Peter Lyon
December 20, 2024
We think that the news coming out of Chery recently will generate significant traffic to its dealerships. In addition to its present lineup of internal combustion engine (ICE) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) models, Chery Malaysia has just announced that it will be adding plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to its lineup next year.
Given that it has already been previewed several times in Malaysia, including during this year’s MITI event, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro e+ appears to be the most likely contender, even if the company did not specify which model it was referring to. In addition to that, they have already verified that the model will be in Malaysia.
The e+ PHEV version of the Tiggo 8 Pro will employ a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine instead of the 2.0-litre turbo engine powering the standard model, and it will be mated to a dedicated hybrid gearbox that combines two electric motors—traction and regenerative.
Packing some real gutsy performance, the total output of 326 horsepower and 545 Nm from its hybrid powerplant drive front wheels. With its 19.27 kWh battery, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro e+ can travel up to 75 km on its electric drive (NEDC test cycle) and 950 km on a single fuel tank and full battery according to results recorded in the Philippines.
We hear that the PHEV Tiggo 8 Pro e+ will also be domestically produced at Inokom’s plant in Kulim, Kedah, since Chery has selected Malaysia as its right-hand-drive manufacturing hub.
The petrol version of the vehicle is similarly domestically assembled in Malaysia (from launch) and comes in a single variation that costs RM159,800.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
With rivals like the Hyundai Sante Fe and Toyota RAV4, the Tiggo 8 will come to market with high expectations. But from what we see here, the new Chery SUV has what it needs to take on the best in the business, given its strong powertrain selection, advanced design and competitive pricing.
