Chinese automotive giant Chery has officially launched its flagship model in Britain, and it's making a bold statement with value and capability. The Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid, a seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV, promises to disrupt the family car market with a staggering claimed range of up to 745 miles and a starting price that significantly undercuts established rivals.
Road-Tested Across Europe: Performance & Drive
To put the Tiggo 8 through its paces, our Electric Vehicles Editor, Steve Fowler, embarked on an extensive road trip from the UK through France, Belgium, and into Germany. The goal was to test its real-world efficiency, comfort, and practicality on long journeys.
Under the bonnet, the Tiggo 8 pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and a sizeable 18.4 kWh battery. The system delivers smooth, quiet performance, achieving 0-62mph in around 8.5 seconds. Officially, it can travel up to 56 miles on electric power alone – ample for daily commutes – before the petrol engine seamlessly takes over.
The standout feature is its combined range. Chery claims up to 745 miles (WLTP), a figure our testing found to be surprisingly achievable with careful driving. The SUV supports 40kW DC fast charging, allowing the battery to replenish from 30% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes.
On the road, the Tiggo 8 is refined and effortless. Steering is light, cabin noise is well-suppressed, and it cruises quietly on motorways. The suspension prioritises comfort, making it ideal for long trips, though it can feel a touch unsettled on rougher UK road surfaces.
Space, Tech & Stunning Value For Money
Where the Chery truly impresses is inside. The cabin feels substantial and well-built, featuring soft-touch materials and a minimalist design dominated by a 15.6-inch central touchscreen. The seven-seat layout is a major selling point, with roomy first and second rows. The third row is best suited for children or occasional use.
Practicality is excellent. With all rear seats folded, boot space expands to a vast 1,930 litres. The Summit trim adds luxury features like a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system – though the sound quality was noted as a weak point.
Technology is comprehensive, including a 540-degree surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) performed reliably during testing.
Verdict: A New Benchmark For Value?
Priced from £33,545 for the Aspire trim and £36,545 for the Summit, the Tiggo 8 undercuts direct rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson by thousands. It also comes with a formidable seven-year/100,000-mile warranty (the hybrid battery is covered for eight years), enhancing its ownership proposition.
While not without flaws – including an occasionally fiddly touchscreen interface and average ride quality on poor roads – the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid's strengths are compelling. It delivers a unique combination of seven-seat space, plug-in hybrid efficiency, and a premium feel at a mainstream price.
Chery's UK debut suggests the established order should take notice. For families seeking a practical, efficient, and remarkably well-equipped SUV without a luxury price tag, the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is a seriously persuasive new option.
