The Chery Tiggo 7 Plug-in Hybrid doesn’t just offer futuristic style, it is also fun to drive.
TopRevs experienced the hype this weekend.
Chery’s sales executive, Tamara-Lee Pienaar, says the car doesn’t need to be started; rather, it moves on the driver’s instructions. It is totally keyless.
The doors unlock after sensing the driver’s presence and the car enters driving mode once you put the safety belt on and shift it into gear.
The engine emits no sound due to the hybrid part allowing the car to drive on its own battery power.
The cabin or “the command centre” speaks volumes when it comes to functionality and practicality. The attention to detail and finesse added to the Chery will make any person climbing into it think they need six figures to own one.
The powertrain is mind boggling as the car needs to be charged by cable (supplied by the manufacturer), but it also re-energises during driving. The car’s battery recharges when the driver steps on its brakes and the screen displays how the vehicle replenishes its own power.
To the electric vehicles doom prophets, the car’s combined range contains a 1.5 turbo petrol engine (dual motor) with a reach of over a 1 000km and the fuel tanks hold 60 litres.
A Chery’s test drive between Cape Town and Bloemfontein, a distance of around 1 200km, averaged a fuel consumption of 4.9L/100km on one tank.
This Tiggo 7’s 4-cylinder produces 265kW, 530Nm torque (combined). The car has different drive modes, but the sport setting is the biggest temptation as it gives instant power.
It has a dedicated hybrid transmissions gearbox that is in short, a system specifically designed for hybrid vehicles to provide multiple driving modes.
On paper, direct current charging time is 19 minutes (30 to 80%) while home charging time is around three hours.
Wheels and suspension are fitted for luxury and safe driving, and come with 255/60/R18 wheels, front and rear disks, with ventilated front disks.
The safety features are endless. From eight safety airbags (front dual, front side and side curtains), to a high resolution reverse camera with various views that comes with a soft touch finger operation to view every angle and corner.
The dual-zone climate control is not only a necessity in Namibia’s extreme temperatures, but comes with fragrant dispensers that ease traffic stress.
The Sony sound system gives the sound you deserve while listening to your all time favourite songs.
You can still leave the showroom without paying an arm and a leg for your dream car.
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