The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max stands as a bold statement from the Chinese automaker, marking a significant milestone in Chery’s resurgence in South Africa. The first modern Chery to enjoy an extended stay since the brand’s return three years ago, the Blood Red-colored Tiggo 7 Pro Max faced a variety of challenges—from daily commutes to long road trips. Notably, one of these journeys took it to the Eastern Cape, where it aimed to dispel stereotypes about Chinese vehicles’ fuel consumption.
First Impressions and Early Quirks
Unveiled at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring, the Tiggo 7 Pro Max introduced South African audiences to its all-wheel-drive system. Early drives revealed a few typical Chinese car issues, including an awkward throttle calibration, overly sensitive electric power steering, and an intrusive Driver Attention Alert system. Despite these quirks, the SUV impressed with its premium design, spacious interior, and extensive features, such as 19-inch alloy wheels and vibrant blue accents.
Road Trips: Putting It to the Test
The Tiggo 7 Pro Max embarked on two major road trips. The first was a journey to the Dikhololo Resort outside Brits, where the SUV demonstrated impressive traction and comfort on the road, thanks to its drive modes and plush cabin. However, fuel efficiency fluctuated, peaking at a disappointing 10.2 L/100 km before eventually improving.
The second road trip, covering 2,092 km to Despatch, exposed some mechanical and design flaws. Rattles emanated from the infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, and passenger-side panels, detracting from the vehicle’s otherwise solid cabin quality. On the brighter side, the supportive electric seats, efficient air conditioning, and robust 1.6 T-GDI engine delivered a smooth and capable driving experience.
Fuel Economy: Defying Expectations
Fuel consumption turned out to be a pleasant surprise. On a full tank, the Tiggo 7 Pro Max managed 617 km with an indicated range of 200 km remaining, achieving an impressive 8.7 L/100 km during one leg of the journey and even dropping to 8.2 L/100 km by the trip’s end. This commendable performance counters the stereotype of fuel-hungry Chinese SUVs.
The Ups and Downs of Technology
The Tiggo 7 Pro Max is packed with tech, from a 360-degree camera system to a Sony six-speaker sound system and “Hello Chery” voice recognition. However, its infotainment layout posed usability challenges, and features like the gear lever and driver’s seat memory function proved finicky. While these issues didn’t overshadow the SUV’s strengths, they highlighted areas needing refinement.
Driving Performance
Despite its quirks, the Tiggo 7 Pro Max delivers decent driving performance. The 1.6 T-GDI engine provides 145 kW and 290 Nm of torque, allowing the SUV to accelerate confidently once the throttle calibration issues are bypassed. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission offers smooth cruising, but its hesitancy in stop-and-go conditions occasionally frustrates.
The SUV excels in ride quality, with suspension tuning that absorbs most road imperfections. Its all-wheel-drive system provides added grip, particularly useful on rougher terrain. However, the lack of steering feedback limits driver confidence during more spirited drives.
Final Thoughts
The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max 290T Executive AWD DCT is a compelling option in the mid-size SUV market. It combines a striking design, spacious interior, and impressive features at a competitive price of R609,900. However, its shortcomings in driving dynamics, infotainment usability, and occasional quality lapses hold it back from achieving greatness.
While the Tiggo 7 Pro Max is not without flaws, it challenges perceptions of Chinese vehicles by delivering a package that is stylish, capable, and fuel-efficient. With some fine-tuning and updates, this flagship SUV could solidify Chery’s place in a market dominated by legacy brands. For now, it remains a bittersweet farewell—a vehicle that dares to compete, yet leaves room for improvement.
Key Features of the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6 T-GDI engine producing 145 kW and 290 Nm of torque |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive with selectable drive modes (Comfort, Sport, Snow, Mud, Off-Road, Eco) |
| Fuel Economy | Claimed 7.8 L/100 km; achieved 8.2 L/100 km during testing |
| Infotainment System | Dual 12.3-inch screens (digital instrument cluster and touchscreen) |
| Interior Features | Heated and ventilated electric seats, Sony 6-speaker sound system, panoramic sunroof |
| Safety | Driver Attention Alert, 360-degree camera with 3D view, multiple airbags |
| Wheels | 19-inch alloy wheels |
| Boot Space | 626 liters (1,672 liters with rear seats folded) |
| Unique Features | Remote engine start with air-conditioning activation, “Hello Chery” voice assistant |
Related article: Chery Unveils New Bakkie Model Set to Launch in South Africa
