The new Tiggo 7 CSH offers an impressive 93 km electric range and starts from under R600 000, making plug-in hybrid technology more accessible than ever.
Chery South Africa has introduced the Tiggo 7 CSH, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that promises to stir up the local SUV market with its compelling combination of efficiency, technology and value.
Starting from R599 900 for the introductory launch period, the Tiggo 7 CSH becomes the most affordable new plug-in hybrid SUV available in South Africa.
The timing couldn’t be better for South African motorists grappling with rising fuel costs. The Tiggo 7 CSH offers genuine electric-only driving capability with a claimed range of up to 93 kilometres on battery power alone.
Even accounting for real-world conditions that might reduce this to around 78 kilometres, this represents enough range for most daily commutes and school runs without burning a drop of petrol.
Two trim levels to choose from
Chery offers the Tiggo 7 CSH in two well-equipped variants. The entry-level Plus model carries that introductory price of R599 900 (regular price R619 900), whilst the range-topping Ultra commands R679 900. Both versions share the same powertrain but differ in their comfort and safety equipment levels.
The heart of the Tiggo 7 CSH is a hybrid system combining a 1,5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor. Together, they produce a substantial 265 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque, delivered through Chery’s Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) to the front wheels.
Impressive efficiency credentials
Once the Tiggo 7 CSH has ‘spent’ that 93 km (or so), the combined system still delivers exceptional fuel economy of just 4,9 litres per 100 kilometres, Chery claims. The total range reaches an impressive 1 200 kilometres, meaning drivers could theoretically travel from Cape Town to Bloemfontein on a single tank with fuel to spare.
According to Chery, the battery can be replenished in 45 minutes to one hour using a DC fast charger, or between four and eight hours when connected to a standard AC charger at home.
Compared to Toyota’s hybrids
Whilst the Tiggo 7 CSH represents excellent value in the plug-in hybrid segment, it’s worth noting that Toyota offers a more affordable hybrid alternative. The Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV XS retails for R494 400, making it R105 500 less expensive than the entry-level Tiggo 7 CSH.
However, there’s a crucial difference in capability. The Toyota employs a traditional hybrid system that cannot be plugged in to charge and relies on a much smaller battery.
This means it can only travel very short distances on electric power alone, typically less than a few hundred metres under light load conditions. For buyers seeking meaningful electric-only driving capability, the Chery’s plug-in system offers a fundamentally different proposition.
Chery also offers its own conventional hybrid alternative. The Tiggo Cross 1.5 CSH HEV Comfort, priced from R439 900, provides a more direct competitor to the Toyota with similar hybrid technology.
Premium features across the range
Both Tiggo 7 CSH variants come well-equipped. Standard features includes dual 12,3-inch displays comprising a digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 50-watt wireless charging pad, and Chery’s “Hello Chery” voice assistant system.
The Plus model features leather upholstery, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and keyless entry. The Ultra variant adds heated and ventilated front seats with driver memory function, an eight-speaker Sony sound system replacing the Plus model’s six-speaker setup, ambient lighting, and a negative ion air purification system.
Safety equipment varies by trim
Safety equipment differs notably between the two variants. Both models include comprehensive airbag protection with front dual, front side, side curtain, front inter-seat, and driver’s knee airbags. They also share blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision warning, reverse cross-traffic brake, driver monitoring system, and multi-collision brake functionality.
However, the Ultra model gains several additional active safety systems that aren’t available on the Plus. These include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and prevention, emergency lane keeping, intelligent high beam control, traffic congestion assist, integrated cruise assist, and lane change assist.
Practical family transport
The Tiggo 7 CSH offers impressive practicality for family use. Behind the rear seats, there’s 626 litres of luggage space, expanding to 1 672 litres when the 60/40 split-folding rear bench is folded flat, Chery says.
Design-wise, the Tiggo 7 CSH maintains the bold contemporary styling of the standard Tiggo 7 range. Both variants ride on 18-inch alloy wheels and feature LED lighting throughout, including automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, and LED daytime running lights. The Ultra model adds front fog lamps, a panoramic sunroof, and a power-operated tailgate.
Strong warranty backing
Chery backs the Tiggo 7 CSH with comprehensive warranty coverage. The standard vehicle warranty runs for five years or 150 000 kilometres, whilst the battery receives a 10-year unlimited mileage warranty for the first owner. A five-year or 60 000-kilometre service plan is also included.
According to Tony Liu, CEO of Chery South Africa, the Tiggo 7 CSH represents the brand’s commitment to making sustainable mobility more accessible. “This model reflects our commitment to making smart, sustainable mobility more accessible, without asking drivers to compromise on performance, style or comfort. It’s an SUV designed for anyone looking to drive further, with less fuel, and greater peace of mind.”
Market positioning and availability
The Tiggo 7 CSH arrives at a pivotal moment for the South African automotive market. With the oil price continuing to climb, some consumers see plug-in hybrid technology as a practical stepping stone towards electrification.
The introductory pricing for the Plus model remains valid for three months, after which it will increase to R619 900. Both variants are available now through Chery’s South African dealership network, with eight exterior colour options including striking two-tone combinations such as Bloodstone Red and New Carbon Black, and Khaki White and New Carbon Black.
