The recently refreshed Chery Tiggo 7 has officially landed in South Africa, showcasing updated styling, enhanced features, and competitive pricing. While the SUV offers solid value in the mid-size market, buyers will need a fairly high monthly income to afford it through vehicle financing.
According to calculations by TopAuto, South Africans will need to earn at least R46,945 per month to purchase the entry-level Tiggo 7 using a standard finance plan.
Pricing and Model Options
The new Chery Tiggo 7 Pro range is offered in three trim levels:
- Prime – R429,900
- Prestige – Mid-range offering
- Legacy – R549,900 (top-of-the-range)
The Prime is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering 108kW and 210Nm, connected to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It powers the front wheels and offers average fuel consumption of 6.9l/100km.
The Prestige and Legacy models are upgraded with a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine generating 145kW and 290Nm, paired with a 7-speed gearbox. These variants consume slightly more fuel at 7.2l/100km.
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Prime | Prestige | Legacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo (108kW, 210Nm) | 1.6L Turbo (145kW, 290Nm) | 1.6L Turbo (145kW, 290Nm) |
| Transmission | 6-speed DCT | 7-speed DCT | 7-speed DCT |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9l/100km | 7.2l/100km | 7.2l/100km |
| Wheels | 18-inch alloys | 19-inch alloys | 19-inch alloys |
| Upholstery | Cloth | Artificial leather | Artificial leather |
| Infotainment | Two 12.3-inch screens | Two 12.3-inch screens | Two 12.3-inch screens |
| Audio System | 6 speakers | 6 speakers | 8-speaker Sony system |
| Connectivity | Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Driver’s Seat | Manual | 6-way electric adjustment | 6-way electric adjustment |
| Safety Features | 4 airbags, cruise control | Blind-spot detection, cross-traffic | Adaptive cruise, emergency braking |
| Parking Assistance | Rear camera, sensors | 540-degree camera | 540-degree camera |
| Climate Control | Dual-zone + rear vents | Dual-zone + rear vents | Dual-zone + rear vents |
| Additional Features | Keyless start, voice control | Ambient lighting | Heated seats, panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate |
| Driver Assistance | Traction control, TPMS | Rear cross-traffic alert | Lane keep assist, traffic jam assist |
Monthly Repayments and Salary Requirements
Using a standard vehicle finance structure:
- Loan term: 60 months
- Interest rate: 10.75%
- Deposit: 0%
- Balloon payment: None
- No optional extras
This results in:
- R9,389 per month for the Prime
- R11,983 per month for the Legacy
Financial experts advise keeping car instalments below 20% of your gross monthly salary. This means:
- You need to earn at least R46,945 per month to afford the Prime
- Or R59,915 per month to afford the Legacy
Additional Ownership Costs
It’s important to remember that these estimates exclude additional costs like:
- Insurance premiums
- Fuel expenses
- Maintenance and wear-and-tear items
Warranty and Service Plan
All Tiggo 7 models come with:
- 5-year/150,000km vehicle warranty
- 5-year/60,000km service plan
- 10-year/1-million kilometre powertrain warranty (for first owner only)
The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is a strong contender in the local SUV market, offering modern design, tech-savvy features, and generous warranties. However, affordability remains a key consideration, and buyers should carefully evaluate their income and monthly budget before committing to the purchase.
Related article: Chery Tiggo Cross Takes on Toyota Corolla Cross with Aggressive Price Undercut
