Chery Tiggo 8 Pro – When value meets perception

IT has been a year since the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro officially entered the Malaysian market. Although we have just received a test unit for evaluation, this segment-D SUV is not unfamiliar to Engear, as we previously conducted a brief test drive when Chery first arrived in Malaysia at the end of 2022.

Since then, for some reason, we focused on the Omoda 5 and Omoda E5. However, it is certainly not too late to thoroughly test the Tiggo 8 Pro. In fact, until now, we still receive inquiries about it, whether through social media DMs or during coffee shop conversations.

Attractive package, worth it?

One of the main attractions that led you to include the Tiggo 8 Pro on your list is its appealing price. It’s “only” RM159,800 for a seven-seater segment-D SUV.

And it certainly doesn’t feel cheap at all. You get high-end features such as a 2.0-liter turbo engine, three driving modes, full LED front and rear lights, 19-inch rims, a pair of 24.6-inch wide display panels with two screens, wood and chrome trim, leather seats, electronic gear knob, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, and a full ADAS package.

Not only that, everything you can see and touch feels premium and is worth its price, such as the wood and chrome trim on the dashboard and door panels, and switches and buttons with satisfying movements, and interior lighting.

If you were to scrutinize the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in detail and later told someone that it was worth RM240,000, they might still believe it.

Not satisfied with that, the Tiggo 8 Pro can be equipped with automatic side steps for an additional RM2,999. These steps open automatically every time you open the door, just like in a Range Rover, which costs three or four times as much.

This is the cheapest non-national segment-D SUV, even cheaper than some segment-C SUVs. This makes the writer wonder how they can sell it at this price. Is there no profit at all?

Brand perception

However, it cannot be denied that there is a significant issue that balances the value offered above, that is brand perception.

We all know where Chery comes from, and if you are of the same age as the writer, growing up listening to Limp Bizkit and wearing Adidas Superstar on the weekends, you would certainly know that this is not Chery’s first time in Malaysia.

However, you must know that industrialization in China has progressed rapidly. They started later than Malaysia, but just look at their technological advancements today. And this also has an impact on the automotive industry.

You would likely agree if the writer were to say that vehicles from China can no longer be underestimated. They are now serious in the industry, striving to be the best, and developing rapidly.

For example, look at the mobile phone industry. Apart from their own brands, there are leading global brands that have opened manufacturing plants in China. Are the quality of their products different from those produced in other countries?

If you are truly interested in vehicles like the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, brand perception is indeed something you cannot avoid.

Ehem, Proton X90, how is it?

Oh yes, when talking about the Tiggo 8 Pro, you can’t avoid discussing the Proton X90 as well. The prices are quite close, ranging from RM123,800 for the Standard to RM152,800 for the Flagship.

The engines are different, with the X90 having a 1.5-liter turbo direct-injection (TGDI) powertrain with a hybrid system, while the Tiggo 8 Pro has a 2.0-liter turbo. Of course, the outputs are different, with the X90 at 177hp and 255Nm, while the Tiggo 8 Pro offers 257hp and 390Nm of torque.

Both SUVs are in the same segment, similar in size, and both can accommodate seven passengers.

Which one to choose? In terms of design, the writer finds the Tiggo 8 Pro to be more stylish overall and with more attractive details. However, you certainly get better value for the X90, as its price is lower due to its national car status (even though both SUVs are designed and developed in China).

Okay, the X90 may not be 100 percent developed in China, as Proton engineers have provided input for the suspension tuning. This is why the Proton X90 has a multi-link rear suspension compared to the Geely Haoyue.

The X90 also benefits from lower road tax, but if you need power and frequently carry many passengers, you might be willing to spend more and choose the Tiggo 8 Pro.

Solid and high-quality feel

Even more enticing, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro feels very solid, sturdy, and high-quality. Whether examining the exterior details, simply sitting inside the cabin, or driving it, all these aspects give you a premium feeling.

For example, on the exterior, there is an illuminated front logo, automatic side steps as mentioned earlier, and just the right amount of chrome trim, not excessive. The cabin is spacious and the front seats are very comfortable. The first time the writer sat in the driver’s seat of the Tiggo 8 Pro, it felt like being in a car that costs twice as much.

Then, the high dashboard and center console reinforce the premium feel of this SUV. At the same time, all buttons and switches are easily accessible. As for driving, the writer felt that it has more than enough power for daily driving. The writer gained good confidence in handling this Chery Tiggo 8 Pro even on sharp corners.

Only the steering wheel feels a bit light, but the gas pedal and transmission are all quite responsive and have good tuning. In terms of fuel consumption, the writer recorded around 9.9km per liter, considered very good considering the size and driving style of the Tiggo 8 Pro.

Of course, such fuel consumption is not very suitable for daily city driving, unless you can afford it. But it is perfect for taking the family on weekend outings outside the city. Overall, the package offered by the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is quite appealing with a combination of size, features, and price. This makes the writer excited to see the future Chery models. Perhaps we will also test drive the recently launched Tiggo 7 Pro.

Specifications of Chery Tiggo 8 Pro

Price: RM159,800
Engine: 2.0-liter petrol turbo
Gearbox: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
Power: 257hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm @ 2,000rpm