Chery is a name some Kiwis might remember. After an initial foray into the New Zealand market from 2011 to 2014, the brand departed, leaving a modest impression. Now, they’re back for a second bite, and their opening act is the Tiggo 4, a compact SUV aimed squarely at the budget-conscious buyer. Forget what you thought you knew; this new offering is, as the saying goes, packed full of fruit.
A Fresh Face
First impressions matter, especially when you’re reintroducing a brand. Chery has clearly put effort into the Tiggo 4’s design. The front is dominated by a large grille featuring a distinctive diamond pattern, with smaller, shinier diamonds interspersed within. Flanking this is a full suite of modern lighting, including LED headlights and sharp daytime running lights. Interestingly, the only no-cost colour option is a vibrant red, a playful nod, perhaps, to the brand’s name, because you can’t have a Chery in any of those other colors, right? If red isn’t your flavour, shades of black, grey, and white are available for an extra cost.
The design also incorporates plenty of piano black plastic and chrome accents. Around the back, a full-width light bar and modern font might look familiar to those who’ve seen offerings from Omoda and Jaecoo; that’s because Chery is the parent company of all three brands.
The Value-Packed Interior
Stepping inside is where the Tiggo 4 really starts to challenge perceptions. Not long ago, a car in the sub-$25,000 bracket meant a sea of hard, scratchy plastics and a feature list that was bare-bones at best. Chery has flipped that script. While there are still some cheaper plastics in lower, less-visible areas, the key touchpoints feel surprisingly premium.
A soft-touch dashboard with stitching runs the width of the cabin, creating an impression of a far more expensive vehicle. The entry-level ‘Urban’ model we reviewed features cloth seats with a funky design and an integrated armrest. For those wanting more, the higher-spec ‘Ultimate’ trim adds heating and electronic adjustment for the driver’s seat.
The tech offering is extensive. Central to the experience is a large infotainment screen. While it doesn’t have native Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, it mimics the user-friendly interface and hosts Chery’s own selection of apps. From here, you can customise a vast array of vehicle settings, including lighting delays, automatic locking, and the behaviour of the staggering 17 ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) that come as standard. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity are also included.
Practicality and Powertrain
As a family-focused SUV, practicality is key. The Tiggo 4 offers a decent 340 litres of boot space, accessible via a wide opening and a low loading lip. Underneath the floor, you’ll find a space-saver spare wheel. The cabin itself is impressively spacious for a compact vehicle. Rear passengers enjoy ample headroom and shoulder room, though taller occupants might find thigh support lacking on longer journeys.
Under the bonnet, the focus is on economy. The Tiggo 4 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 108 kW of power and 210 Nm of torque. Chery claims a fuel efficiency figure of 7.4 L/100 km. While these figures won’t set the world on fire, they are perfectly suited for a vehicle in this class, designed for city commuting and family duties.
Unbelievable Value
The Chery Tiggo 4 enters a fiercely competitive segment of the New Zealand market. However, it arrives with an almost unbelievable trump card: a price tag of under $25,000 for a brand new, compact SUV. Crucially, this affordability doesn’t come at the expense of what truly matters. It proves that budget-friendly no longer means unsafe, packing in 17 ADAS systems and a five-star safety rating. It’s spacious, well-equipped, and feels more premium than its price suggests.
For a person or family looking to move from an older, secondhand car into the brand-new market without breaking the bank, the Tiggo 4 presents a massive leap in technology, comfort, and safety. Yes, there are compromises, but Chery has been incredibly selective about where to make them. It’s not a perfect car (few are) but as a value proposition, the Chery Tiggo 4 is a compelling and well-rounded package that absolutely cannot be ignored.
