The UK automotive market has been growing steadily, and many Chinese brands have launched campaigns here in recent years. Names like BYD, Omoda, Jaecoo (both subsidiaries of Chery), and XPeng may already be familiar to you. You may not, however, have heard of the Chinese giant ‘Chery’, but don’t be fooled by its low profile in the UK; this state-backed company is a global heavyweight.
Founded in 1997 in Wuhu, Anhui province, Chery Automobile quickly grew from one of China’s early independent automakers into one of China’s biggest auto groups. From day one it had serious state support, being state-owned with the resources to build its own engines, platforms and technology. It launched a tiny city car, the Chery QQ, in 2003 that sold well at home and by the mid-2000s it was exporting vehicles worldwide. In fact, Chery has been expanding globally for over 20 years, operating in over 80 countries today. It even became China’s top passenger-car exporter, which is a title it has held for more than two decades.
Chery has now set its sights on the UK and expects to launch as early as this summer. But to make a real impact, it will need to compete on both quality and price. So, what will it be bringing to the UK? Let’s take a look.
Chery’s UK launch line-up will comprise of two SUVs: the Tiggo 8 and the Tiggo 7. The Tiggo 8 is a large 7-seat plug-in hybrid SUV and was teased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This will be the first Chery model on sale. Immediately after came the confirmation that the Tiggo 7 will be the second model, hitting showrooms later this summer. The Tiggo 7 will be a compact SUV that will sit alongside the 8.
Tiggo 8
The Tiggo 8 is a three-row, seven-seat SUV powered by a 3-engine power plug-in hybrid engine, making use of the 1.5T engine and the dual motors to produce a combined total output of 204hp. Chery claim the Tiggo 8 has a total range of 745 miles and can cover 56 miles powered only by the electric motors, putting it in the conversation for one of the longest ranges in the PHEV market.
The Tiggo 8 has some bold features, such as the diamond-pattern grille that dominates the front of the body, connecting it to Chery’s subsidiary’s Omoda 5 which features a similar design. The bodywork features clean, flowing lines and subtle chrome accents along with a panoramic sunroof, giving it a premium feel. Sharp character lines along the triple waistline bodywork creates an interesting profile.
On the tech front, Chery has packed in the kit a massive, curved touchscreen centrepiece, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10 speaker Sony sound system, a wireless phone charger and DC fast-charging compatibility. Safety isn’t left behind either, the Tiggo 8 has earned a five star ANCAP rating thanks to Chery’s T1X platform, ultra-rigid steel chassis, and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance package with 15 functions.
Tiggo 7
Accompanying the Tiggo 8 is the 7, a compact SUV with many similarities to the flagship model. It seems to share many of the features and assists, along with styling that is very reminiscent of the 8. The same prominent diamond-pattern grille features on the 7 but is styled slightly differently as it joins the smaller body. The panoramic sunroof, crescent rear light bar and layered rear wing design all make an appearance on the 7.
The Tiggo 7 will be available with two powertrain options. The first being a 1.6l turbocharged direct gasoline injection engine which offers 147ps, equating to around 144hp. It reaches 62mph in 9.4 seconds and holds a top speed of 112mph. This is similar to many other petrol-engine models in the compact SUV market.
The second being the ‘Super Hybrid’, the plug-in hybrid engine. This PHEV model will feature both self-charging and fast charging, and can charge at up to 40kW, which is impressive and will challenge many other models in the sector that often cap at 11kW. The plug-in hybrid model also offers better performance than the petrol model, matching its top speed but with a quicker 0-60 time of 8.5 seconds.
Chery is challenging the UK market with the pricing of their launch models, specifically the Tiggo 7, which is expected to be priced at around £20k for the petrol model and around £30k for the PHEV. This competitive pricing scheme may find them success in the market, despite the unfair scepticism surrounding Chinese vehicles persisting.
Chery is fully aware of the lingering perception around Chinese cars being low-cost and low-quality, and it’s working hard to move past that image. Rather than settling for its reputation as a budget-friendly newcomer, the brand is aiming to be taken seriously. Industry experts have noted a shift in Chery’s approach, with a stronger focus on build quality and customer confidence through the inclusion of a generous warranty package. The brand recently topped JD Power’s quality rankings in China, which is a strong indication of how far it’s come and is making it clear that Chery is making a serious push to win over British buyers.
Chery is making its UK launch this summer and we are interested to see the reception of the brand and the models it brings with it. Would you consider a Chery for your next car?
Planet Leasing is an independent vehicle brokerage based in Essex.
We are experts in Personal and Business leasing for any make or model of car, van, or pickup.
Get in touch today:
01702 410470 | sales@planetleasing.co.uk
