Chery Tiggo Cross to be built at Rosslyn. Should you buy one?
Chery has confirmed that the Tiggo 4 Cross (better known as the Tiggo Cross) will spearhead its local production rollout at the Rosslyn assembly plant starting in 2027. We dive into the pros and cons of this soon-to-be local hero to see if it deserves a spot in your garage today.
The big corporate headline is that Chery is shifting from an importer to a local assembler, confirming that its newly acquired Rosslyn facility in Pretoria will start rolling out vehicles in the second half of 2027. Crucially, they aren’t building the ultra-budget Tiggo 4 Pro there. Instead, Chery is placing its bets entirely on the heavily updated Tiggo 4 Cross range, with plans for both standard petrol and hybrid models.
Read: Passing the Torch in Rosslyn - Chery takes the reins of a South African automotive icon
But let's look past the corporate flag-waving. With the Tiggo Cross cemented as Chery's future anchor in South Africa, should you buy one, or are you just buying into the hype? Here are the facts.
The pros: where it makes sense
Long-term parts security: The biggest objective benefit of the Rosslyn investment is parts availability. Knowing that a vehicle line is backed by a local assembly hub means buyers face far less risk of waiting months for replacement body panels or components if something goes wrong.
Upgraded safety features: Chery finally addressed a major criticism of the older entry-level models by equipping the Tiggo Cross with front side airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and a standard rearview camera across the board.
High baseline specification: Even if you choose the entry-level models, the cabin avoids looking cheap. You get dual 10.25-inch screens, faux leather upholstery, and wireless smartphone integration standard, which still embarrasses legacy competitors at this price point.
A smoother gearbox option: If you bypass the base models and step into the turbocharged variants, you get a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that completely cures the sluggish, elastic power delivery of Chery's older automatics.
Read our Chery Tiggo Cross CSH Hybrid Elite Review.
Watch our Chery Tiggo Cross Elite Video Review.
The cons: where it falls short
Sluggish entry-level performance: The baseline Cross LiT variants use the exact same 83 kW naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine found in the older budget models. It feels fine in traffic, but at high altitudes like Gauteng, it can run out of steam and requires some planning to overtake on the highway.
The dreaded CVT drone: If you choose the automatic transmission in the entry-level LiT model, you are stuck with an older CVT. Step hard on the throttle to climb a steep hill, and the cabin fills with an intrusive drone.
Real-world fuel thirst: Unless you shell out major cash for the premium hybrid models, Chery's standard petrol engines are known to be on the thirstier side. Expect a real-world mixed average to hover around 8.5 L/100km (that's Golf GTI territory), which is significantly higher than that of smaller European or Japanese competitors.
A deceptively small boot: Despite the premium redesign and larger road presence, the actual load volume remains stuck at a modest 340 litres. It gets tight very quickly when loading family holiday luggage.
How does it compare to the budget Tiggo 4 Pro?
If you look at the price sheet, the older Tiggo 4 Pro nameplate (see below) is still available. It is sold strictly in entry-tier LiT manual trim for R269 900.
However, the Tiggo 4 Pro won't be around forever. It lacks the updated styling, the full-width rear light bar, and most importantly, the updated side airbags of the new generation. Because it has no role in the upcoming Rosslyn manufacturing plan, its resale value will likely drop faster than the Cross's.
The 5 best similar cars to the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
The Chery Tiggo Cross pricing structure
Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 LiT manual: R 279 900
Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 LiT auto (CVT): R 309 900
Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5T Million Edition: R 359 900
Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 CSH Hybrid Comfort: R 439 900
Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5T Elite (DCT): R 449 900
Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 CSH Hybrid Elite: R 469 900
Our verdict: Should you buy one?
If your budget is completely maxed out and you just want the most metal for your money, the older Tiggo 4 Pro manual at R269 900 remains a decent choice.
However, if you are looking at the new range, the Chery Tiggo Cross makes long-term sense. For an R10 000 premium over the legacy car, the entry-level Tiggo Cross 1.5 LiT manual (R279 900) offers critical safety upgrades and modern technology.
Just be realistic about the trade-offs: if you buy the entry-level models, you are getting a somewhat underpowered engine and a relatively thirsty drive. If you want the much better turbocharged DCT or hybrid setups, you will have to step into a much higher price bracket, where the competition from established brands gets incredibly fierce.
