Chery Tiggo 8 2023 Review

In Malaysia's 7-seater SUV market, the competition in the RM150,000 to RM160,000 price range has always been intense. Consumers value space and practicality while also expecting a balance of power and features. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Premium, as one of the few 7-seater SUVs in this price range equipped with a 2.0L turbo engine and all-wheel drive, has attracted the attention of many family users since its launch with its high-end features. This time, we got our hands on the real car to focus on testing its space practicality, actual power performance, and everyday driving comfort to see if it truly meets the diverse needs of family users.

In terms of exterior design, the Tiggo 8 Pro Premium adopts a bold and stable style. The front fascia features a large starlight grille flanked by chrome trim and sharp LED headlights, giving it a high level of recognition. The side profile features smooth lines, with 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and 235/55 R19 tires, making the side view look more robust. At the rear, the through-type LED taillights present an impressive visual effect when illuminated, and the twin exhaust outlets add a sporty touch. The overall design is not overly fancy, aligning with the family SUV positioning.

Stepping inside, the interior materials and features are highlights of the Tiggo 8 Pro Premium. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, paired with piano lacquer panels and silver trims, exuding a good sense of quality. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and fully digital instrument cluster are connected, and the operation runs smoothly. It supports Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto. Regarding the seats, both the front and second-row seats come with electric adjustment features, and the material is leather-wrapped, providing moderate support and comfort. The third-row seats are suitable for children or adults on short trips; headroom and legroom are not particularly spacious but are within the normal range for seven-seater SUVs in this class. For storage, the door pockets, center armrest box, and front cup holders offer sufficient capacity for daily use, and the trunk provides 193L of space in the 7-seat configuration. When the third row is folded down, the space can be expanded to accommodate family travel and cargo needs without issue.

In terms of performance, the Tiggo 8 Pro Premium is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power output of 254PS and a peak torque of 390N·m. It is paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and features a full-time all-wheel-drive system. During actual driving, the power response is quite active at start-up, and a slight press on the accelerator provides a noticeable sense of acceleration. When switched to sport mode, the throttle sensitivity further improves, and the power reserve is sufficient for overtaking. Even when fully loaded with seven passengers, acceleration does not feel overly strained. However, the gearbox occasionally exhibits slight jerks during low-speed shifts, impacting smoothness to some extent.

In terms of handling and suspension performance, the steering wheel has moderate weight and relatively precise steering. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, with tuning leaning towards comfort. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension absorbs most of the vibrations, and passengers inside the car will not feel significant bumps. During cornering, the vehicle’s body roll is kept within a reasonable range, and coupled with the all-wheel-drive system, stability is commendable. As for braking performance, the brake pedal travel is moderate, the braking force output is linear, and the vehicle remains stable during emergency braking.

Fuel consumption testing is one of the key focuses this time. We drove approximately 200 kilometers under mixed road conditions, with urban roads accounting for 60% and highways for 40%, keeping the air conditioning on throughout the journey. The final measured combined fuel consumption was 8.5L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 7.2L/100km. However, considering the 2.0T engine and four-wheel-drive system, this result is considered mid-level among vehicles in the same class.

The comfort details in daily driving are also worth mentioning. The cabin's noise control is well-executed, with wind and tire noise being minimal during highway driving. The engine noise becomes slightly more noticeable when the RPM exceeds 3000, but it does not affect normal conversations. The seat comfort is average, and long drives do not result in significant fatigue. Additionally, the car is equipped with 9 airbags, lane departure warning, active braking, and other comprehensive safety features, adding extra assurance to daily driving.

Overall, the core advantages of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Premium are apparent: its 2.0T + all-wheel-drive power combination is rare among 7-seat SUVs in the same price range, and the level of configuration far exceeds rivals in the same class. Features like HUD head-up display, SONY sound system, and electrically adjustable seats are all standard. Compared to competitors like the Proton X90 or Honda CR-V 7-seater version in the same price bracket, it offers stronger power and better configuration, although its brand recognition and resale value might be slightly weaker.

This car is ideal for families focusing on power, space, and features, especially those who often travel with a full load or occasionally drive on unpaved roads. If your budget is around RM160,000 and you're looking for a 7-seat SUV with strong performance and high configuration, the Tiggo 8 Pro Premium is worth considering.

In conclusion, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Premium meets family needs in terms of space, performance, and features. Although there is room for improvement in the smoothness of its transmission and brand recognition, its overall performance has surpassed most vehicles in the same price range, making it a very cost-effective choice for a 7-seater SUV.