By Malusi Msomi

Chery South Africa has expanded its Tiggo 8 range with the introduction of the Tiggo 8 Pro LS. The new derivative replaces the Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6TGDI 290T Executive+ and arrives with a number of updates to its styling, cabin technology, and driver assistance features.

Priced at R499,900, the seven-seat SUV continues to use Chery’s 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, producing 137kW and 275Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while claimed fuel consumption is rated at 7.2L/100km on the WLTP cycle.

Visually, the Tiggo 8 Pro LS receives a revised front-end design and a new full-width LED light bar at the rear. Automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, fog lights, and heated exterior mirrors are also included. Buyers can choose from New Khaki White, New Carbon Black, and Tech Gray exterior finishes.

Inside, the most noticeable change is the addition of dual 12.3-inch displays for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, alongside Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, front and rear USB ports, and a 50W wireless charging pad.

The seating configuration remains unchanged, with room for seven occupants. The front seats are electrically adjustable, with the driver’s seat also gaining memory and four-way lumbar adjustment. Heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror also form part of the specification. Second-row air vents and independent air conditioning for the third row are included to improve passenger comfort.

Luggage space measures 117 litres with all seven seats in use and expands to 739 litres when the third row is folded. A power-operated tailgate is fitted as standard.

Chery has also expanded the SUV’s driver assistance systems. New additions include a 540-degree HD panoramic camera, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision warning, and door-open warning. These join adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic congestion assist, and intelligent high-beam control.

The Tiggo 8 Pro LS is also equipped with seven airbags, electronic stability control, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, hill descent control, tyre-pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child-seat anchor points, and child safety locks.

The new Chery Tiggo 8 Pro LS is priced at R499,900. It is sold with a 5-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, a 10-year/1 million km engine warranty for the first owner, and a 5-year/75,000km service plan.