Chery is continuing its rapid rise in the New Zealand market with the arrival of the new petrol‑powered Tiggo 8, a luxury‑leaning 7‑seat SUV that promises big space, big features, and big value. Landing in dealerships this month, the Tiggo 8 joins the brand’s expanding local line‑up in two generously equipped grades (Urban and Ultimate) priced from an impressively sharp $39,990 + ORC.
Chery describes the Tiggo 8 as its next evolution in combining luxury, performance, and technology, and based on the spec sheet, it’s clear the brand is aiming straight at the heart of the mainstream family‑SUV segment. As Lucas Harris, Chief Operating Officer for Chery AUS & NZ, notes, the Tiggo 8 is designed to provide “outstanding vehicles” and “a truly extraordinary driving experience,” reinforcing the brand’s ambition to deliver premium motoring without premium pricing.
In true Chery fashion, even the entry‑level model is anything but basic. The Tiggo 8 Urban comes standard with dual 12.3‑inch screens, ambient interior lighting, heated and ventilated seats, an air‑purifying system, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a host of premium touches that previously belonged to far more expensive brands. That’s before even mentioning the three drive modes, ‘Hello Chery’ voice controls, 8‑speaker Sony audio system, 360‑degree camera, and LED lighting package, features that firmly plant the Urban variant into “smart buy” territory for Kiwi families wanting more for less.
Step up to the Ultimate AWD, and the Tiggo 8 transforms from “impressively equipped” to “genuinely luxurious.” This model adds a panoramic sunroof, 19‑inch alloys, heated mirrors, privacy glass, a built‑in dashcam, third‑row air vents, illuminated sills, a fragrance system, a 10‑speaker Sony sound system, and a hands‑free power tailgate. Buyers can also choose optional brown synthetic leather for an added dose of premium ambience. With All‑Wheel Drive included, the Ultimate’s $44,990 + ORC price tag remains exceptionally compelling in the segment.
Inside, the Tiggo 8 is designed around comfort, tech, and passenger‑friendly practicality. Both models feature synthetic leather seats, advanced climate control integration, offline navigation, wireless charging, and a modern multi‑colour ambient lighting system for the first two rows. Chery’s Air Quality System (AQS) takes cabin wellbeing up a notch by activating its purification system automatically whenever pollutants are detected, an increasingly appreciated feature among urban commuters.
Safety also stands out as a major highlight. All Tiggo 8 variants include an extensive suite of airbags—front, side, centre, rear side, driver knee, and curtain, plus a comprehensive range of ADAS technologies. Adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane‑keeping assistance, and other driver‑assist systems are all standard. Combined with Chery’s reassuring 7‑year/unlimited‑kilometre warranty and roadside assistance package, the Tiggo 8 offers peace of mind that rivals the segment’s biggest names.
Under the bonnet sits Chery’s most powerful petrol engine to date: a 2.0‑litre turbocharged four‑cylinder producing 180kW and 375Nm. Paired to a smooth‑shifting 7‑speed dual‑clutch transmission, the engine offers lively performance while maintaining respectable efficiency. In the Urban 2WD variant, fuel consumption sits at just 8.1L/100km, with CO₂ emissions of 191g/km, competitive numbers for a vehicle offering seven seats and strong towing capability of up to 1,300kg braked. The inclusion of both 2WD and AWD options gives buyers more flexibility depending on their lifestyle demands.
On the road, the Tiggo 8 is designed to make an impression. A bold diamond‑point grille, quad exhaust tips, chunky 18‑ or 19‑inch wheels, and strong LED lighting signatures help it stand out in traffic. Its proportions (4720mm long, 1860mm wide, and 1705mm tall) strike a balance between presence and ease of urban driving. With a 2710mm wheelbase, interior space is generous across all three rows. Even with all seven seats in use, there’s still 117 litres of luggage space; fold the third row and capacity jumps to 479 litres (VDA).
The Tiggo 8’s arrival clearly signals Chery’s determination to disrupt the Kiwi SUV market by offering premium‑leaning features at prices that significantly undercut Japanese and Korean rivals. With rising interest from New Zealand families seeking stylish, tech‑heavy, and efficient seven‑seat SUVs, Chery’s timing appears spot‑on.
Whether you’re a busy family upgrading from a smaller crossover, a commuter wanting more comfort and tech, or a driver needing extra seats for weekend adventures, the Tiggo 8 offers a compelling combination of luxury, practicality, and value. And with both variants priced under $45k before ORC, it delivers one of the strongest spec‑to‑price ratios in the segment.
Set to land in dealerships this month, the Tiggo 8 marks another confident step forward for Chery in New Zealand, one that’s sure to turn heads, shift expectations, and put serious pressure on long‑standing SUV favourites.
Here’s our launch review of the Tiggo 7 and 8:
