Chinese automaker Chery recently claimed the crown for the most affordable hybrid SUV following the launch of the Tiggo Cross Chery Super Hybrid (CSH).
This is the first hybrid from Chery to launch in South Africa and follows on from the petrol-driven Tiggo Cross that debuted late last year at the Festival of Motoring.
The Tiggo Cross CSH is available in two trim levels, Comfort and Elite, with the former sporting a starting price of R438,900. That’s over R50,000 less than the immensely popular Toyota Corolla Cross HEV. The Elite model starts at R469,900.
Crossing over with Chery
The Tiggo Cross CSH borrows the 1.5-litre petrol engine from the regular Tiggo Cross but chucks out the turbo in favour of an electric motor and relatively small 1.83kWh battery pack. That leaves it with a total peak power output of 150kW and 310Nm. Compared to the 108kW and 210Nm of the regular Tiggo Cross, that’s a fairly substantial improvement.
The CSH’s drivetrain sends all of its power to the front wheels via a dedicated hybrid transmission with four driving modes that it will automatically switch between as needed.
One of those modes is a pure electric mode, add to that an intelligent stop/start feature, and the impressive 5.4l/100km fuel consumption starts to make sense. According to Chery, this gives the Tiggo Cross HEV a range of 1,000km on a single tank.
Getting your money’s worth
Similar to the regular Tiggo Cross, the new HEV model comes with 17in alloy wheels, daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, and red brake callipers with the Elite model.
The inside comprises all the usual bits, seats, steering wheel, etc., but also two 10,25in displays – one for the driver, and one for the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-supported infotainment system. If you want to heat your butt in winter, however, you’ll need the Elite model.
As far as safety goes, Chery has equipped both the Comfort and Elite models with a plethora of features, including traction control, cruise control, emergency brake assist, hill descent assist, parking sensors, and plenty of airbags for both the driver and front passenger.
