Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is inexpensive yet armed to the teeth – Test Drive

The Tiggo 7 Pro marks the fourth model launched by Chery Malaysia, following the Omoda 5, Tiggo 8 Pro, and Omoda E5.

Like its three predecessors, the Tiggo 7 Pro plays a crucial role in Chery’s efforts to cement its brand presence in Malaysia for the second time. It enters the fiercely competitive C-segment SUV market, going head-to-head with well-established rivals like Proton’s X70 and the immensely popular Honda CR-V.

As a newcomer, the Tiggo 7 Pro faces significant challenges, as its closest competitors boast impressive credentials proven by encouraging sales figures. However, this Chinese SUV has proven itself capable of standing up to the competition.

What makes the Tiggo 7 Pro particularly compelling is its pricing, which falls below RM130,000. It offers exceptional value, especially in terms of features, performance, and safety, making it a worthy alternative for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.

Aesthetics-wise, the Tiggo 7 Pro may not be as striking as the 2025 X70 or CR-V, but it certainly exudes a stylish, mature image that is capable of appealing to professionals.

While it may not scream for attention, pleasant details such as the Mercedes-esque diamond studs in the grille, the full-width rear light, and tasteful blue accents on the front bumper help it stand out subtly.

The vehicle sports attractive 18-inch alloy wheels, which hide red brake calipers—an unexpected touch for a family-oriented SUV, yet appealing to those who has a desire for sporty touches on their vehicles.

Measuring 4,513 mm in length, 1,862 mm in width, and 1,696 mm in height, the Tiggo 7 Pro is slightly shorter than the X70 and CR-V but boasts greater height compared to both models. Its wheelbase spans 2,670 mm, matching that of the X70 but falling 30 mm short of the CR-V.

Despite its smaller dimensions, the Tiggo 7 Pro’s cabin feels remarkably spacious and accommodating for a family of five. The materials used throughout convey quality rather than cheapness, justifying the already wallet-friendly price tag.

You’ll find leatherette upholstery enveloping much of the dashboard, seats, and steering wheel, complemented by touches of wood trim and glossy black and aluminium accents.

Notably, the dashboard is accented with nice-looking faux carbon fibre trim, complementing the sporty image initiated by those red brake calipers.

In terms of features, buyers will find everything they could possibly desire in a vehicle of this market category. For example, the infotainment system and essential vehicle information are displayed on a sizeable 24.6-inch screen, which actually comprises two separate displays of 12.3 inches each.

Additional offerings include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Sony audio system with eight speakers, a 50W wireless charger, and ambient lighting with 64 colour options.

Convenience features such as dual-zone climate control, six-way power adjustments for the driver’s seat, four-way adjustments for the front passenger, a panoramic sunroof, and Keyless Entry with Walk-Away Auto Lock make for a comfortable and user-friendly driving experience.

Don’t let the Tiggo 7 Pro’s smaller footprint fool you; it’s well-suited for family use. The rear seats are spacious, providing ample thigh support and a comfortable seating angle. The conventional SUV body shape also grants generous headroom for taller passengers.

The boot space, while smaller than that of the X70 and CR-V at 475 litres, remains plentiful. If you need extra room, simply fold down the rear seats for a vast total capacity of 1,672 litres.

On the safety front, there’s no cause for concern, as Chery has equipped this SUV with a host of active and passive safety features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Multi-Collision Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist, and more.

If that’s not enough, it also boasts seven airbags and a comprehensive 540-degree camera system complete with markers to assist drivers in tight spaces.

Despite its Chinese origins, the Tiggo 7 Pro does not compromise on quality; the camera displays are notably bright and sharp, outshining some of the more expensive SUVs on the market.

The design is appealing and the features provided are more than adequate but how does the Tiggo 7 Pro perform on the road?

Open the bonnet, and you won’t see much, as the 1.6-litre turbo engine and its associated components are neatly concealed beneath a large plastic cover.

That said, you won’t have any problem feeling the power as the four-cylinder engine produces 197 PS and 290 Nm of torque, surpassing the outputs offered by the three-cylinder engines found in Proton and Honda’s X70 and CR-V.

With a seven-speed DCT transmission driving the front wheels, this SUV is claimed to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 205 km/h.

Undeniably, the combination of engine and transmission endows the Tiggo 7 Pro with impressive acceleration, making it a joy to drive on wide-open motorways.

However, navigating busy city streets, I found the powertrain to be less smooth at times, with occasional jerks when initially pulling away.

According to Chery, the powertrain should achieve fuel consumption figures of around 7 l/100 km (14.2 km/l). In my mixed driving of both highways and urban areas, I recorded a consumption of about 8.9 l/100 km (11.2 km/l)—not too shabby considering the slightly aggressive driving style.

The suspension system is quite typical for a Chinese brand; it’s soft and comfortable, providing satisfactory shock absorption, which inspires confidence when tackling uneven roads.

Nevertheless, the softness of the suspension can make the Tiggo 7 Pro feel a bit precarious at higher speeds. While it handles corners well for an SUV, overly spirited driving can lead to the vehicle struggling to maintain composure.

In other words, I believe the Tiggo 7 Pro is better suited for relaxed and leisurely driving, even though it boasts a rather powerful engine and features aggressive design elements like red brake calipers and carbon fibre trim.

Conclusion

If you’re on the lookout for a versatile C-segment SUV that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro might just be your ideal choice.

While its design may not be the most eye-catching in its class, it makes up with an impressive list of features and satisfying performance.

Concerned about after-sales support? Rest easy, as Chery Malaysia offers a generous seven-year/150,000 km warranty, 24/7 free towing service, and a five-year complimentary service package for the Tiggo 7 Pro.

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Specifications

Price: RM123,800
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo petrol, four-cylinder
Transmission: Seven-speed DCT
Power: 197 PS
Torque: 290 Nm