Chery Tiggo 7: your next smart choice on UK roads?

The UK's roads are set to welcome another compact crossover, the Chery Tiggo 7. But will it find its groove in the bustling UK market?

Arriving later this summer — packing looks somewhere between an Audi Q3 and a Kia Sorrento — the five-seater Chery Tiggo 7 aims to offer British drivers an intelligent and comfortable option in one of the country's most popular vehicle segments.

A fresh face in the crossover crowd

Chery is quickly making its mark on the UK automotive scene, with the Tiggo 7 following closely on the heels of its initial entrant, the 8 model. And this arrival isn’t on a whim; the Tiggo 7 has been honed and optimised by Chery specifically for the discerning tastes and demanding roads which come with British drivers. With its focus on bringing a smart new choice to a popular segment, the Chery Tiggo 7 certainly looks like it’s ready to make a splash, or perhaps, tiggo for it.

Powering your journey: petrol or plug-in?

Under the bonnet, the Chery Tiggo 7 offers a choice of two efficient powertrains. For those who prefer traditional petrol power, the 1.6-litre TDGI engine provides a lively 145 hp and 275 Nm of torque. This means getting from 0 to 62 mph in a respectable 9.4 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph — in short: it’ll get the job done.

But, if you’re leaning towards a greener, more flexible drive, the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid could be the one for you. This plug-in hybrid boasts both self-charging and fast-charging capabilities and offers an impressive total WLTP range of 745 miles. You can even enjoy up to 56 miles on electric-only power. And, with a quicker 0-62 mph time of 8.5 seconds and the same 112 mph top speed, it doesn't compromise on performance — always a nice bonus.

When it’s time to top-up, its 18.3 kwh battery can be fast-charged from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes, if you don’t fancy letting the car replenish it itself up as you drive. 

Comforts and tech at your fingertips

Inside, the Chery Tiggo 7 promises a well-equipped experience, available in two trim levels: Aspire and Summit. Even the base Aspire model comes with a solid array of features as standard. You’ll find comfortable seats, dual-zone air-conditioning to keep everyone cool, adaptive cruise control for relaxed journeys, a six-speaker SONY audio system for your tunes, and practical parking sensors. The interior is then finished with a full synthetic leather trim, adding a touch of class.

Step up to the Summit trim, and things get a little bit plush. Here, you’ll enjoy an eight-speaker SONY audio system, along with heated and ventilated front seats, a hands-free tailgate for easier loading, a heated steering wheel to keep your hands toasty on cold mornings, and helpful puddle lamps for improved visibility when getting in and out.

All Tiggo 7 models share a modern, curved dual-screen setup, comprising 12.3-inch displays for your central infotainment and instrument panel. For navigating tight spots, a 540-degree camera system provides a transparent view of the chassis and door openings, which is rather handy. Drivers can also choose from three driving modes – Eco, Normal, and Sport – to tailor the car’s response to your mood or journey.

Designed for the British drive

The Chery Tiggo 7 is ready to roll out through a UK-wide dealer network this summer. Prices start from £24,995 OTR for the 1.6-litre TDGI petrol model, and the Super Hybrid begins at £29,995 OTR. 

With its competitive pricing and thoughtful features, the Chery Tiggo 7 looks set to be a noteworthy addition to the UK compact crossover segment. It provides another appealing option for those seeking a modern, comfortable, and efficient SUV without breaking the bank.

Do you think the Chery Tiggo 7 has what it takes to become a popular sight on Britain's busy roads?

Hero image credit: Newspress UK