Chery Tiggo 8 Review: The Chery Tiggo 8 is the latest Chinese SUV making its way into the highly competitive UK market, aiming to capture attention with a crisp design and an inviting price tag. For crossover buyers trying to navigate a market flooded with new brands and models, the Tiggo 8 offers a no-frills yet well-equipped option in the expanding SUV sector. Despite the challenge of standing out among European stalwarts, Chery has positioned the Tiggo 8 as a budget-friendly alternative with a rich feature set, especially attractive for families seeking seven-seat versatility.
Chery, already established in the Chinese market, operates other brands like Jaecoo and Omoda, which mimic popular European designs. However, with the Tiggo 8, Chery stakes its own name in the UK, priced lower than Jaecoo models as a deliberate move to offer a less premium yet highly functional proposition. The Tiggo 8 offers a substantial value proposition, launching at £28,545 for the seven-seat variant, offering an appealing alternative to pricier competitors like the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq while outperforming bargain options such as the Dacia Jogger in terms of features and refinement.
One of the key selling points of the Tiggo 8 is its pragmatic approach to engine options and interior space. The choice between a pure petrol model and a plug-in hybrid ensures flexibility in powertrain preferences, and the addition of a third row of seats offers critical family usability. However, buyers should be mindful of compromises in boot space and leasing costs when compared to more established rivals.
Detailed Specifications of the Chery Tiggo 8
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.6-litre Turbo Petrol, 1.5-litre Turbo PHEV |
| Power Output | 145 bhp (Petrol), 201 bhp (Hybrid) |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Acceleration (0-62 mph) | 9.8 secs (Petrol), 8.5 secs (Hybrid) |
| Top Speed | 118 mph (Petrol), 112 mph (Hybrid) |
| Battery (Hybrid) | 18.4 kWh |
| Seating Capacity | Seven Adults (Rear seats tighter) |
| Boot Space (7 seats in use) | 117 litres |
| Price | £28,545 (Seven-seat variant) |
Features
- Flexible Powertrain Options: Available in petrol and plug-in hybrid versions to cater to different customer needs.
- Seven-Seat Configuration: Offers a rare third-row seat in the budget SUV segment, though adults may find it tight.
- Rich Equipment List: Includes modern infotainment systems, high-quality materials, and advanced safety features.
- Affordable Pricing: Positioned as a cost-effective alternative to premium rivals.
- Pragmatic Design: Combines straightforward styling with practical interior layouts.
Performance Review
The base petrol model delivers modest performance with its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine generating 145 bhp, driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It accelerates from 0-62 mph in 9.8 seconds with a top speed of 118 mph. On the other hand, the more engaging ‘Chery Super Hybrid’ (CSH) combines a smaller 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 20bhp electric motor and an 18.4 kWh battery to produce a combined output of 201 bhp. This hybrid model accelerates to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds but tops out at a slightly lower 112 mph.
Although neither powertrain is a performance standout, they focus on delivering practicality, fuel efficiency, and lower emissions. The hybrid version, in particular, offers a quieter and smoother driving experience and helps lower CO₂ emissions—a consideration for business buyers or eco-conscious customers.
Exterior Design: Practical and Functional
The Chery Tiggo 8’s design follows a pragmatic philosophy. While the petrol and plug-in hybrid variants have slight exterior differences, such as neater headlights and a more defined grille on the petrol model, neither stands out as particularly revolutionary. The styling aims to blend in rather than draw attention, resulting in a clean but unremarkable appearance. The M Sport-like body kits or bold design cues are notably absent, placing the focus squarely on function over form.
Interior Layout: Comfort and Practicality
Inside, the Tiggo 8 offers a surprisingly plush cabin for its price point, featuring high-quality materials and a well-organized dashboard. The infotainment system is modern and responsive, although perhaps not industry-leading. Space is adequate, though the third row is tight—more suited for children than adults. With all seats in use, luggage space shrinks to just 117 litres, sufficient for a small bag but less than competitors like the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008. A visit to the dealership is highly recommended for buyers to assess whether the space fits their needs.
Price Details
The Chery Tiggo 8 enters the UK market at an attractive price of £28,545 for the seven-seat model. This pricing places it approximately £10,000 below premium rivals such as the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq, while still offering a rich set of features. However, leasing deals currently reflect poor value compared to more established competitors, making it a stronger proposition for cash buyers.
Launch Date and Market Position
The Chery Tiggo 8 is available now in the UK market, carving a unique position as a value-driven seven-seat SUV. Unlike many competitors that emphasize performance or luxury, Chery prioritizes affordability and practicality. It competes directly with budget family SUVs and premium models, offering a balanced but unexciting option for buyers
Other Important Details
- The interior and exterior variations between the petrol and hybrid versions suggest Chery’s rapid product evolution approach, focusing on getting models to market quickly and iterating later.
- The Tiggo 8 boasts good material quality and build for the price but lacks the prestige or brand cachet of traditional European rivals.
- The hybrid option provides lower running costs and reduced emissions but at a price point that doesn’t offer significant leasing advantages.
Also read: BMW 1 Series Review: The Fourth- Generation Compact Premium Hatchback
Conclusion
The Chery Tiggo 8 makes a compelling argument as an affordable seven-seat SUV that doesn’t skimp on essentials like build quality, equipment levels, or safety features. It manages to fill a niche between budget-oriented models and pricier, more established competitors by delivering a generous feature list at a sensible price.
However, the Tiggo 8’s compromises—particularly in boot space and leasing value—mean it doesn’t quite disrupt the market as a top-tier contender. For families needing a straightforward, reliable SUV with occasional seven-seat use, it remains a practical choice. Business buyers may also appreciate its low CO₂ output in hybrid form.
While Chery’s strategy of quick iterations offers early market entry advantages, it leaves some product refinement pending. The Tiggo 8 feels like a work in progress that delivers good value but not a knockout deal.
Ultimately, the Tiggo 8 is best suited for budget-conscious buyers who want seven seats and modern features without brand prestige or performance ambitions. It’s worth shopping around to secure the best deal, particularly for cash purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the engine options available in the Chery Tiggo 8?
The Chery Tiggo 8 offers two main engine options: a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 145 bhp and a 1.5-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engine combined with a 20bhp electric motor and 18.4 kWh battery, delivering 201 bhp. Both engines drive the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, providing a practical balance between performance and economy.
2. Is the third-row seating in the Chery Tiggo 8 suitable for adults?
While the Chery Tiggo 8 technically offers seven seats, the third row is best suited for children or small adults. With only 117 litres of boot space available when all seats are occupied, it’s notably tighter than competitors like the Skoda Kodiaq or Peugeot 5008. Potential buyers should test the seating arrangement in person to assess suitability for their family needs.
3. How does the Chery Tiggo 8 compare in price to its competitors?
Priced at £28,545 for the seven-seat version, the Tiggo 8 positions itself roughly £10,000 cheaper than rivals such as the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq. This makes it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers. However, leasing offers are currently less attractive compared to its more established competitors, making it more appealing to cash buyers.
4. What are the main drawbacks of the Chery Tiggo 8?
The primary drawbacks include limited third-row space, small boot capacity with all seats in use, and higher leasing costs compared to established brands. The exterior design is functional but lacks the premium flair of competitors, and the hybrid model doesn’t offer substantially superior benefits over the petrol variant aside from lower emissions.
5. Is the Chery Tiggo 8 a good family SUV option?
Yes, the Tiggo 8 offers good value for families needing occasional seven-seat use without breaking the bank. It provides a comfortable interior, a comprehensive equipment list, and practical driving dynamics, especially in hybrid form. However, families planning regular use of the third row should carefully evaluate boot space and seating comfort at a dealership before committing.