The Chery Tiggo 7 CSH PHEV is a 2026 South African Car of the Year Finalist, and at R680 000 for the top-spec Ultra, it’s making a serious case for being one of the smartest buys in the mid-size SUV space right now. This isn’t an all-new model from scratch of course, but a heavily updated and hybrid-boosted version of the Tiggo 7 lineup that’s been around. Chery seems to position it as the go-to for families who want premium, mixed with some strong performance, and wallet-friendly running costs.
You said this is not an all-new Tiggo 7?
No, but the updates are so comprehensive that it feels fresh enough to turn heads. The redesigned front end sports sharper LED headlights and a more aggressive grille, while the rear gets updated lights and a cleaner bumper. New alloy wheels round it off. It’s evolved from the previous Tiggo 7 into something that looks more premium and modern. Think of it as Chery catching up to the latest “cool kids” in the segment.
What else?
Step inside and the appeal hits hard. The cabin feels upscale for the price, with full faux leather upholstery that can be heated and ventilated. You’ve got a massive 31cm touchscreen infotainment system that’s responsive, and allows for watching different types of videos through the USB port. Other features include wireless cell phone charging, regular USB and Type-C ports scattered around, a panoramic sunroof that floods the place with light, and an electric tailgate for easy loading. Storage spaces are thoughtful too, with plenty of cubbies for phones, keys, snacks, and all the little bits that accumulate in family life. The seats are comfortable for long hauls, and the overall ambiance is one of quiet premium that punches well above its price tag.
Does the Hybrid bit deliver?
This is where the value proposition shines brightest. Chery’s 1.5-litre turbo petrol teams up with electric motors for a combined 265kW and a chunky 530Nm. That’s actually the most torque of any front-wheel-drive car we’ve driven in many many years. It’s all enough to hit 0 – 100km/h in about 6.7 seconds at Gauteng altitude where we test our media cars. That’s quicker than a number of hot hatches, yet it’s wrapped in a practical family SUV body. In straight-line driving, it feels properly spirited when you push it. Thanks to that battery pack, torque arrives instantly from the electrics, making overtakes effortless and merging onto the highway a breeze. Around corners at speed, it’s not quite a corner-carver, but it stays composed and planted where it counts.
It sounds impressive.
It is. And the really big win is the range and efficiency. Plug it in for a return of up to 85km of pure EV driving, ideal for daily commutes around Gauteng without touching petrol. We experienced this first-hand after driving with a full tank and full battery pack, and getting a combined range of around 1 200 km. Fuel sipping is impressive at around 4.9L/100 km combined. For the eco-conscious person who doesn’t want range anxiety on those long trips, this setup changes the game. Charge at home overnight, do the school run and errands on electrons, then hit the open road with the petrol kicking in seamlessly whenever called upon. One can even cruise at the freeway speed limit on EV mode only, without using any petrol at all.
Safety isn’t an afterthought either: 8 airbags in total (including curtains and a driver knee bag) come standard, along with the usual suite of assists that help make it feel secure for everyday family duties. A latent safety feature is the fact that the Tiggo 7 CSH does not come with a start/stop button at all. Instead you start the car by putting on the seatbelt and stepping on the brake pedal. And thankfully some of the more “intrucive” safety features can be switched off before a drive.
So better than before?
Absolutely. The previous Tiggo 7 was already a strong value play, but this CSH PHEV version adds hybrid tech, massive power, and premium touches that make rivals feel overpriced. You’re getting near-luxury features, blistering performance, and hybrid efficiency in a package that undercuts many mainstream options while delivering more kit and wow factor.
QUICK STATS
CHERY TIGGO 7 CSH PHEV
ENGINE: 1.5-litre turbo petrol + dual electric motors (PHEV)
POWER: 265kW
TORQUE: 530Nm
0 – 100 KM/H: 6.7 seconds
GEARBOX: Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT)
DRIVE: Front-wheel-drive (FWD)
EV RANGE: Up to 85km
TOTAL RANGE: Around 1 200km
FUEL AVERAGE: 4.9L/100km
CO2 e: 33 gm/km
PRICE: R679 900
NATURAL RIVALS: BYD Sealion 6 PHEV, GWM Haval Jolion Pro HEV, Jaecoo J7 PHEV, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
FOR A SIMILAR PRICE: Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S-Line, BMW 118i, Ford Tourneo Custom LWB Ambiente, Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 Di-D 4×4, Toyota Fortuner 2.4GD, Toyota GR 86, Volkswagen Caddy Maxi TDI.
