WUHU, China: A CHERY International User Summit wouldn’t be complete without the introduction of new models; other than the Freelander 8, Chery also introduced the all-new Tiggo 7.
This new Tiggo 7 is hailed as the third-generation model with refreshed body styling front and rear rather than a complete body design change or a new platform.
To add excitement to the range, Chery launched a new variant called the X7, a rugged and outgoing variant with complementary styling to boot.
It is said to be the first Tiggo variant in Chery’s X product range that is targeted at those who are adventure driven.
And no, this Tiggo X7 is not a joint venture product with BMW that also has a sports utility vehicle (SUV) model by the same name.
Both the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo X7 are promoted as “family-focussed and high-quality” comfortable C-segment SUVs, albeit with different customer targets.
The Tiggo 7 continues to see a large front grille with the newly styled LED (light emitting diode) headlamps that adopt a styling theme similar to that in previous generation BMWs.
By comparison, the X7 has a bolder front with different LED headlamp signature and other elements to portray its more adventurous profile.
Against the current model, the third-gen Tiggo 7 is longer at 4,564mm overall length (Tiggo 7 Pro 4,513mm, PHEV 4,553mm) while the X7 is stretched to 4,600mm.
To complement the longer body, the wheelbase is lengthened to 2,700mm against the second-generation’s 2,670mm.
It is expected to come with similar engine and powertrain as the current generation in the 1.6-litre turbo engine with seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (Tiggo 7 Pro) and the PHEV’s 1.5-litre turbo with electric motor.
Some equipment highlights for the X7 might include the SIVP or Super Intelligent Valet Parking, Dual Spectrum Rain and Fog headlamps, Tyre Blowout Mitigation System, among others.
Its introduction to other markets is expected to begin by early next year and Malaysia might get the third-generation Tiggo 7 towards mid-2027 or a bit later.
We were treated to a crash test involving the new Tiggo 7 and a box truck, which appears to be a development model going by its “masquerade”.
Due to a misunderstanding of the timing of the event, we arrived at the “crash” site only to see the aftermath of the collision.
The test involves the 1.8-tonne Tiggo 7 going at 50kph and the 2.9-tonne box truck travelling at the same speed before colliding head-on at the relative impact speed of 100kph.
The Tiggo 7 appears to be bear the major brunt of the crash with the frontal area being pretty much demolished while the truck saw less impactful damage to the driver’s cabin.
The positive aspect of the collision test shows that the Tiggo 7’s passenger compartment remains intact with all four doors being easily opened.
The front airbags were duly deployed for the crash test driver and front passenger and the two “kids” belted at the rear didn’t appear to suffer much from the collision impact.
From this crash observation, the third-generation Tiggo 7 should excel in meeting all the benchmark collision tests that it would be put through.
Tiggo V – Three-in-One
During a drive event involving a range of Tiggo models, we had a slalom drive in the Tiggo V, which is hailed as a three-in-one model – SUV, MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) and pick-up truck.
It made its global debut at the Auto China 2026 in Beijing in April and has a transformable body with six configurations apparently, including the pick-up style bed with the quick detach rear roof structure.
It runs on a 2,800m wheelbase, has 380mm sliding rails for the second and third row seats, and 42 storage compartments.
The Tiggo V’s off-road capability is reflected in the 220mm of ground clearance, water wading depth of 700mm (PHEV) and 600mm (ICE), and tackling gradients above 30 degrees.
The slalom drive in the 1.6-litre turbo ICE variant was taken at fair speeds of around 40kph for the tight course with body lean manageable for its sizeable dimensions. Would this make it to Malaysia?
Chery Malaysia is not saying no and there is a need to study the customer profile that the Tiggo V might appeal to.
