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Chery Tiggo Cross Small SUV Big Value

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Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Key Takeaways:

  • The Chery Tiggo Cross redefines B-segment SUV expectations with its generous size, premium features, and competitive pricing.
  • Both Turbo and Hybrid variants offer distinct driving experiences, with the Hybrid boasting exceptional fuel efficiency and a theoretical range of up to 1,417km.
  • Its interior quality, advanced technology (including twin 10.25-inch screens and 540-degree camera), and comprehensive safety suite (Level 2 ADAS in Hybrid) challenge more expensive rivals.
  • Despite being positioned as a B-segment SUV, its dimensions and features frequently nudge it into C-segment territory, offering superior space compared to direct competitors like the Perodua Ativa and Honda WR-V.
  • The Tiggo Cross presents compelling value for buyers seeking a step-up in premium feel, efficiency, and advanced features without the premium price tag.

Table of Contents:



Can a 'Small' SUV Truly Offer 'Big' Value? The Chery Tiggo Cross Challenges the Status Quo

In a market saturated with choices, a new contender often sparks curiosity and challenges established norms. Today, we're diving deep into precisely such a vehicle. Can a so-called "small" SUV truly deliver "big" value, blurring the lines between segments and offering features typically reserved for higher price points? Is the Chery Tiggo Cross worth it? Our in-depth review explores its size, features, and value. Find out if this small SUV fits your needs. The answer, as we discovered during an extensive journey covering hundreds of kilometers, is a resounding and surprising "yes," particularly if you prioritize premium feel, advanced technology, and exceptional efficiency.

This comprehensive review aims to cut through the marketing noise and deliver a data-driven assessment of the Chery Tiggo Cross. We'll clarify its positioning in a confusing automotive landscape, scrutinize its performance across both Turbo and Hybrid variants, evaluate its feature-packed interior, and benchmark its safety against rivals. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of whether this compelling B-segment SUV aligns with your specific automotive aspirations and budget, helping you make an informed decision in a fiercely competitive market.



Demystifying Automotive Segments: Where Does the Tiggo Cross Truly Stand?

Automotive segments, once straightforward, have become a perplexing maze of crossovers, SUVs, and "in-between" models. For those new to car buying, it's understandable to feel lost. To clarify, the A-segment features small cars like the Perodua Axia, while the B-segment houses sub-compacts such as the Honda City and Toyota Vios. Moving up, C-segment cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla offer more space and features, with D, E, and F segments representing progressively larger and more luxurious sedans.

However, SUVs muddy these waters considerably. The Chery Tiggo Cross exemplifies this segmentation challenge. While technically classified as a B-segment SUV, its generous dimensions, sophisticated features, and premium feel often lead observers to argue it could comfortably nudge into the C-segment. This perceptual overlap is a testament to Chery's strategic positioning, offering more car for the money. To keep things fair and follow industry standards, we'll position it as a B-segment SUV, understanding that it faces formidable rivals like the Perodua Ativa, Honda WR-V, Honda HR-V, and the new Proton X50. Our detailed analysis will reveal how it stacks up, especially when its inherent "bigness" is considered.



Turbo vs. Hybrid: Power, Efficiency, and Driving Dynamics Unpacked

Our comprehensive review included driving both variants of the Chery Tiggo Cross on a challenging long-distance journey to Terengganu and back to Kuala Lumpur. This provided invaluable real-world insights into their distinct personalities. We piloted the Turbo variant on the outbound leg and the Hybrid on the return, clocking sufficient mileage to truly gauge their capabilities.

The Chery Tiggo Cross Turbo: Spirited and Engaging

Under the hood, the Tiggo Cross Turbo is powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged aluminium engine, delivering a healthy 147PS and 210Nm of torque. Power is efficiently managed by a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, sending drive to the front wheels. This setup translates into a spirited driving feel, with the Turbo variant happy to explore the upper rev band and sustain high speeds without feeling strained. Despite being down on power compared to its Hybrid sibling, it's also 79 kilograms lighter, contributing to its agile and engaging character. Official fuel consumption is rated at a respectable 6.3-litres per 100km.

The Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid: Effortless Efficiency Redefined

The Hybrid model takes a different approach to performance and economy. It pairs a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine (102PS, 125Nm) with two electric motors. One motor directly drives the wheels, while the other acts as a generator, drawing power from a 1.8kWh battery. When the battery runs low, the engine seamlessly steps in to recharge it. Critically, the engine can also directly power the wheels, especially at higher speeds, ensuring no compromise on performance. The combined output of the Hybrid system is a formidable 204PS and 310Nm of torque.

From a driving perspective, the Hybrid feels exceptionally smooth and effortless. Its instant electric torque delivery provides eager acceleration from a standstill, and power is always on tap, whether navigating city traffic or cruising on the highway. Chery refers to its transmission as an e-CVT, which effectively means power is directly transmitted to the wheels via the electric motor, resulting in a remarkably seamless and gear-shift-free experience.

But where the Hybrid truly shines is its astonishing fuel economy. While the official figure stands at 5.4-litres per 100km, our real-world testing yielded significantly better results. During the drive back from Terengganu, we observed figures as low as 3.1-litres per 100km, settling at an average of 3.6-litres per 100km by the end of the trip. With a 51-litre fuel tank, this translates to a theoretical range of a staggering 1,417km on a single tank. Even a more conservative estimate of 1,200km per tank is an incredibly impressive figure for any SUV.



Beyond the Price Tag: Unpacking the Chery Tiggo Cross's Unmatched Value

When considering value, price is just one piece of the puzzle. The Chery Tiggo Cross Turbo is priced at RM88,800, and the Hybrid at RM99,800. Let's compare this to its direct B-segment rivals: the Honda WR-V, which ranges from RM89,900 to RM107,900, and the Perodua Ativa, priced between RM72,600 and RM73,600. While the price differences might seem marginal at first glance, the Tiggo Cross truly distinguishes itself through its interior quality and sheer spaciousness.

Compared to the Ativa and WR-V, the Tiggo Cross immediately feels more premium. Soft-touch surfaces abound, the door panels feel solid rather than hollow, and it boasts features often found in higher segments: dual-zone air-conditioning, wireless charging pads, and even a sophisticated 540-degree camera system. These aren't just minor conveniences; they significantly elevate the ownership experience and contribute to a perception of luxury that belies its price point.

Dimensions Speak Volumes: More Space for You

Data-driven insights from the spec sheets confirm what the eye perceives: the Tiggo Cross is a big small SUV. With a 2,610mm wheelbase, it measures 4,318mm long, 1,830mm wide, and 1,670mm tall. Let's stack that against its competitors:

  • Perodua Ativa: An 85mm shorter wheelbase, 253mm shorter length, 120mm narrower, and 35mm lower.
  • Honda WR-V: A 125mm shorter wheelbase, 258mm shorter length, 50mm narrower, and 62mm lower.

Even against the Proton X50 and Honda HR-V, which are often considered C-segment contenders, the Tiggo Cross holds its own remarkably well. It's both wider and taller than both, and shares an identical wheelbase length with the Honda HR-V (though the Proton X50's wheelbase is a mere 10mm shorter). Like Shakira's hips, the spec sheets don't lie – the Chery Tiggo Cross truly is a spacious and commanding presence on the road, offering exceptional comfort for all occupants. This generous sizing is a significant data point for buyers prioritizing interior room and practicality.



Step Inside: Premium Comfort Meets Advanced Technology

The interior of the Chery Tiggo Cross is a generous blend of modernity, function, and quality. In typical Chery style, the front fascia is dominated by twin digital screens, designed to appear as one giant, seamless display – a premium touch reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz. Both the infotainment system and instrument cluster boast crisp 10.25-inch screens, providing a rich, interactive experience.

Faux leather upholstery adds to the sophisticated ambiance, while a thoughtful blend of digital and physical controls strikes a perfect balance. We particularly appreciated the retention of hard buttons for essential functions such as audio volume and air-conditioning controls. Even with dual-zone air-conditioning, both driver and passenger get their own fan blower switches, allowing for independent temperature settings – a small but significant comfort feature. While the gloss black panel for the air-conditioning display might be a personal preference point (as gloss black tends to attract dust), it doesn't detract from the overall premium feel.

There are subtle differences between the variants. The Turbo features matte-finished steering wheel buttons, whereas the Hybrid opts for a gloss finish. Curiously, the Turbo also includes physical buttons for the electronic parking brake and auto-hold assist function, which are integrated differently in the Hybrid variant.



Comprehensive Safety: Protecting You on Every Journey

Safety is paramount, and the Chery Tiggo Cross offers a robust suite of protective features, with some key differences between the variants.

Chery Tiggo Cross Turbo Safety

The Turbo variant comes equipped with six airbags and a comprehensive array of passive safety systems, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Traction Control (TC), and Brake Assist System (BAS). For advanced driver assistance, it offers Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). While not as extensive as the Hybrid, this package provides a strong foundation of active and passive safety for its segment.

Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid Safety: Near Level 2 ADAS

The Hybrid variant elevates the safety game significantly. It features seven airbags, identical passive safety systems to the Turbo, and a nearly complete Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite. This includes enhanced Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with braking functionality, and many other intelligent features. A standout innovation is the door opening warning system, which alerts rear passengers to approaching obstacles, indicating whether it's safe to open the door. This advanced system, also found in the Proton X50 within the segment, highlights Chery's commitment to cutting-edge safety technology.



The Verdict: Is the Chery Tiggo Cross worth it? Our in-depth review explores its size, features, and value. Find out if this small SUV fits your needs.

There is simply no denying that the Chery Tiggo Cross is an incredibly impressive small SUV, especially when its competitive price tag is factored in. It offers a significant step up for those looking to transition from entry-level vehicles like a Perodua, or for individuals seeking a distinctive alternative to the more common offerings from Proton and Honda. Its generous dimensions, premium interior appointments, and advanced technological features collectively create a compelling value proposition that challenges traditional segment boundaries. For those prioritizing exceptional fuel efficiency for daily commutes and long-distance travel, the Hybrid variant is a clear winner, boasting a theoretical range that can easily surpass 1,200km on a single tank. Similarly, if a spirited driving experience with ample power is your focus, the Turbo delivers engaging performance without compromise. For families, the Tiggo Cross provides ample space and a comprehensive safety suite, including cutting-edge ADAS features in the Hybrid model. In essence, whether your priority is efficiency, performance, technology, or spacious comfort, the Chery Tiggo Cross offers a nearly faultless package that punches well above its weight class. It's a smart, forward-thinking choice for the discerning buyer.

Are you ready to experience the value and innovation that the Chery Tiggo Cross brings to the B-segment SUV market? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or better yet, schedule a test drive to feel the difference for yourself! Explore more detailed comparisons with its rivals and personalized buying guides by clicking on our related articles section.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How does the Chery Tiggo Cross compare in size to its direct rivals like the Perodua Ativa and Honda WR-V?

A1: The Chery Tiggo Cross is significantly larger than both the Perodua Ativa and Honda WR-V. It boasts a longer wheelbase (2,610mm), greater overall length (4,318mm), and is wider and taller. For instance, it has an 85mm longer wheelbase than the Ativa and is 253mm longer overall. This translates directly into a more spacious and comfortable interior for occupants and greater cargo capacity.

Q2: Which variant, Turbo or Hybrid, offers better fuel efficiency?

A2: The Hybrid variant of the Chery Tiggo Cross offers significantly better fuel efficiency. While the Turbo is rated at 6.3-litres per 100km, the Hybrid has an official rating of 5.4-litres per 100km. Our real-world testing of the Hybrid yielded even more impressive results, averaging 3.6-litres per 100km, giving it a theoretical range of over 1,400km on a single tank. If fuel economy is a top priority, the Hybrid is the clear choice.

Q3: What advanced safety features are available in the Chery Tiggo Cross?

A3: Both variants come with a strong safety foundation, including airbags, ESC, EBA, TC, and BAS. The Turbo adds Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The Hybrid takes it further with seven airbags and a nearly complete Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite, including enhanced blind-spot monitoring, rear collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, and a unique door opening warning system for rear passengers. This makes the Hybrid one of the safest options in its segment.

Q4: Does the Chery Tiggo Cross interior feel premium for its price point?

A4: Absolutely. The interior of the Chery Tiggo Cross is one of its strongest selling points. It features soft-touch surfaces, solid-feeling door panels, twin 10.25-inch digital screens (giving a "Mercedes-Benz" style look), faux leather upholstery, dual-zone air-conditioning, and a wireless charging pad. These features, combined with thoughtful touches like hard buttons for essential controls, contribute to a premium feel that often surpasses rivals in its B-segment category and even challenges some C-segment vehicles.

Q5: Is the Chery Tiggo Cross suitable for long-distance driving?

A5: Yes, our extensive road trip to Terengganu and back proved the Tiggo Cross is well-suited for long-distance driving. The Hybrid variant, in particular, offers a smooth, effortless, and remarkably quiet ride with abundant power for highway cruising and exceptional fuel economy, minimizing fuel stops. The spacious interior ensures comfort for all occupants over extended journeys, making it an excellent choice for road trips.



The post Review: Chery Tiggo Cross – Small In Size, Big On Value! appeared first on Piston.my.

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