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Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max (2023) Launch Review
What’s new on the Tiggo 8 Pro Max
The Tiggo 8 Pro Max is the flagship of the Tiggo 8 Pro - a 7-seater SUV that’s about the same size as the recently launched Mitsubishi Outlander and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. The updated model ships with a slightly updated appearance, most notable by dark grey trim around the front grille and foglamps and, at the rear, Crystal Matrix LED tail lamps and a lightbar that stretches the width of the tailgate.
As with all modern facelifts, the interior features a technology update and, in this case, it takes the form of bigger screens and updated software. Some of the cabin architecture has also been neatened up to enhance ergonomics and boost upmarket appeal.
The Tiggo 8 Pro Max, a pre-facelift version of which was launched late last year, features a new 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine, while the Tiggo 8 Pro model continues with the 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine.
We had the opportunity to spend a good 300 km behind the ‘wheel of the revised 2.0-litre turbopetrol unit. Getting the figures out the way, the motor delivers 187 kW and 390 Nm of torque (hence the 390T badge on the rear). That sends a message to all the naturally aspirated competitors that Chery is not here to compete on a level playing field - it wants to offer the best in every department. There might be some raised eyebrows from the premium segment when they have a look at this particular offering.
Aside from its eye-popping peak outputs, the 4-cylinder powerplant is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The ‘box’s mapping is a little clumsy in the low gears; the Chery seemed prone to aggressively accelerate off the line and only a gentle touch of the throttle pedal elicited a chirp from the front tyres. Once on the move, the ‘box gets on with the job like any modern auto; it shifts through the gears quietly and without fuss. Kickdown shifts are timely and nicely in sync with the throttle position.
The Tiggo 8 Pro Max offers good punch - its in-gear acceleration is more than adequate - but don’t expect to be blown away by its performance (in a way, the flagship’s peak outputs seem exaggerated). Nevertheless, for a 7-seater family SUV that only costs R669 900, it performs very impressively.
Tiggo 8 Interior updated for 2023
Chery has impressed with the level of interior tech it has introduced at the respective price points where its models are offered. Moreover, the technology’s slick, efficient and has an intuitive interface. Functions such as Bluetooth, Andriod Auto and Apple Carplay are simple to set up. For the Tiggo 8 Pro Max update, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto functionality has been added, while the wireless charging bay has been upgraded to deliver 50 milliamps of charge, which makes it a very fast charging bay.
The digital instrument cluster and infotainment screens measure 12.3 inches apiece, are integrated into a single curved surface and are notable for their impressive clarity and resolution. A firm prod is sometimes required to confirm a setting change on the screen, but the speed with which the system changes menus and adjusts settings appears to be very good. Obviously, the infotainment setup is brand new, so the hope is that the system will remain fast after years of use… and numerous software updates.
Speaking of updates, Chery has rolled out an update that improves the usability of safety features such as the lane-keep assist, lane recognition as well as the auto-pilot (hands-free operation). I still think the driving assistance is too sensitive to suit our road conditions and is still too firm and deliberate with its automated steering adjustments - they feel less like “suggestions” and more like “startled reactions”.
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