By Xolile Hopa

Chery South Africa has expanded the Tiggo 7 family with the new Tiggo 7 Distinction Dark Edition, bringing darker styling, added safety equipment and a new transmission to the five-seat family SUV.

The Dark Edition builds on the Tiggo 7 Distinction with a blacked-out grille, window surrounds and 18-inch alloy wheels, complemented by rear privacy glass. The darker theme continues inside with black faux-leather upholstery and matching trim.

A new dual-clutch transmission

The SUV is powered by Chery’s turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine, producing 108 kW and 210 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission, replacing the CVT used in the previous Distinction.

Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes are standard, while claimed combined fuel consumption is 6.9 L/100 km on the WLTP cycle.

More safety and technology

One of the key upgrades is the addition of seven airbags, including side-curtain airbags, compared with four in the previous Distinction. Standard safety equipment also includes tyre-pressure monitoring, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines.

Inside, you’ll find a pair of 12.3-inch displays featuring Apple CarPlay and intelligent voice controls. Standard equipment includes keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker sound system and a power tailgate.

The Tiggo 7 Distinction Dark Edition measures 4,553 mm long, 1,862 mm wide and 1,686 mm high, with a 2,670 mm wheelbase.

It is available in Khaki White, Carbon Black, Phantom Grey, and a Black and White two-tone finish.

Pricing

Chery Tiggo 7 Distinction Dark Edition – R415,900

The Dark Edition comes with a five-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, plus a five-year/75,000 km service plan. On top of that, the first owner gets Chery’s 10-year/1 million km engine warranty.