Driven: The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro. Really impressive

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

“There has been a lot of anticipation for the official entry of Chery Automotive to South Africa. We believe that the Tiggo 4 Pro is the perfect foil with which to enter this market, thanks to its highly competitive price positioning, its high specification level and its head-turning design,” says Tony Liu, executive deputy general manager of Chery South Africa.

Exterior design

There will be no mistaking the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro for any other compact SUV on local roads. The new model is the flag bearer of Chery’s new design language and proudly carries the Chery logo and large hexagonal grille with a unique diamond pattern. The grille is designed with a multitude of diamond-shaped holes, which narrow towards the logo at the top of the grille to create a three-dimensional effect. Each individual diamond is fitted with chrome brightwork to give the Tiggo 4 Pro a distinct upmarket look and road presence.

The grille is flanked by automatic headlamps – standard across the range – and LED daytime running lights. The lights – halogen on normally aspirated models and LED on turbo models – are contained in clear housings with a bright background dubbed the Chery Crystal Diamond lens design.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

On the flanks, the Tiggo 4 Pro has deeply sculpted creases above a moulded side skirt, with equally sculpted creases over the front fender and flowing from the rear door handles over the rear fender. These design elements and the standard integrated roof rails combine to create a dynamic and sporty design. It is worth noting that all models have electrically adjustable side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, while Elite models’ mirrors can also electrically fold inwards in tight spaces.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

Performance

The Urban and Comfort specification grades offer the normally aspirated 1.5l engine with 83 kW. In the case of the Urban grade, the power is delivered to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. The Comfort model is fitted with Chery’s smooth, continuously variable transmission with paddle shifts for manual override mode. Customers who opt to step up to the Elite and Elite SE model grade have the choice of either a manual transmission with six speeds or the CVT transmission. These models also replace the normally aspirated four-cylinder for a powerful 1.5 turbo-petrol engine.

Digital luxury

While the design and performance of the Tiggo 4 Pro will hold its own in a very crowded SUV market, the interior luxury is what will make it truly stand out. All Tiggo 4 Pro models have a digital instrument cluster with a multi-information readout. What doesn’t differ between any of the Tiggo 4 Pro models is the beautiful, fast and touch-responsive 10.25” central infotainment system.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

This system is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports in the front and one in the rear, a DVD player and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. This system also displays the image from the reverse camera on all but the entry-level Urban model. All models also offer keyless access and a Start / Stop button. The Tiggo 4 Pro will lock and unlock automatically as you approach or leave the vehicle, and doors will lock automatically as you drive away.

Unmatched peace of mind

To add additional peace of mind to customers who opt for one of the modern and stylish Tiggo 4 Pro models, Chery has announced an unmatched 10-year/one-million-kilometre engine warranty. Now that is a first and is truly impressive. All Chery Tiggo 4 Pro models are also sold with a five-year/60,000km service plan as standard. There is something for everyone in the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro.

Model range

• Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Urban (5MT)
• Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Comfort (CVT 9SPD)
• Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Elite (6MT)
• Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Elite (CVT 9 SPD)
• Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Elite SE (CVT 9SPD

Starts from R269,900 for the base model to R359,900 for the Elite.