Chery Tiggo 8 Summit: A Competent SUV That Forgets the Fun
In the world of automotive imports, the Chery Tiggo 8 Summit plug-in hybrid SUV arrives with a name that whimsically echoes the bouncy cartoon character Tigger. However, as Sean O'Grady reports, this seven-seater vehicle delivers more practicality than playfulness, blending into the competitive SUV market with mixed results.
Performance and Practicality
The Tiggo 8 Summit is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine combined with an 18kWh battery, producing 204 PS. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph. Fuel economy reaches 211 mpg when fully charged, and CO2 emissions are a low 31 g/km under the same conditions. Despite its substantial 2.2-tonne weight, the hybrid system ensures smooth operation, though the ride can feel jiggly on rough British roads, a potential adjustment issue from its Chinese origins.
With a price starting at £28,545 and tested at £31,545, it offers significant value. The interior is spacious, accommodating five adults and two children, thanks to a sliding split-fold middle row of seats. Electric-only range is estimated at up to 50 miles, ideal for commuting when charged at home.
Design and Comparisons
Visually, the Tiggo 8 Summit adopts a generic styling that makes it hard to distinguish from rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq, Kia Sorento, and Peugeot 5008. Build quality and materials are comparable to established brands, but its lower price point raises questions about efficient production versus market dumping, a concern for the Competition and Markets Authority.
As part of the Chery Group, which includes posher Jaecoo and youthful Omoda lines, this model targets mainstream buyers. Its rapid market penetration in the UK outpaces historical Japanese and South Korean introductions.
Drawbacks and Daily Use
The primary downside is the over-reliance on touchscreen controls, a common critique of Chinese cars. This makes simple tasks, like activating heated seats, unnecessarily cumbersome. Additional annoyances include wiper controls on the indicator stalk and a seatbelt warning that triggers with lowered rear seats.
Its large size poses challenges in urban environments, typical of oversized SUVs. Yet, for business users, tax breaks enhance its appeal, contributing to its growing presence on British roads.
In summary, the Chery Tiggo 8 Summit is a capable and economical choice in the seven-seater SUV segment, offering reliability and space at a competitive price. However, it lacks the fun and finesse its name might suggest, settling for practicality over excitement.
