Chery’s growth in South Africa has been impressive and if they are able to maintain this momentum by introducing a wider variety of models, they will very soon be one of the top five manufacturers in terms of sales in South Africa.

The Chery brand has experienced remarkable growth in South Africa in the last five years with the brand quickly rising to a top ten player in the South African market, thanks to a range of SUVs.

The current Chery model range includes a line-up of SUVs across the size spectrum ranging from the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro to the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro.

The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is by far he brands best seller, retailing in excess of 1000 units per month.

The recently launched Chery Tiggo Cross slots into the range above that model and boasts an eye-catching exterior design, a spacious, solidly crafted, cabin and is available in Comfort and Elite specification.

All Tiggo Cross models are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged, four-cylinder, petrol engine that offers 108kW and 210Nm of torque. This is paired with a six-speed dual clutch transmission that transfers power to the front wheels.

A well-appointed interior includes a wide variety of luxury and convenience features and pricing starts at R399 900.

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is another stalwart of the range that contributes significant sales numbers. This compact five-seater SUV is full of the latest comfort, convenience and safety features.

A life in Motion body design language that is executed with sharp, athletic yet robust lines is complimented by a sunshine galaxy grille along with LED headlamps featuring angel wing inserts. Standard equipment includes flush aluminium roof rails, a shark fin antenna and sporty ten spoke 18-inch alloy wheels.

Interior space is generous and includes door storage bins and a huge area immediately below the floating centre console between the two front seats.

The Tiggo 7 Pro is packed full of the latest technology, including multiple high-end screens, a 360-degree camera, voice command, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system.

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine boasting 108kW at 5 500rpm and 210Nm from 1750pm paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission.

Looking ahead

In 2025, Chery will introduce 19 hybrid models across the HEV (hybrid electric vehicle), PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and REEV (range-extender electric vehicle ) categories globally. At the recent Shanghai Motor Show, Chery launched its Super Hybrid (CSG) brand as well as the Tiggo 7 CSH, Tiggo 8 CSH and Tiggo 9 CSH.

The next-generation CSH models will be powered by an advanced hybrid engine boasting a record-breaking 46.5% thermal efficiency, paired with a hybrid transmission offering 93% efficiency, resulting in a fuel consumption figure of as low as 3 litres per 100km. A dedicated 2.0 TGDI hybrid engine delivers up to 280kW of total system output.

The Chery Himla bakkie is headed to SA

At the recent Shanghai motor show Chery also unveiled their new bakkie range and confirmed that these models will be making their way to South Africa next year.

Badged Himla, the launch of this bakkie range forms part of Chery’s strategy of expanding their global presence.

The Chery Himla bakkie range is set to include compact, mid-size and large variants with a variety of powertrain options across petrol, diesel, hybrid and fully electric technologies. The range will also include commercial, utility as well as family and off-road focussed models.

The double cab showcased at the Shanghai motor show is similar in size to a Toyota Hilux and features a body on frame construction. A rugged exterior and design features include a large octagonal grille, thin LED lighting and 19-inch wheels fitted with off-road tyres.

The interior is modern and SUV like, with a centrally mounted infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster. The bakkie also features the latest in safety tech, including intelligent driver assistance systems and high-strength body structures.

Keeping the momentum going

Chery’s growth in South Africa has been impressive and if they are able to maintain this momentum by introducing a wider variety of models, they will very soon be one of the top five manufacturers in terms of sales in South Africa.