Chery South Africa launches flagship Tiggo 9 seven-seater SUV with advanced hybrid and petrol powertrains

• Tiggo 9 PHEV offers up to 160 km of all-electric range and as low as 1.4 L/100 km fuel consumption.
• 2+3+2 seating with up to 2,065 litres of cargo space, premium interior materials, and advanced luxury and infotainment features.
• 10 airbags and a full suite of driver assistance systems, including a 540-degree HD camera and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Chery South Africa has officially unveiled the Tiggo 9, a new seven-seater SUV that will serve as the brand’s flagship. Combining a commanding presence with a meticulously crafted interior and advanced technology, the Tiggo 9 has been developed to deliver a premium driving and ownership experience.

“The Tiggo 9 represents more than just a new SUV for Chery South Africa. It’s a statement of our commitment to delivering refined, versatile vehicles that cater to the evolving needs of South African families,” commented Verene Petersen, National Brand and Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa. “With its blend of luxury, technology, and efficiency, the Tiggo 9 is designed to make every journey effortless, whether navigating city streets or enjoying long-distance adventures.”

Two powertrains will be made available: a powerful turbopetrol and an efficient, high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The ICE variant is motivated by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine that produces 187 kW and 390 N.m of torque. Depending on the chosen trim, power is sent to either the front wheels or all four corners via a smooth seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.9 L/100 km for the FWD Pinnacle trim and 8.3 L/100 km for the AWD Vanguard trim.

The PHEV variant incorporates Chery’s advanced CSH (Chery Super Hybrid) technology and is offered with a choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. Power is provided by a 1.5-litre Dedicated Hybrid petrol engine, delivering 115 kW and 220 N.m of torque, paired with electric drive for impressive performance and efficiency.

The FWD Pinnacle CSH is equipped with an 18.3 kWh battery, producing a combined output of 165 kW and 390 N.m, and offering an all-electric driving range of up to 90 km. The AWD Vanguard CSH features a larger 34.4 kWh battery, delivering a combined output of 455 kW and 920Nm, with an extended all-electric range of up to 160 km.

Both variants offer a combined driving range of up to 1,400 km, delivering long-distance capability alongside the convenience of zero-emission driving in urban settings, and a combined CO2 rating of just 33 g/km. Fuel consumption is as low as 1.5 L/100 km for the Pinnacle CSH and 1.4 L/100 km for the Vanguard CSH, with combined consumption (SOC<30%) of 5.5 L/100 km and 6.2 L/100 km, respectively.

A front Macpherson and rear multi-link suspension setup provides a refined, cosseting ride, while electronic power steering provides crisp and clear communication, allowing the driver to position the 4,810 mm-long Tiggo 9 with ease. Stopping power comes courtesy of ventilated discs on the front axle and solid discs on the rear, positioned behind attractive 19-inch alloy wheels on the Pinnacle and 20-inch wheels on the Vanguard derivative.

The styling of the Tiggo 9 reflects its flagship status, with proportions and detailing that convey both sophistication and presence. Measuring just over 4.8 metres in length, 1,925 mm in width, and 1,741 mm in height, this seven-seater commands attention on the road. A minimum ground clearance of 183 mm enhances its confident stance while supporting all-round versatility.

Embracing the latest evolution of the Tiggo design language, the Tiggo 9 strikes a balance between grandeur and poise. Sleek body lines flow seamlessly into an imposing front fascia, where a bold 3D diamond grille takes centre stage, framed by sculpted LED headlamps. The result is an aesthetic that is both upmarket and subtly assertive, suggesting capability and strength.

The vehicle’s body proportions adhere to the classic “golden ratio” philosophy, resulting in a harmonious and balanced profile. A crisp waistline extends from the front fender to the rear, tapering elegantly into a refined silhouette. At the back, a full-width LED light bar stretches across the tailgate, its intricate illumination inspired by fine diamond jewellery, underscoring the SUV’s premium character.

A panoramic sunroof is fitted as standard across the Tiggo 9 range, adding visual appeal while allowing natural light to flood the spacious, well-appointed cabin. In Pinnacle specification, the interior features black artificial leather upholstery, a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control with second-row air vents. Additional highlights include push-button start, ambient lighting, six-way power adjustment for both driver and front passenger, heated front seats, and ventilated seating for the second row.

Vanguard derivatives are trimmed in genuine black leather and gain a power-adjustable steering column, a massage function for the front-row occupants, ventilation for the front seats, and heating for the second row. Yet generous specification is only part of the story – the Tiggo 9’s interior is crafted from fine materials, delivering the ambience and comfort expected of a practical seven-seater luxury SUV.

The Tiggo 9’s luxurious interior combines generous space with advanced technology to deliver a comfortable and rewarding driving experience. Its ultra-wide smart cockpit, defined by a clean horizontal layout, enhances the sense of security while visually widening the cabin to create a relaxing atmosphere. Warm wood grain trim adds a natural, understated sense of luxury, ensuring every surface contributes to the cabin’s calm and inviting ambience.

The Tiggo 9’s practical 2+3+2 seating layout comfortably accommodates up to seven occupants across three rows. A 2,800 mm wheelbase ensures generous legroom, allowing passengers to stretch out even on longer journeys. With all seats in place, the SUV offers 448 litres of boot space, which expands to an impressive 2,065 litres when the 60:40 second-row seats are folded, providing ample capacity for large or irregularly shaped items. Convenience features enhance the everyday experience for all occupants, including a front centre console armrest with storage box, dual cupholders in the front and second rows, a dedicated glasses holder, and multiple USB charging ports throughout the cabin, including two Type-C fast-charging points for front and rear passengers.

There are plenty of features to keep occupants entertained on shorter journeys or long-distance drives. Important information is relayed to the driver via a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster, while vehicle controls are navigated through a 15.6-inch touchscreen. Naturally, it boasts Bluetooth connectivity, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen-mirroring capabilities. An eight-speaker Sony sound system is standard on the Pinnacle trim, while the Vanguard comes with a 14-speaker Sony sound system. The Tiggo 9 also receives Chery’s intuitive voice command system, prompted by saying “Hello Chery.”

On the safety front, the new Tiggo 9 has a full suite of active driver assistance features, including:

• Reverse Camera (Pinnacle, Vanguard)
• Head-up Display (Vanguard)
• 540° HD Camera (Pinnacle, Vanguard)
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors (Pinnacle, Vanguard)
• Lane Departure Warning (Pinnacle, Vanguard)
• Lane Departure Prevention (Pinnacle, Vanguard)
• Traffic Jam Assistance (Pinnacle, Vanguard)
• Intelligent High Beam Control (Pinnacle, Vanguard)
• Adaptive Cruise (Pinnacle, Vanguard)
• Front Collision Warning (Pinnacle, Vanguard)
• Automatic Brake System (Pinnacle, Vanguard)
• Emergency Lane Keeping (Pinnacle, Vanguard)
• Intelligent Speed Assistance (Pinnacle, Vanguard)
• BSD Blind Spot Monitoring (Pinnacle, Vanguard)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (Pinnacle, Vanguard)
• Door Opening Warning (Pinnacle, Vanguard)
• Side Radar (Vanguard)
• Automatic Parking Assist (Vanguard)
• Remote Parking Assist (Vanguard)

The Tiggo 9 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of passive safety features, including 10 airbags: dual front, front-side, driver’s knee, curtain, second-row curtain, and front centre airbags. Active safety systems such as traction control, electronic stability program (ESP), hill-start assist, and electronic brake assist are also standard, ensuring confidence and protection for all occupants.

Pricing for the Tiggo 9 lineup is as follows:

Derivative	Price
Pinnacle CSH FWD	R839,900.00
Vanguard CSH AWD	R989,900.00

All Tiggo 9 models come standard with Chery’s comprehensive after-sales package, which includes a 7-year/90 000 km service plan, a 7-year/200 000 km warranty, and Chery’s 10-year/1-million km engine warranty (for 1st owner but can be transferred to a second owner if vehicle is purchased from a Cherished pre-owned dealership), ensuring long-term peace of mind. A 10-year/Unlimited km battery warranty is also included for Tiggo 9 CSH models.