Let’s face it, the number on the petrol station sign can nearly induce a small heart attack, so the arrival of a new, genuinely affordable hybrid is cause for celebration. Chery New Zealand is tuning up the band for the launch of its TIGGO 4 Hybrid, an electrified compact SUV aiming to prove that you don’t need to drain your savings to stop draining your fuel tank.
Expanding on what is already lauded as the “most awarded compact SUV line-up,” Chery is plugging a significant gap in the market. With a starting price of just $32,990 plus on−road costs for the Urban model, the TIGGO4 Hybrid isn′t just knocking on the door of the hybrid market; it′s kicking it down with steel−capped boots. The higher−spec Ultimate variant is priced at a still−competitive $37,990 plus on-road costs.
At the heart of this value proposition is Chery’s advanced series-parallel hybrid system. This technology pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering an outstanding combined fuel economy of 5.4L/100km. In practical terms, this system is a master of efficiency, often using the electric motor for silent, emission-free cruising in city traffic and engaging the petrol engine for highway speeds or when a burst of power is needed. As Chery’s Chief Commercial Officer, Lucas Harris, puts it, “Adding hybrid power to our most accessible SUV is a natural next step in making advanced technology available to more Kiwis.”
While Chery is keeping the full list of specifications under wraps until closer to the August 2025 showroom arrival, the promise is a vehicle that doesn’t compromise on “style, practicality or value.” Based on the two-tier Urban and Ultimate structure, buyers can likely expect a generous suite of standard features in the base model, with the Ultimate adding desirable extras such as a sunroof, larger alloy wheels, and more comprehensive driver-assistance technologies .
The TIGGO 4 Hybrid represents a compelling trifecta of smart design, tangible efficiency, and a price point that makes electrified driving accessible. For New Zealand drivers feeling the pinch at the pump, this could be the value-packed, fuel-sipping hero they’ve been waiting for.
