Let’s cut to the chase: the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is the automotive equivalent of a knockoff Rolex. It glitters, it ticks, and it’ll fool your neighbours—until they realize it’s powered by hopes, dreams, and a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. Let’s dissect this “giant killer” that’s more “giant filler” in a market already drowning in SUVs.
Disclaimer: I’m going to be harsh, it’s just for the humour. No real Chery’s were hurt during this production.
The “Pros”: Because Chery Says So
1. Tech Overload (Because Who Needs Simplicity?)
The Tiggo 7 Pro crams more screens into its cabin than a SpaceX control room. You get a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital cluster, and enough USB ports to charge every device you’ve ever owned—simultaneously, but seriously who doesn’t love tech. There’s even a panoramic sunroof, because nothing says “premium” like a glass ceiling that’ll roast you like a Sunday chicken in the African sun. Wireless charging? Sure, if you enjoy waiting longer for your phone to charge than it takes the engine to hit 100 km/h.
2. Safety? More Like “Nanny State on Wheels”
Chery’s thrown in 17 ADAS features (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), including lane-keeping assist that’s more aggressive than a honey badger and a driver-monitoring camera that judges you harder than your mother-in-law. The 360-degree camera is handy, but it’s about as crisp as a 2005 Nokia photo. Oh, and there are six airbags—perfect for cushioning the blow when you realize you bought a Chery.
3. Interior: IKEA Called, They Want Their Aesthetic Back
The cabin is a mix of faux leather, faux carbon fiber. The seats are heated—great for winter, or for simulating a sauna while stuck in Joburg traffic. The dual-zone climate control ensures both driver and passenger can freeze or fry independently, because marital harmony is overrated.
4. Price: Cheap(ish)
Starting at R442,900 in South Africa, it’s priced like a budget SUV but dressed like a mid-range one. For comparison, a base Hyundai Tucson costs about the same without the premium features that the Chery comes with.
The Cons: Where the Tiggo 7 Pro Earns Its Slander
1. The Engine: A Snail with Turbocharged Delusions
The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine (108 kW, 210 Nm) is about as thrilling as watching paint dry. Pair it with the 9-speed CVT—a gearbox so sluggish it makes sloths look like Usain Bolt—and you’ve got a powertrain that screams “meh” in every language. The 1.6-litre TGDi in the Pro Max? Slightly less delusional (145 kW, 290 Nm).
2. Driving Dynamics: Like Piloting a Couch
The steering has all the feedback of a brick, and the suspension is tuned for “comfort,” which is code for “wallowy enough to induce seasickness.” Push it around a corner, and the Tiggo 7 Pro understeers like a shopping trolley with a stuck wheel, but in reality you’re probably not going to get to that stage of driving. The 7-speed DCT in the Elite trim? It hesitates like a teenager asked to clean their room.
3. Build Quality: “Chinese Craftsmanship”
It’s actually not bad, but the glossy plastic trim scratches if you so much as glance at it. The infotainment system is decent , and the voice assistant responds to “Hey Chery” to initiate any instructions.
4. Fuel Economy: Lies, Damned Lies, and Chery’s Claims
Chery promises 6.8L/100km. Reality? Closer to 9.0L/100km when you actually drive it. That’s right—it guzzles fuel like a V8 but delivers the power of an asthmatic hamster (a bit exaggerated).
Specs at a Glance: Chery Tiggo 7 Pro
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | R399,900 (South Africa) |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo petrol (108 kW, 210 Nm) |
| Transmission | 9-speed CVT / 7-speed DCT |
| Fuel Economy | 6.8L/100km (claimed) |
| Safety | 6 airbags, 17 ADAS features |
| Warranty | 5 years/150,000 km |
The Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If you’re the sort of person who is on a budget or looking for a low risk SUV (a plus for the South African market), the Tiggo 7 Pro might tempt you. It’s got more gadgets than a Sharper Image catalog and a warranty longer than a Tolstoy novel (5 years/150,000 km, plus a 10-year engine warranty).
Alternatives:
- Hyundai Tucson: Less tech, more soul.
- Mazda CX-5: Drives like a car, not a couch.
- GWM Haval H6: Same Chinese quirks, but cheaper.
In the end, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is like a karaoke singer belting out Queen—it does hit the notes, but you’ll never mistake it for the real thing.
Closing thoughts: A Humorous Opinion (But Seriously, It’s Not All Bad)
Before the Chery fanboys (and fangirls) come for me with pitchforks, let’s set the record straight: this article was written with a heavy dose of humour and slander because, well, that’s what makes car reviews fun. But if we’re being fair, the Tiggo 7 Pro isn’t a bad starting point for budget-conscious consumers dipping their toes into the SUV segment. It’s packed with features, offers decent value for money, and comes with a warranty that’s hard to beat. Sure, it’s not perfect, but if you’re looking for an affordable SUV that ticks most boxes without breaking the bank, the Tiggo 7 Pro deserves a spot on your test-drive list.
I drive a Tiggo 7 it’s pure luxury . This is my third year , It’s fast but heavy on fuel yes. I love it ,its sheer driving pleasure.
I have had 2 Chery cars Pro Elite and Pro7 Executive Elite AWD…both cars drive very nicely especially over secondary roads with corrugations…no rattles all materials feel solid put together. The 2024 Pro7 AWD really impressed up to speed of 140km/ h…stability and handling….thisfrom a man that drives his 12th Porsche Cayenne and Panameras…..the electronis are far advanced compared to similar german and japanese cars…..unfortunately many car journos do not comprehend the functioning on a 2-3 day test drive……i trust other owners might feel similar…..good job chery maybe someindustry ias counts against you unfortunately.
First time I laughed so much reading a car review.
Writer deserves an award
I like an honest opinion. I do not own a Chinese car, however, in 2024 I rented the AWD 1.6 L version at Upington airport. Rent it for a few days, visited a few clients on farms right into Namibia. Dirt roads, fast driving on tar, around 1300 km in 5 days. Cool early mornings, hot to very hot during the days. Car handled well on dirt and tar. Kept us cool, took all the luggage easy. The tire pressure info was handy on the dirt roads as I was concerned getting a flat. Fuel economy was around 9L/100km, if you have ever driven those Northen Cape roads you will know what speed I am talking about. The warning bells was irritating, but my colleague managed to find the way to silence them. Unfortunately, they were reset each time you got back into the car. Verdict: I drive a Fortuner, but still liked the car. Coming back to the journos opinion, I respect that, but feel different after a week with the vehicle.
This was by far one of the most entertaining reviews I’ve ever read. Thanks for not only the information, but for a good laugh as well.
Loved the humour! Actually funny without the sense that you were trying to be funny. More honest articles in this vain please.