By Otsile Kadiege

Chery South Africa is entering the light commercial vehicle segment with their new value-packed and feature-rich Tiggo 4 Pro Panel Van. This new light-delivery vehicle is fully homologated as an LCV, which means VAT-registered businesses have the opportunity to claim back the VAT paid on the vehicle’s initial purchase price. This will directly compete with Hyundai’s Venue Cargo.

Interior dimensions

With the rear passenger bench removed and a sturdy security capsule neatly installed, the Tiggo 4 Pro Panel Van offers a large load-bay measuring 1 387 mm long, 1 255 mm wide and 941 mm high. Access to this expanded yet secure cargo area – which serves up a generous 1 500 litres of storage space – comes courtesy of both the tailgate aperture and the two rear doors. It also offers a payload of 360 kg, a ground clearance of 180 mm and an unbraked towing capacity of 750 kg.

Standard features

Despite being positioned as an LCV workhorse, the new Tiggo 4 Pro Panel Van comes standard with several high-end features, such as keyless entry, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, a 10.25-inch Multimedia Touch Display (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), an electronic parking brake and cruise control.

Safety and driver assistance systems

Similarly, Chery has made no compromises on safety, with features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, electronic stability control, traction control, roll stability control, hill assist, downhill assist and rear parking sensors all included as standard. Furthermore, the CVT-equipped derivative adds items such as curtain airbags, tyre pressure monitoring and a rear-view camera.

Powertrain

The Tiggo 4 Pro Panel Van is powered by Chery’s 1.5-litre petrol engine, which delivers peak outputs of 83 kW and 138 Nm, and is furthermore covered by the brand’s industry-leading 10-year/1-million km warranty. Buyers have the choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Pricing and warranty

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5L Panel Van MT – R339,900

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5L Panel Van CVT – R374,900

The new Tiggo 4 Pro Panel Van comes standard with a 3-year/30 000 km service plan, a 5-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty and Chery’s industry-leading 10-year/1-million km engine warranty, with the latter linked to the original owner.