Watch out, Sealion 6! Chery confirms Australia’s new cheapest plug-in hybrid plus seven-seater PHEV

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The plug-in hybrid SUV battle is hotting up in Australia with the release of new variants from Chinese brand Chery, including Australia’s most affordable PHEV yet. 

Chery’s Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 ‘Super Hybrid’ (CHS) have been priced from $39,990 driveaway (DA) and $45,990 DA respectively. 

The Tiggo 7 CHS takes the crown of Australia’s cheapest plug-in hybrid, dethroning BYD’s $42,990 (list price) Sealion 6 Essential. 

The Tiggo 8 CHS also became one of Australia’s cheapest, taking the title of most affordable plug-in seven-seater away from Mitsubishi’s $69,290 (list) Outlander Exceed PHEV. 

Both new Tiggo plug-ins are mechanically identical to the $47,990 DA Jaecoo J7 SHS, which serves as a premium sister car also hailing from Chery. 

All three vehicles make claims of 1200km (NEDC) combined range, and 90-plus kilometres of EV only driving range on the optimistic NEDC test cycle. Chery quotes combined fuel consumption of 1.4L/100km for the Tiggo 7 and, surprisingly, a lower 1.3L/100km for the bigger Tiggo 8.

The Jaecoo is quoted at 1.0L/100km.

Chery Tiggo 7 ‘Super Hybrid’

The Chery Tiggo 7 CHS starts at $39,990 driveaway (DA) for the base model Urban – a $10,000 premium over the combustion-only Tiggo 7 Pro SE. Using a front-driven hybrid system, the CHS offers more power and more driving range than its non-electrified counterpart.  

Spec differences are otherwise minor, with the CHS gaining LED headlights and a revised front grille.

Stepping up a grade into the range topping Ultimate costs $43,990 DA. Chief additional offerings include an eight-speaker Sony sound system, panoramic sunroof, and heated/ventilated front seats. 

Both variants produce a total system output of 255kW/525Nm, through the combination of a 105kW/215Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and 150kW/310Nm electric motor. The system sends power through a single-speed hybrid transmission to exclusively drive the front wheels.  

The five-seater Tiggo 7 CHS measures 4513mm long, 1862mm wide, 1696mm tall, and runs on a 2670mm wheelbase. This places it as a midsize SUV, with main rivals being the once cheapest on the market BYD Sealion 6, and soon to release Toyota Rav4 PHEV.

The Tiggo 7 CHS claims a combined EV-only driving range of 93km (NEDC), before completely draining its 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Combined fuel consumption is quoted at 1.4L/100km, while combined range is an impressive 1200km (NEDC). Peak 40kW rapid DC charging capability allows the CHS to replenish 30-80 percent of battery charge in 20 minutes.

Tiggo 7 CHS Urban – $39,990 DA

Ultimate – $43,990 DA

Standard equipment: 18-inch alloy wheels Reversing camera 8 airbags Tyre pressure monitoring system Synthetic leather seats Acoustic glass windscreen Intelligent voice command (‘Hello Chery’) 6-speaker sound system 12.3″ LCD driver cluster 12.3″ LCD Infotainment Apple Carplay & Android Auto (Wired + Wireless) 6-Way power adjustable driver’s seat LED daytime running lights LED taillights and headlights

Adds over Urban: Panoramic sunroof colour selectable ambient lighting Heated and ventilated front seats Driver seat with memory 8-speaker Sony sound system 50W wireless charger Puddle lights Privacy glass 360° view camera

Chery Tiggo 8 ‘Super Hybrid’

As the number in its name suggests, the Tiggo 8 plug-in is slightly larger than the Tiggo 7 and brings a three-row seating configuration.

Pricing starts at $45,990 DA for the Urban, with headlined features including 19-inch wheels, a 15.6-inch infotainment screen and 10-speaker sound system.

In Ultimate trim, the Tiggo 8 CHS costs $49,990 DA and additionally gains a heads-up display, panoramic sunroof, and heated/ventilated front seats. 

Both grades of Tiggo 8 CHS use the same powertrain as the Tiggo 7 CHS.

Peak DC charge rate remains at 40kW, and 30-80 percent charging will still take 20 minutes. The Tiggo 8’s EV-only range figure is slightly lower at 80km (NEDC), but Chery again claims this Tiggo can travel a combined distance of 1200km (NEDC) in one whack. Strangely, combined fuel economy is quoted to be lower than the smaller, lighter Tiggo 7 CHS, at 1.3L/100km.

Measuring at 4720mm long, 1862mm, 1705mm tall, and driving on a 2710mm wheelbase, the Tiggo 8 PHEV’s main party trick is three row seating — a feature which places it in direct contention with the vastly more expensive Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed PHEV 5+2 that’s priced from $69,290 before on-road costs.

Tiggo 8 CHS Urban – $45,990 Driveaway

Ultimate – $49,990 Driveaway

Standard equipment: 19-inch alloy wheels 360° view camera Synthetic leather seats 50W wireless charger Colour selectable ambient light Intelligent voice command (Hello Chery) 10-speaker sound system 10.25-inch LCD driver cluster 15.6-inch LCD infotainment Acoustic glass windscreen Puddle lights 9 airbags LED daytime running lights LED taillights and headlights (projector type) with dynamic turn signals 6-way powered driver’s seat

Adds over Urban: Heated and ventilated front seats Driver headrest speakers Head up display Panoramic sunroof Privacy glass 6-Way powered driver’s seat with massage function Illuminated scuff plates (front)