Review: 2023 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro

Review: 2023 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro

After the successful launch of the Omoda 5, Chery has backed it up with another great model release - the Tiggo 7 Pro.

A mid-sized SUV, the Tiggo 7 Pro continues some of the great groundwork Chery put in place with the Omoda 5 such as exceptional pricing and great base model value. 

The Tiggo 7 Pro is available in three trim levels - Urban, Elite and Ultimate - none of which can be said to be lacking value. We recently spent the weekend with the entry-level Urban model and were thoroughly impressed with our experience.

Styling

Exterior

As a mid-sized SUV, the Tiggo 7 Pro can get caught up in the mix of the wide range of cars in this segment, however, it stands out with its swept-back silhouette, large diamond front grille, electric blue accents, and LED tail lights that span the full width of the rear. 

Interior

You could be forgiven for assuming the Tiggo 7 Pro was selling for about $20k more than its listed price as its interior betrays it. You can't deny the beauty of the combination of materials that wrap from door to door around the front of the cockpit. We love the design of the door cards with all the elements focused around the delicate flower-like door tweeter intricately cut from brushed metal. The customisable ambient lighting completes the whole look in a way that's bespoke to you.

Comforts

Second-row space is remarkable with all the key areas - head, leg and toe room - offering loads of clearance for all occupants. You can also pack the rear with plenty of goodies with boot space claimed at an impressive 626 litres. If you stow away the flat-folding second row, this space increases by over 1000 litres in capacity. 

In the front, the heated seats are sure to keep you cosy on cold winter mornings while getting comfy is super easy with the 4-eay power adjustment function (or 6-way for the driver).

Technology

Convenience

All trim levels pack a handy 50W wireless charging station meaning that, unlike some other wireless chargers, you can use Apple CarPlay while also replenishing your battery charge. This seems insignificant but we've found that - due to CarPlay chewing up a fair bit of battery - with both in use, your charge tends to idle on the same percentage, while your smartphone just tends to get hot.

The Tiggo 7 Pro couldn't be a Chery without its little digital assistant. Just like the Omoda 5, you can control functions like music, calls, or even your windows just by saying "Hello, Chery..." and asking away. We love the subtle easter eggs that the assistant has too - like its little set of headphones that only appear when you're listening to music.

Entertainment

The twin 12.3-inch displays provide plenty of screen space to control everything you need in the Tiggo 7 Prom including your wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which is always a winner in our books. On top of this, Chery has sought out the professionals when it comes to sound, leaning on iconic Japanese audio brand, Sony, to supply the Tiggo 7 Pro's 8-speaker sound system. 

Driver

We enjoyed the extra thought Chery has put into the driving experience evidenced by the set-up of the satellite navigation system. Where other manufacturers confine the map and journey to the centre screen, the Tiggo 7 Pro can display this on the digital instrument cluster directly in front of the driver allowing for a much more intuitive guidance system. 

Performance

Under the Hood

The 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine (producing 137 kW of power and 275 Nm of torque) offers plenty of get-up-and-go similar to what we experience in the Omoda 5. Coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, The Urban and Elite trims are available in front-wheel drive while the top-of-the-line Ultimate features an all-wheel drive system for that extra peace of mind.

Fuel Efficiency

Chery claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.0L/100km for its FWD models which sits somewhere in the middle amongst the competition. The AWD model sips a touch more fuel at 7.8L/100km and also features a slightly larger fuel tank with a capacity of 51 litres for the Urban and Elite and 58 litres for the Ultimate.

Safety

The Tiggo 7 Pro features 18 smart driver assistance systems to keep you and your family safe. These encompass alert, assistance and prevention systems for collisions, lane-keeping, driver monitoring, and traffic signals. The Tiggo 7 Pro is also equipped with automatic intelligent LED headlights plus automatic wipers ensuring ideal visibility when you need it. 

Another simple yet convenient inclusion that we love in the Tiggo 7 Pro is the full-size spare wheel. With more and more models in the market forgoing this for a space-saver or a puncture repair kit, this is sure to be a deciding factor for some buyers.

Stepping up

A key benefit of the Tiggo 7 Pro (continuing the trend from the Omoda 5) is the sheer amount of features packed into the base model. Chery is building itself a reputation that the best features aren't limited to upper trim models and this is sure to be a major selling point for some buyers. 

However, if the base trim (Urban) doesn't pack enough for you, maybe some of the features in the Elite and Ultimate trims will get you over the line. A few of the key features include a 360-degree monitor, power tailgate, power-folding side mirrors, and a negative ion/ozone air freshener function, to name a few. You've also got the choice to add a two-tone look with an optional black roof.

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Urban can be yours for an outstanding driveaway price of just $39,990. The Elite trim is only $2,000 more and nets you all the extras mentioned above. At $45,990, the range tops out with the Ultimate trim packing everything mentioned plus your all-wheel drive system with additional off-road driving modes, ventilated front seats with driver seat memory function, a larger fuel tank, larger alloy wheels with red brake callipers.

Chery offers the Tiggo 7 Pro with a reassuring seven years of both an unlimited kilometre warranty and capped price servicing keeping you in the loop on future maintenance costs from the very beginning.

Summary

Overall, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro has been one of the most impressive cars we've reviewed in recent times. Its combination of affordable pricepoint, formidable standard inclusions, and high-quality design and finish, makes the Tiggo 7 Pro a stand-out performer. The mid-size SUV segment is exceptionally competitive with numerous models vying for your favour. That being said, you'd be remiss to not add the Tiggo 7 Pro to your list of cars to check out in your buying journey. Chery is taking a different approach in terms of value and affordability and it will no doubt resonate with a good portion of potential owners.

If you've got the Tiggo 7 Pro on your shortlist or would just like to experience what all the fuss is about - book a test drive with the team at Motorama Chery Springwood today, we guarantee that it won't disappoint.