Join David Taylor for an in-depth review of South Africa’s most affordable plug-in hybrid family car, the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV! He takes a comprehensive look at the vehicle’s features, performance, running costs and ownership proposition.
David starts by focusing on the core tech of the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV: its petrol-electric power unit, which combines a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine with an electric motor and an 18.3 kWh hybrid battery.
He puts the Chery’s powertrain to the test, demonstrating how its peak combined outputs (265 kW, 530 Nm of torque), and claimed 93 km of all-electric range perform in everyday driving conditions. He also assesses the vehicle’s responsiveness in city and open-road scenarios and overall driving feel.
While outright speed is not the primary concern for a family SUV, the 0-100 kph test is still informative, because it provides a tangible measure of how effectively the hybrid setup provides the seamless power delivery required for executing safe overtaking manoeuvres and confidently merging with highway traffic.
Premium interior defies Tiggo 7 PHEV price position
The Tiggo 7 PHEV’s cabin is a modern, feature-rich environment with soft-touch materials and synthetic leather upholstery that challenges what one might expect in this price bracket. It provides front occupants with heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger in the centre console, a novel fragrance dispenser, and generous storage for small items.
The striking dual-screen cockpit is a major highlight of the Tiggo 7 PHEV; David explores the functionality and user-friendliness of the infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster.
He also takes a close look at the car’s ergonomics, including the haptic controls on the steering wheel and the touch-sensitive panel for climate control.
Impressive practicality for a PHEV
Beyond the premium feel, the Tiggo 7 PHEV also offers significant practicality. There’s generous rear legroom (even David, who is 1.89 metres tall, can fit behind the driver’s seat when it’s set to his driving position) and amenities, including dedicated ventilation outlets and recharging options via a USB port.
Furthermore, a visual assessment of the load bay reveals its true strength. The Tiggo 7 PHEV is claimed to offer 626 litres of cargo space, which expands to 1 672 litres with the 60/40-split rear seats folded.
David highlights the convenience of the electric tailgate and points out a detail often overlooked in hybrids: the inclusion of a full-size spare wheel, a significant bonus for South African drivers.
Examining Cost of Ownership
The Tiggo 7 PHEV’s cost of ownership and efficiency are key selling points. Our test team examined the real-world performance of the test unit and concluded that it could probably handle most daily commutes without using any petrol at all. This pure-EV capability is a central theme, as the discussion highlights how consistent charging could significantly reduce a driver’s fuel bill over the course of a year.
For those new to plug-in hybrids, the review provides crucial details on the charging process. It explains the flexible options available: for home charging, a full recharge from a standard AC outlet takes between 4 and 8 hours, making it easy to plug in overnight.
For faster charging on the go, the Tiggo 7 PHEV supports DC fast charging, which can replenish the battery from 30% to 80% in just 19 minutes. This provides clear information that helps to ease any potential range anxiety and simplifies the ownership experience.
How much is the Chery Tiggo 7 CHS PHEV in South Africa?
| Chery Tiggo 7 1.5T CSH PHEV Plus | R619 900 |
| Chery Tiggo 7 1.5T CSH PHEV Ultra | R679 900 |
*introductory launch price of R599 900 valid for 3 months (until October 2025)
The prices above include Chery’s 5-year/150 000 km warranty, a 10-year/unlimited kilometre battery warranty (limited to the 1st owner) and a 5-year/60 000 km service plan.
New Chery Tiggo 7 Specs & Prices in South Africa
Find a new/used Chery Tiggo 7 listed for sale on Cars.co.za
Summary
David concludes the review by contextualising the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV within the broader South African market. The pricing and warranty of the model are discussed in detail and compared with those of its cousin, the Jaecoo J7 1.5T SHS PHEV. This review provides a well-reasoned argument on why this Chery represents incredible value for money, considering its blend of technology, performance, and practicality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the starting prices for the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV in South Africa?
A: The Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV starts at R599,900 for the Plus model, while the Ultra model is priced at R679,900.
Q: What are the engine specifications and power output of the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV?
A: The Tiggo 7 PHEV is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine combined with dual electric motors, producing a total system output of 265 kW and 530 Nm of torque.
Q: How long does it take to charge the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV?
A: Using a DC fast charger, the battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in as little as 19 minutes. A full recharge on a standard AC home charger takes between 3 and 8 hours.
Q: What is the boot space of the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV?
A: The boot space of the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV is 626 litres, which can be expanded to 1,672 litres with the rear seats folded down.
