experience and the system offers a level of clarity that is above some of those featured within the price group.
VERDICT
Initially, this writer didn't think much of the Tiggo 8 Pro. The model wasn't even on the radar right until its official launch.
It was a sentiment shared by many. The seven-seater SUV competition is fierce and any model that comes into the scene needs an ace up its sleeve to be taken seriously.
What's more a newcomer with a fresh history both in brand and model range.
As it turns out, all it took was for Chery Malaysia to listen to the collective feedback and make the right call — which in honesty is easier said than done, of course. But because of it, in a twist of events, the Tiggo 8 Pro has come up on top and may just be the apex predator of the pack.
If you're willing to take a chance on the brand, then the Tiggo 8 Pro is one of the easiest SUVs to recommend in the current market as a complete package.
