That is the Chinese owned, Chery that launched its new Tiggo 4 Pro to the South African market recently.
Yes, mzansi has been busy with motoring manufacturers releasing their new products, despite the economic meltdown and the pandemic.
Back to the Chery not cherriie- folks!
The new Tiggo 4 Pro- it’s an SUV with 3 derivatives available including the entry-level Urban, mid-spec Comfort and range-topping Elite, respectively.
It is powered by either a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with 85 kW and 141 Nm (Urban and Comfort) or a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 108 kW and 210 Nm (Elite) of torque and is paired to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 9-step Continuously-Variable Transmission (CVT).
It caught the eyes of the security at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium, as it was delivered since it was bearing a license disc with no number plates. Ohhs and ahhs reverberated at the gate.
The base derivatives are offered with a 3.5-inch TFT colour instrument cluster (7-inch in Elite derivatives) and a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible while also offering Bluetooth connectivity and a DVD player.
Other standard features include electric windows, air conditioning and automatic headlights while high-spec versions gain a powered sunroof, dual-zone climate control and a voice command system. Rear passengers get air vents in all models with a clean air filter system.
Loved the leather seats on the Elite model, which are also electrically adjustable for this model only. It is fitted with panoramic view that had some passengers popping their heads out to enjoy the serendipity of Haartebeespoort Villas in the NW, that led to unplanned road trip to Witbank lodge in Mpumalanga for an evening, were we feasted on braaied fish (fresh from the water) as we whet out throats with forbidden waters.
Yes, it’s called emancipating local tourism…
As the case on safety, Chery offers safety features including electronic stability control, traction control and at least 2 airbags. Elite models are equipped with 6 airbags. Elite models also get an electronic tyre pressure monitoring sensor.
A special edition model (SE) is available at the top end of the range that offers a few extra touches and exterior enhancements.
Red detailing is added to the front, side and rear skid plates matching the brake calipers which are also colourised. The red theme is continued on the inside with a contrasting red section on the lower half of the dash and below the door handle/armrest.
This model also gets interior mood adjustable lighting and a puddle lamp that displays ‘Tiggo’ onto the floor below the wing mirrors, aha. An attention that drew hordes of mourners who took snaps without an invite at my village in Bokone Bophirima.
It is spacious and the leg-room was way too great, so did the boot.
I mostly enjoyed the stability, composure and road noise intrusion at freeway speeds, but did not take a chance off-road due to mud and uneven untarred roads despite being an SUV.
Chery has more than 30 dealers countrywide.
Yes, I would recommend it for first time buyers, especially CHERRIES, for a road-trip!
The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is sold with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty plus a 1-million km / 10-year engine warranty and a 5-year/60 000 km service
Prices:
Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Urban M/T – R269 900
Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Comfort CVT – R299 900
Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite M/T – R319 900
Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite CVT – R349 900
Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite SE CVT – R359 900
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (6)
Fuel 1-10 (4)
Image (The latest Chery Tiggo 4 Pro- taking a breather at the lodge in Witbank, Mpumalanga).
