With 3 100 South Africans having already added a Tiggo 8 Pro to their garage, an updated version could see this seven-seat SUV retain momentum. We travelled to Kwa-Zulu Natal recently to sample the newcomer and have all the details about the updated model range. Looking to buy a Tiggo 8 Pro but need to sell your current car first? AutoTrader can get you an Instant Offer!
Related: Chery Tiggo 8 Pro 290T Distinction (2022) Review
What's new?
The exterior has new LED headlights and an updated grille with an illuminated Chery logo. At the same time, at the rear, the 8 Pro inherits an LED lightbar as seen on its smaller sibling, the Tiggo 7 Pro. The updates are far more pronounced during the evening when the logo and lightbar can be seen.
Inside, the changes are more extensive, with a slab-style infotainment and digitised cluster arrangement, with two 12.3-inch screens. The operating system and layout have been upgraded too, and appear more user-friendly and modern, bringing the product more up-to-date in terms of connectivity. There is also a new climate control panel below the two air vents in the centre console, while an updated flat-bottom steering wheel rounds off the major interior updates.
Safety kit
In terms of safety, the Tiggo 8 Pro range comes with the full complement of ADAS semi-autonomous driver aids as well as 9 airbags. The brand claims that the model is ready to be tested by the like of ANCAP and is confident that it would score 5-Stars, so we will await the results of a comprehensive test.
Powertrains
Chery has retained the same pair of engines, with the 145kW and 290Nm 1.6 TGDI engine in the 8 Pro and the 187kW and 390Nm 2.0 TDGI engine in the 8 Pro Max. Both products feature the same seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power through the front wheels.
Driving impression
The Tiggo 8 Pro retains many of the virtues that made it memorable from the first time we experienced the product, with key takeaways being impressive levels of cabin insulation and refinement; however, we found the ride quality to be less impressive over uneven surfaces, and a lack of sophistication to the suspension damping on gravel roads means that the product may require some recalibration for local road conditions.
At the launch, we only had a chance to drive the Pro Max variant with the 2.0-litre engine, which provides impressive performance, but the fuel consumption was a bugbear, as with the Pro model we have driven before. Despite the 7.6 L/100km claim, we found that a figure closer to 10.0 L/100km was more realistic, and with more occupants on board, this figure is likely to climb.
Pricing
Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6T Executive R609 900
Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0T Executive R669 900
Pricing includes a 5-year/150 000km vehicle warranty, a 10-year/1 000 000 engine warranty, while the 8 Pro gets a 5-year/60 000km service plan and the Pro Max a 7-year/90 000 plan.
Verdict
The Tiggo 8 Pro range offers an impressive amount of space and specification for the asking price, making it something to consider if you are shopping for a seven-seat SUV in this category.
