The Chery Tiggo 9 is the latest offering from the Chinese automaker aiming to disrupt the UK SUV market. It stands out by providing a wealth of features and a plug-in hybrid powertrain at a competitive price point, undercutting many established rivals. While not perfect, the Tiggo 9 excels in practicality and value, making it a strong contender for families seeking space and technology without breaking the bank.
Expanding Chery’s UK Footprint
Chery began its UK push with the Tiggo 7, a rival to the Nissan Qashqai, followed by the larger Tiggo 8. The Tiggo 9 represents the brand’s flagship model, offering seven seats as standard and a focus on premium features. With the upcoming Tiggo 4 set to enter the market as an entry-level option, Chery is systematically covering key segments of the UK SUV landscape.
Competitive Pricing and Features
The Tiggo 9 is priced at £43,105, significantly cheaper than competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe plug-in hybrid (£58,130) and the Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid (£48,365). It’s also only slightly more expensive than the Peugeot 5008 PHEV at £43,360. For that price, the Tiggo 9 offers a high level of standard equipment, including heated and ventilated leather seats, a powered tailgate, a 360-degree camera system, and a high-quality 14-speaker Sony sound system. The cabin design has also been refined from earlier Chery models.
Technology and Interior Comfort
The Tiggo 9 features a 15.6-inch central touchscreen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, providing a fast and responsive user experience. The infotainment system includes a ‘control centre’ for adjusting settings like charging schedules and driving modes, though the interface can occasionally be finicky. The vehicle also boasts a 10.25-inch driver’s display with clear menu layouts. Despite the minimal physical controls, Chery has included ample storage space, including a large compartment under the front armrest and spacious door bins.
Practicality and Space
The Tiggo 9 prioritizes passenger comfort, with electrically operated sliding and reclining middle-row seats. While the third row is relatively tight, it can accommodate adults for shorter journeys. With all seats in place, boot space is 143 litres, expanding to 819 litres with the third row down and a van-like 2,021 litres with the second row folded.
Powertrain and Performance
The Tiggo 9’s plug-in hybrid system combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with three electric motors, delivering a total of 428bhp and all-wheel drive. Its 34kWh battery provides a WLTP-certified electric range of 91 miles, making it suitable for many daily commutes. The powertrain prioritizes electric driving, with the petrol engine engaging when needed to charge the battery or provide extra power. The vehicle supports fast charging with a maximum rate of 71kW, allowing for a 30-80% charge in approximately 18 minutes. It also includes vehicle-to-load capability, allowing users to power external devices.
Driving Experience
The Tiggo 9’s driving experience is not its strongest suit. The steering feels overly light, and the suspension is softly tuned, leading to some body roll at low speeds. The petrol engine can be somewhat noisy when engaged. Despite these shortcomings, the Tiggo 9 delivers smooth and instant power in electric mode.
Ultimately, the Chery Tiggo 9 offers a compelling combination of space, features, and affordability. While its driving dynamics may not match those of some competitors, its value proposition makes it an attractive option for families seeking a well-equipped and practical SUV.
