Chery Automobile will soon launch the Chery Tiggo 7, a hybrid electric compact sport utility vehicle, in global markets, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. The recent spy shots of its undisguised test mule confirm it, as the vehicle was found with an English nameplate on the rear body.
This model is already available for sale as a mild-hybrid electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and internal combustion engine vehicle; now the carmaker is going to introduce the model as a hybrid electric vehicle, which supports self-charging and gives better efficiency than an ICE counterpart.
The Tiggo 7, as a hybrid electric vehicle from Chery, may be available for sale in the internal market in the very near future, as exports are all set to start shortly. With the self-charging hybrid electric powertrain, it is anticipated to cater to those buyers who want electric drive but don’t want to face range anxiety that occurs with PHEVs.
The HEV version of the Tiggo 7 will fill the gap between MHEV and PHEV for global buyers. The carmaker is all set to introduce it with Chery’s Kun Peng 2.0 hybrid electric vehicle system featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol-powered internal combustion engine and a lithium-ion battery pack of 5.1 kWh.
On the front axle, it may feature a permanent magnet synchronous motor that is mated with the dedicated hybrid transmission, which generates 150 kW (201 hp), and the combined power output is 260 kW (349 hp). The 0 to 100 kmph acceleration timing and top speed are still pending.
The HEV version of Tiggo 7 is the same as the other three versions, such as MHEV, PHEV, and ICE, in terms of exterior design, interior features, underpinning and braking, and dimensions.
Upfront, it features a hexagonal-style grille, sharp and ultra-slim LED headlights, and a lower-placed sporty bumper with a dual-tier faux intake; the sides get a sloping roofline with blacked-out A, B, and C pillars; multiple-spoke alloy wheels; double-tone ORVMs with integrated blinkers; and mechanical door handles; and the rear boasts full-width LED taillights, “CHERY” lettering on the tailgate, smooth bumper cladding, and an integrated spoiler with a parking light.
Inside, it features a seating capacity of 5 people in a 2-3 layout with a boot space of 484 liters that is expandable up to 1,395 liters. Under the three-spoke steering wheel, it gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster showing driving data, and the center of the dashboard features a touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for audio and video streaming.
Other notable features inside the cabin are an 8-speaker Sony premium audio system to ensure better sound quality, a 50W high-speed wireless mobile device charging pad for the convenience of the driver and co-passenger, and the active “Hello Chery” intelligent voice assistant that does things over voice command.
Built on the T1X modular platform featuring a front-wheel drive configuration, which features independent suspension to provide urban ride comfort, the front gets MacPherson struts, and the rear features multi-link for stability and better handling control. A ventilated disc manages front-wheel braking, and a solid disc does the work for the rear.
Braking is integrated with two safety systems: Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, which prevent wheel locking and also distribute braking force among all wheels. It also features an electronic parking brake.
The length, width, and height are 4,513 mm, 1,862 mm, and 1,696 mm. The wheelbase is 2,670 mm, and the ground clearance is 175 mm.