Chery is ready to shake up the Australian SUV market with its most ambitious model yet: the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid. This plug-in hybrid (PHEV) seven-seater arrives soon, aiming to redefine value without compromising on premium features. Set to be priced from $59,990 before on-road costs, it directly challenges established players like the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe while offering a compelling package for tech-savvy buyers.
A Striking Interior Upgrade
Stepping inside the Tiggo 9 reveals a dramatic departure from Chery’s previous cabins. Gone are the cramped, dual-screen setups found in models like the Tiggo 4 and Tiggo 7. Instead, drivers face a sleek, driver-focused 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a large, floating 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen takes centre stage on the console.
The high-resolution screen is anything but gimmicky; it boasts intuitive menus and customizable widgets. Physical controls for key functions like climate and drive mode sit below the touchscreen in a thoughtfully arranged chrome ringed cluster. Front seats boast business-class comfort with extendable leg rests, heating, ventilation, and massage functions – features more commonly found in vehicles from higher price brackets. While the second row offers ample legroom with rear air vents and USB ports, the third row feels cramped and best suited for occasional use by children or adults on shorter journeys.
Powerful Hybrid Prowess Under the Bonnet
Powering this imposing SUV is Chery’s most sophisticated hybrid system to date. A 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine works in tandem with three electric motors, generating a combined output of 315kW and an impressive 580Nm of torque. The claimed all-electric range is a substantial 170km, while the total driving range extends up to 1250km – making it highly competitive against established hybrid rivals like Toyota’s Kluger.
Charging the 34kWh lithium-ion battery can be done quickly at DC fast-charging stations up to 71kW. The sophisticated three-speed automatic transmission seamlessly integrates with the petrol and electric motors, ensuring smooth acceleration and effortless transitions between power sources.
A Dynamic Character Still Under Wraps
While the Tiggo 9 excels in comfort, refinement, and technology, its dynamic abilities remain partially shrouded. The test vehicle used for this first preview was a Chinese-spec model, tuned for comfort over outright performance. Our initial impressions suggest that it leans more towards comfortable cruising than spirited handling. Steering feels somewhat numb, and body roll is noticeable when pushing hard through corners.
Australian versions will likely adopt a firmer suspension setup aimed at sharpening the driving experience, but until we test them locally, a definitive judgment on its dynamic character must wait.
Loaded with Luxury: The Ultimate Package
Chery pulls out all the stops in terms of equipment, bestowing the Tiggo 9 Ultimate with features rarely seen at this price point. Notable highlights include 20-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, acoustic glass for a hushed cabin experience, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, a premium Sony sound system, head-up display (HUD), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an array of advanced safety systems.
Safety First: Waiting on Ratings
The Tiggo 9 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it’s yet to be assessed by ANCAP or Euro NCAP for crashworthiness ratings.
Value Proposition: Challenging the Status Quo
Chery’s ambitious gamble with the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid is clear. This is more than just a vehicle; it’s a statement of intent – challenging established brands on their own turf, offering compelling value without sacrificing substance or features. Time will tell how well Australians embrace this Chinese challenger in the fiercely competitive large SUV market, but early indications point towards a strong contender that demands serious consideration.
