In the space of a year, Chery has become a dominant force in the market AND it has a slew of models to come, but first, an updated Tiggo 8 Pro Max has hit the streets. We drove the updated model at its launch in KZN to see if it will continue to drive sales.
What’s new on the Tiggo 8 Pro Max
The Tiggo 8 Pro Max is the flagship of the Tiggo 8 Pro – a 7-seater SUV that’s about the same size as the recently launched Mitsubishi Outlander and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. The updated model ships with a slightly updated appearance, most notable by dark grey trim around the front grille and foglamps and, at the rear, Crystal Matrix LED tail lamps and a lightbar that stretches the width of the tailgate.
As with all modern facelifts, the interior features a technology update and, in this case, it takes the form of bigger screens and updated software. Some of the cabin architecture has also been neatened up to enhance ergonomics and boost upmarket appeal.
The Tiggo 8 Pro Max, a pre-facelift version of which was launched late last year, features a new 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine, while the Tiggo 8 Pro model continues with the 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine.
See also: Chery Tiggo 8 Pro & Pro Max (2023) Price & Specs
More powerful Tiggo 8 Pro Max
We had the opportunity to spend a good 300 km behind the ‘wheel of the revised 2.0-litre turbopetrol unit. Getting the figures out the way, the motor delivers 187 kW and 390 Nm of torque (hence the 390T badge on the rear). That sends a message to all the naturally aspirated competitors that Chery is not here to compete on a level playing field – it wants to offer the best in every department. There might be some raised eyebrows from the premium segment when they have a look at this particular offering.
Aside from its eye-popping peak outputs, the 4-cylinder powerplant is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The ‘box’s mapping is a little clumsy in the low gears; the Chery seemed prone to aggressively accelerate off the line and only a gentle touch of the throttle pedal elicited a chirp from the front tyres. Once on the move, the ‘box gets on with the job like any modern auto; it shifts through the gears quietly and without fuss. Kickdown shifts are timely and nicely in sync with the throttle position.
The Tiggo 8 Pro Max offers good punch – its in-gear acceleration is more than adequate – but don’t expect to be blown away by its performance (in a way, the flagship’s peak outputs seem exaggerated). Nevertheless, for a 7-seater family SUV that only costs R669 900, it performs very impressively.
Fuel economy has been somewhat of a bugbear for Chinese brands, especially on models such as the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and even the Haval H6. I was impressed with the returns over the 300 km of driving we did over rolling terrain – albeit most of the route encompassed freeway driving. On the uphill run, I achieved 9.2 L/100 km and on the down run back to the coast, 8.6 L/100 km. That’s certainly more acceptable and more in line with what you might get out of a German marque’s 2.0-litre turbopetrol.
Tiggo 8 Interior updated for 2023
Chery has impressed with the level of interior tech it has introduced at the respective price points where its models are offered. Moreover, the technology’s slick, efficient and has an intuitive interface. Functions such as Bluetooth, Andriod Auto and Apple Carplay are simple to set up. For the Tiggo 8 Pro Max update, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto functionality has been added, while the wireless charging bay has been upgraded to deliver 50 milliamps of charge, which makes it a very fast charging bay.
The digital instrument cluster and infotainment screens measure 12.3 inches apiece, are integrated into a single curved surface and are notable for their impressive clarity and resolution. A firm prod is sometimes required to confirm a setting change on the screen, but the speed with which the system changes menus and adjusts settings appears to be very good. Obviously, the infotainment setup is brand new, so the hope is that the system will remain fast after years of use… and numerous software updates.
Speaking of updates, Chery has rolled out an update that improves the usability of safety features such as the lane-keep assist, lane recognition as well as the auto-pilot (hands-free operation). I still think the driving assistance is too sensitive to suit our road conditions and is still too firm and deliberate with its automated steering adjustments – they feel less like “suggestions” and more like “startled reactions”.
The good news is that the system can easily be deactivated with a button on the right side of the digital instrument cluster. During the launch event, I chatted with Chery’s engineers about the system’s, well, invasiveness and they assured me that more updates will be implemented – and quite soon. This should mean a quick trip to the dealer for an update and off you roll (over-the-air updates are not supported).
As for the quality of the materials used in the Tiggo 8 Pro Max, they are genuinely excellent, and even more so when you consider the SUV’s price point. The leather feels soft and tightly wrapped, and the shut-lines are tight and line up well.
Some of the design elements such as the window buttons will look familiar to anyone who has been in a Mercedes-Benz, as will the Sony speaker covers at the front. The Sony setup is quite good though; my Chinese driving partner made sure I tested the audio at full blast in the heart of Umhlanga’s high street.
Meanwhile, the transmission lever’s design has been changed and it now feels neatly positioned in the centre of the centre console; it’s flanked by the other button adjustments and the drive-mode selector, which annoyingly shouts at you as to which mode you have engaged when you scroll through them.
Rear occupant space appears to be pretty good with the second row able to recline, as well as slide forwards and backwards on rails. The 3rd row of seats is very tight, but when we get the vehicle on test in a few weeks’ time, we shall do a full review of the SUV’s people- and luggage-carrying capability.
How does the Tiggo 8 Pro Max drive?
The Tiggo 8 Pro Max is currently only available in front-wheel-drive guise, but apparently, an all-wheel-drive version is set to be introduced to the South African new-vehicle market early next year (2024).
The solidity of the cabin and the hushed interior are highlights of the driving experience. That certainly points towards decent build quality and good sound deadening. The road roar of the tyres on mixed tarmac surfaces can be a little loud, but this may be down to the Cooper tyres fitted to the test vehicle.
Ride quality on-road is firm, but not uncomfortable in most circumstances. You may notice a bit more firmness or harsher feedback from the suspension on rougher or uneven surfaces. When we crossed a rocky gravel road, I had to drive a bit more carefully to allow some of the unwanted feedback to settle.
Overall, I don’t think most owners will fret too much about the Tiggo 8 Pro Max’s “firmish” ride quality, as in day-to-day use, it’s unlikely to prove more than a few seconds worth of discomfort.
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max price and after-sales
This is quite a sweetener! Chery’s local distributors offer an astounding 5-year/150 000 km warranty and 7-year/90 000 km service plan with the Tiggo 8 Pro Max. The service plan means if you do less than 12 000 km a year (1 000 km a month) your car will be covered by the service plan for 7 years.
| Chery Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6T Executive | R609 900 |
| Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0T Executive | R669 900 |
Summary
The MY23 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max certainly offers excellent value for money. It’s easy to see how this manufacturer has quickly entered the top 10 of SA’s new-vehicle sales charts, and with the continued strength of its products, other manufacturers should have alarm bells going off in their buildings.
The Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0T Executive offers an impressive drivetrain that is both powerful and appears to have addressed the fuel consumption issues that have plagued its 1.6-litre turbopetrol-powered siblings. At the price, there are few competitors that can match Chery’s offering in this department.
It’s not a perfect SUV, with a few issues around some of the safety software and general ride quality, but most of these issues could be overlooked for the sheer amount of car that’s available for your money.
