CHERY has been making huge strides in the Malaysian market since their big entry in 2023.

This started with the introduction of two intriguing models: the hot B-segment compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) Omoda 5 and the premium-positioned D-segment Tiggo 8 Pro.

Regardless of opinions both models have become the benchmark of what incoming Chinese automotive companies can bring to the table. 

And its not hard to see why. The company has strategically positioned the two to excel in their respective segments when it comes to pricing paired with features - it is just too good when it comes to value for money when you run the numbers.

Since then Chery Malaysia has followed up an electric variant of the Omoda 5 in the form of the E5. The other is the compact Tiggo 7 Pro SUV.

While their first electric vehicle (EV) shows how diverse their offerings can get, the latter is something of a best-of-both worlds for those who couldn't decide between the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro.

Compact Compromise

Available as a single variant the Tiggo 7 Pro runs on a 1.6L Turbocharged Petrol Direct injection engine (TGDi) that is paired to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

The powertrain generates 194HP and a maximum torque of 290Nm. Chery Malaysia has also rated the model's fuel consumption at 7.0L/100km.  

Among the model's safety highlight is the inclusion of the brand's latest generation of Advanced Driver Assistance System 2.5 (ADAS 2.5) system - the suite includes: Lane Departure Warning (LDW) + Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Multi Collision Brakes (MCB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) + Rear Cross Tra c Brake (RCTB), Front Collision Warning (FCW) + Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) + Integrated Cruise Control (ICC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Change Assist (LCA) + Emergency Lane Keep Assist (ELKA), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC) and Door Opening Warning (DOW).

This is addition to the standard driver assists such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) + Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), 7 airbags, Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) + Hill Descent Control (HDC), 540 degrees HD Panoramic Camera and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

At the front-centre of the cabin is a 24.6-inch Integrated Dual Screen whose infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity.

All seats are leather upholstered with the front seats featuring ventilation support.

Other notable interior features come in the form of an 8-speaker Sony Audio System, in-car wireless 50W charging, 64 colours ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.

The compact SUV has a wheelbase of 2670mm and a 475L to 1672L boot capacity. It is 4513mm in length, with a width of 1862mm, 1696mm tall and has a a ground clearance of 175mm.

Four colours are available for choice such as Carbon Black, Platinum Grey, Nasdaq Silver and Khaki White with Black Roof. 

The Tiggo 7 Pro is priced at RM 123,800 - pricing includes a comprehensive warranty package that offers 7-years of warranty coverage or up to 150,000KM, along with complimentary 5-years of labour service and 7-years of free towing service. 

Midway Machine
 
Chery Malaysia's first two models were very clear cut with where they stood and it was always one or the other. 

Both had commendable performance output for their respective segments but physically the two rarely overlapped with their appeal.

The Omoda 5 was your sporty and slightly more economically-friendly option. Depending on your perspective the model's silhouette can border on being too aggressive.

Premium SUV comfort at a very attractive price was the Tiggo 8 Pro's. This is a characteristic that is reflected in its more conservative and executive appeal. It is also a lot more passenger oriented in terms of space and features.

This left something of a vacuum for anyone who was looking for a middle ground, which is where the Tiggo 7 Pro comes in. 

Wedged into this tight spot between the two, the C-segment SUV is only about RM5,000 more pricier than the highest spec Omoda 5, yet it comes with slightly superior specs on the performance end. 

As with its namesake you could make the point that it is a more compact and more affordable Tiggo 8 Pro - less by RM31,000.

Details are in its design. It is a slightly spottier Tiggo and is a decent 5-seater model - space is ample but not till the extent of its 7-seater sibling.

On the other hand it is not as aggressive as the Omoda 5 which would sit well for those who love the slightly more compact appeal with a more traditional SUV frame instead of those with a fastback rear.

Verdict

On its own the Tiggo 7 Pro is a force to be reckoned within the C-segment category. 

It drives really well and while debatable in practice, on paper it is one of the more powerful SUVs in its price range. Even its features are packed to the brim. Nothing overtly critical but it has everything you need in a modern day vehicle.

As with Chery's models the Tiggo 7 Pro's greatest leverage is its value-for-money. The pricing makes it so hard to pass up on the package you're getting. 

Even between its own brand models the Tiggo 7 Pro is the best pick from Chery Malaysia's current lineup because of its positioning. Its systems are also at its most updated compared to the other two.

Unless you're looking for something sportier, has greater cabin space and comfort, a specific off-road feature or simply something more powerful then you have found the perfect match.

It nestled in a nice cozy spot that brings the best of all worlds together where the midpoint is concern. Best of all is that there is little to no compromise here at stake. It is an all-rounder through and through that you can't go wrong with for a very attractive price.