Affordable Innovation Meets Practical Efficiency
As Chinese carmaker Chery strengthens its presence in New Zealand through its core brand and sub-brands Omoda and Jaecoo, two standout contenders are ready to make waves in the highly competitive hybrid SUV segment, the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 Super Hybrids.
These two models, which share the brand’s revolutionary ‘Chery Super Hybrid’ (CSH) powertrain, aren’t simply about ticking the hybrid box. Instead, Chery’s engineers have gone back to basics, rethinking what electrified powertrains should deliver in real-world use. With impressive tech, practical design, and a surprising amount of refinement for the price point, these SUVs aim to blend EV efficiency with hybrid flexibility, all without the compromises often found in traditional plug-in hybrids.
Rethinking the Hybrid
Chery’s Super Hybrid isn’t just a petrol engine with an electric motor slapped on. The team claims that existing hybrid and PHEV systems often fall short, either because they act like conventional petrol cars when the battery runs out, or because they’re plagued by noisy transitions, jerky power delivery, or inefficient real-world fuel economy.
To address these shortcomings, Chery designed the CSH with three key goals in mind: absolute performance, high efficiency, and low range anxiety.
At the heart of the system is a fifth-generation 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that produces 105kW and 215Nm, mated to an electric motor offering an additional 150kW and 310Nm. Combined, these work through a single-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) that allows for seamless transitions across four drive modes, pure EV, series hybrid, parallel hybrid, and energy recovery.
But the true brilliance lies in the control logic. Instead of idling inefficiently, the engine works in its optimal efficiency band whenever possible, with any excess power routed to recharge the battery. This ensures the powertrain always operates at its most efficient, without sacrificing performance.
Plug-In Power Without the Plug-In Pressure
Chery has designed the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 Super Hybrids so you don’t need to plug them in to enjoy the benefits. If you never charge it, it behaves like a high-efficiency HEV. But when you do plug in, it unlocks up to 95km of pure EV range (NEDC), with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that charges from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes using DC fast charging.
With a full tank and full charge, both the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 are capable of up to 1,200km of total driving range, a serious claim that outpaces many rivals.
Technology and Comfort Without the Premium Price Tag
Both Tiggo models offer a tech-forward interior that’s lightyears ahead of what you might expect at their respective price points. The Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid starts at $42,990 plus ORC, while the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid tops out at $51,990 plus ORC. And for that price, you’re getting serious value.
In the Tiggo 7 Ultimate, you’ll find: A panoramic sunroof, Heated and ventilated front seats Ambient lighting Wireless charging and connectivity A 360-degree (Actually 540-degree) camera system. Sony premium audio
Meanwhile, the Tiggo 8 Ultimate ups the ante with: 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. Driver Head-Up Display (HUD). 10-speaker system including subwoofer and centre channel. Massage function for the driver. More refined interior appointments and increased passenger space. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is Chery’s own voice-activated assistant (“Hello Chery”), which allows you to control climate, music, and even open the sunroof without touching a button.
On the Road – The Real Test
We had the opportunity to sample both models on a varied 500km round trip from Sydney to the Hunter Valley. This included long highway stints, twisty backroads, and urban crawling through some true-blue small Aussie townships, a perfect stress test for any new powertrain.
The standout from the first drives? Just how quiet both cabins were. Despite being powered in part by a petrol engine, NVH levels are kept remarkably low, even when the engine kicks in at speed. You can tell Chery spent serious development time refining the switchovers between EV and hybrid modes.
The Tiggo 7 leaned toward the firmer side in suspension, giving it a more athletic feel on the road. It’s a touch taut over bumps but rewards with better handling. The Tiggo 8, on the other hand, is tuned for comfort. It’s slightly softer and soaks up undulations well, making it an ideal 5+2 seat family tourer.
In both cars, the regenerative braking is smooth and not overly aggressive, while the DHT gearbox is so seamless you’ll forget it’s even working.
We ended our journey with half a tank remaining, a testament to the powertrain’s real-world efficiency and an indicator of how cost-effective these hybrids could be over time.
Safety and Support
Chery has come a long way in its safety suite, now offering a full stack of ADAS systems as standard. That includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). Driver attention monitoring. 9 airbags (Tiggo 8) / 8 airbags (Tiggo 7).
Our test drive revealed some minor quirks (such as driver monitoring struggling with my dark sunglasses) but overall, the system is polished. Chery admits local calibration will be ongoing, with updates made to suit Kiwi roads and driving styles.
And for peace of mind, all Tiggo models are covered by a 7-year/unlimited km warranty and 7 years of roadside assistance, a strong showing in this segment.
Hybrids That Make Sense
In a market increasingly flooded with electrified options, the Chery Tiggo 7 and 8 Super Hybrids stand out by rethinking the hybrid formula rather than following it. With impressive real-world range, advanced technology, and pricing that undercuts many rivals, they offer a convincing case for families wanting greener motoring without the compromise.
Are they perfect? Not quite. The infotainment menus take a moment to learn, and the ride tuning won’t please every driver. But for this money, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better hybrid SUV package.
We’re looking forward to testing these on Kiwi roads soon, but based on this first taste, Chery’s Super Hybrid models might just be the most practical step yet toward an electrified future.
Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid (from $42,990+ORC) — Smart urban SUV with sporty suspension feel
Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid (from $51,990+ORC) — Larger, more luxurious, ideal family tourer
Pros: Excellent EV-hybrid integration. Huge driving range. High-spec for the price. Quiet, comfortable cabins.
Cons: Slightly firm/soft ride depending on model. Some infotainment quirks. ADAS may need fine-tuning for local roads
