Here’s a better take a look at the Chery Tiggo Cross, which is an interesting proposition for those shopping within the sub-RM100k end of the SUV market. Two of three Proton X50 facelift variants are in the combo, as are the Perodua Ativa and Honda WR-V. B-segment sedans from Japanese brands and Proton are alternatives.
All are compact cars but big hitters when it comes to sales numbers, besides, this Chery has elements that set it apart. Launched in July, the Tiggo Cross is CKD locally assembled in two variants – Turbo and Hybrid. The Turbo goes for RM88,800 while the RM99,800 Hybrid is probably the most reasonably priced hybrid model within the Malaysian market. Before this, the Honda City e:HEV RS was the most affordable hybrid at RM111,900. The bottom Nissan Kicks e-Power VL goes for RM113,800.
The CSH hybrid system here combines a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-pot engine (96 PS/120 Nm) with a Direct Hybrid Transmission (DHT) with two integrated electric motors, rated together at 204 PS/310 Nm. There’s a 1.8-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery under the boot floor to juice the motors.
The CSH is a series-parallel hybrid system with five states, including EV (running on electricity only), Tandem (engine acts as a generator while the electrical motor drives the wheels), Parallel (each the engine and electric motor working together), Direct Engine (engine directly drives the wheels at speeds above 80 km/h) and Energy Recovery (regenerative braking and coasting to charge the battery).
The hybrid battery reduces boot space by 30 litres to 350 litres, although each variants share the identical 51-litre fuel tank. Claimed fuel consumption (undisclosed standard) is 5.4 litres per 100 km for the Hybrid, which at 1,565 kg is 97 kg heavier than its pure-ICE sister. Chery claims that the Tiggo Cross Hybrid can reach 1,000 km per tank due to electrification.
The Turbo’s heart is a 1.5-litre turbo-four making 147 PS and 210 Nm of torque. Drive goes to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission for a 0-100 km/h time of 10.3 seconds in Sport mode (Hybrid does it in 8.9s). By the best way, while we get a Turbo-DCT combo, the Tiggo Cross is sold as a 1.5L NA-CVT in Indonesia, while it’s Turbo-CVT in Australia. On paper, we’re getting the most effective powertrain package.
The Tiggo Cross is viewed by many as an Ativa/WR-V form of automotive, but its dimensions isn’t far off from the Proton X50, which is taken into account as true B-segment SUV. At 4,318 mm long and 1,830 mm wide, the Cross is 62 mm shorter than the X50 but 35 mm wider. The Chery’s 2,610 mm wheelbase is 10 mm longer too, and even the reduced boot space of the Hybrid is larger than the X50. So this is a B-segment SUV, just positioned below the Chery O5 a.k.a. Omoda 5 facelift.
The Tiggo Cross looks inoffensive and decent today, nevertheless it wasn’t at all times like that. The model’s roots trace back to the Tiggo 5x that first surfaced in China in 2017. Renamed to Tiggo 4 for export markets, it got a facelift and a ‘Pro’ moniker in 2019 – this was the automotive that Chery Malaysia previewed in its first ever event in 2022.
This latest facelift was revealed in 2024, and it wears a recent front fascia with sharper features, together with full width rear LED lights, looking like a junior Jaecoo J7 in the method. There’s no more metal rear pillars on this facelift, which has side and rear glass panels visually connected.
Like the outside, the dashboard ticks all of the contemporary boxes. This latest facelift features a full-width vent strip and conjoined screens. Chery also redesigned the AC controls, which touch panel flows seamlessly into the piano black recent centre console. The gear lever is now a stubby thing, flanked by physical AC switches for each driver and passenger (fan speed and temp, dual-zone). Speaking of switches, the row of piano key buttons remain.
It’s mix of recent style with physical controls, something Proton moved away from with the X50 facelift. Here, you almost never have to ‘enter’ the central touchscreen once every thing is about.
Standard equipment for each variants includes LED headlamps, vertical LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, red brake calipers, roof rails, rear spoiler, faux leather upholstery, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control with rear vent (there’s just one), 15W wireless charging pad, keyless entry/push start and a powered driver’s seat. Those two screens are each 10.25-inch wide, and the Chery has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a ‘540-degree’ camera and 6 speakers.
The Turbo rides on 18-inch wheels (Giti tyres), and has six airbags plus an ADAS suite that features lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, auto high beam, lane departure prevention, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking.
The Hybrid, which comes with 17-inch wheels (Sailun tyres), gets an extra airbag to make it seven in total, and its ADAS suite adds on door opening warning, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic braking, lane change assist, emergency lane keeping, multi-collision brake and traffic jam assist.
Visually, the Hybrid’s nicer steering wheel has the ‘CHERY’ script logo and its buttons have a gloss black finish. No physical electronic parking brake and auto hold buttons here, so there’s an odd little cubby behind the gear lever. This could be a slot for the important thing fob, which can also be different – a slim unit for the Turbo and a bulky, glossy soap bar for the Hybrid. The Turbo also gets a cluster of controls below the motive force’s AC vent, while it’s clean on the Hybrid. Finally, the electrified automotive has a Hybrid badge on its tailgate.
There’s even a difference in color options. Blood Stone Red is exclusive to the Turbo and Moonlight Silver is a Hybrid-only option – the 2 examples you see listed here are of their respective special colors. The shared options are Carbon Black, Phantom Grey and Khaki White.
The Tiggo Cross comes with a seven-year, 150,000-km factory warranty, with the Hybrid gaining an extra eight-year, 160,000-km warranty for its battery, motors and hybrid control unit. Chery Malaysia is offering seven years of free towing service. An early bird package throw in two years of free service for the primary 2,000 customers until September 30.
So, what do you think that of the Chery Tiggo Cross as a standalone entry, and vis-à-vis the Proton X50 facelift? The Honda WR-V is off the pace in relation to modernity, equipment and value, while the Perodua Ativa isn’t really in the identical bracket, in each size and price terms. One thing unique concerning the Tiggo Cross is its hybrid option, which is perhaps a boon if you happen to don’t qualify for subsidised RON 95 and petrol becomes a more precious commodity… next month?
GALLERY: Chery Tiggo Cross
GALLERY: Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid
GALLERY: Chery Tiggo Cross Turbo
Trying to sell your automotive? Sell it with Carro.
This Article First Appeared At paultan.org
