Chery South Africa has expanded its flagship SUV range with the introduction of the Tiggo 8 CSH Hybrid, the brand’s latest step in its steady march toward electrification. It follows on from the Tiggo Cross CSH Hybrid and Tiggo 7 CSH Plug-in Hybrid, giving buyers yet another electrified option in the local market.
Under the bonnet, the Chery Tiggo 8 CSH pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 255kW and 525Nm. An 18.3kWh battery allows up to 90km of all-electric driving, perfect for short urban commutes, while the overall range stretches to around 1 200km when the petrol engine joins in. That means you can tackle long journeys without obsessing over charging stops.
Durability is clearly a big focus here. Chery has tested the battery pack in extreme conditions, from high heat and humidity to icy temperatures. It’s IP68-rated, which means it can handle being submerged in a metre of water for over two days, and it’s protected by a steel underguard for extra peace of mind. Clever thermal management ensures optimal performance in temperatures ranging from -35°C to 60°C, while a collision-triggered power cutoff system adds an extra layer of safety.
The Dedicated Hybrid Transmission sends power to the front wheels, with Eco, Normal, and Sport drive modes allowing you to tailor the experience. Fuel efficiency is one of the Tiggo 8 CSH’s party tricks, sipping as little as 1.3 litres/100km when running with a full charge. Even when the battery is down to 30% or less, consumption remains respectable at 5.2 litres/100km.
Chery hasn’t forgotten about ride quality either. A MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear keep things smooth, while ventilated front discs and solid rear brakes handle stopping duties.
Visually, the hybrid keeps the Tiggo 8’s familiar premium look but adds its own touches – a diamond-pattern grille, a sportier front bumper, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Automatic LED headlights complete the upmarket vibe.
Only offered in Apex trim, the Chery Tiggo 8 CSH is generously specced from the factory. The seven-seat layout (2+3+2) offers flexibility for family life, while the cabin gets heated and ventilated electric seats up front, including Chery’s “Queen Seat” for the passenger with a built-in massage function. Soft-touch black synthetic leather trim gives the interior a premium feel, while a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and an electric tailgate make it a comfortable space for everyone.
With all seats in place, there’s 117 litres of boot space – enough for groceries or a couple of overnight bags. Fold the third row and it grows to 494 litres, and with the second row down, you get a cavernous 1 930 litres. Roof rails, multiple cupholders, and plenty of USB ports (including Type-C fast charging) keep everyone happy on long trips.
Tech-wise, there’s a 15.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, linked to a 12-speaker Sony audio system. Voice control allows hands-free adjustment of various functions, while a head-up display puts key info in the driver’s line of sight.
Safety is another strong point. There are ten airbags in total, including a centre unit and second-row curtain airbags, plus ISOFIX mounts for child seats. Driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping aids, autonomous emergency braking, traffic jam assist, and even a door opening warning system to prevent mishaps with cyclists or passing traffic. A 540-degree camera setup, combined with front and rear parking sensors, makes manoeuvring a big SUV far less intimidating.
The Chery Tiggo 8 CSH Hybrid retails from R729 900 and comes with an extensive after-sales package: a seven-year/90 000km service plan, a seven-year/200 000km warranty, Chery’s 10-year/1-million km engine warranty (transferable if bought through their Cherished pre-owned programme), and a 10-year/unlimited km battery warranty.
