A road trip with the Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV
A proper road trip has a rhythm to it. It starts with enthusiasm and good intentions. Somewhere along the way snacks multiply mysteriously, playlists evolve into nostalgic sing-alongs and at least one person insists on stopping at every filling station for a comfort break.
That was more or less the plan when my eldest son, Thean, and I set off from Pretoria in the Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV, bound for the Mpumalanga escarpment and a few days of mountain tranquillity at Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge near Pilgrim’s Rest.
The Tiggo had a mission too. This trip would test whether it could genuinely deliver on its promise of practicality, comfort and efficiency during a real South African road trip. As it turned out, the answer revealed itself somewhere between Alzu’s rhino sightings and a dangerously good pizza in the mountains.
A confident first impression
Before the Tiggo even turned a wheel, it made a strong visual impression. Chery has clearly spent time refining the exterior design and it shows. The large diamond-pattern grille dominates the front fascia, framed by slim LED headlights that give the SUV a purposeful, slightly determined look. It has presence without trying too hard.
Along the sides, the Tiggo’s proportions are well balanced for a vehicle of this size. A subtle shoulder line runs the length of the body, breaking up the mass of what is, after all, a fairly large seven-seat SUV. The roofline tapers gently towards the rear and the chrome detailing adds just enough sparkle to keep things interesting.
At the back, a full-width LED light bar ties everything together nicely and gives the Tiggo a modern, upscale appearance.
It is the sort of SUV that looks entirely comfortable parked outside a stylish restaurant in Sandton but equally at home outside a mountain chalet.
Space where it matters
Step inside and the Tiggo continues to make a convincing argument for itself as a family vehicle.
Space is the first thing that strikes you. The cabin follows a practical 2+3+2 layout, with enough room to transport a small army of relatives should the need arise. For this trip we folded the third row flat, which created a generous load area that easily swallowed our luggage and assorted travel essentials.
And by essentials, I mean snacks…
The Tiggo is impressively versatile too. With the third row folded, it offers up to 494 litres of luggage space. Drop the second row as well and that expands to a very useful 1 930 litres. Even with all seven seats in play, there is still 117 litres available, which is more than enough for a few soft bags or, in our case, an ever-growing stash of road trip treats.
The seats themselves are impressively comfortable. Up front, both occupants get heated and ventilated seats with electric adjustment, while the front passenger is treated to Chery’s so-called “Queen Seat”, complete with a massage function. On a long drive, that feels less like a gimmick and more like a very good idea.
The interior materials and finishes are another pleasant surprise. Soft-touch surfaces, synthetic leather upholstery and subtle trim accents create a cabin that feels more premium than the Tiggo’s price point might suggest. Add to that a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting and dual-zone climate control, and it becomes a rather pleasant place to spend a few hours.
A large 15.6-inch touchscreen anchors the dashboard, handling everything from connectivity to vehicle settings, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The 12-speaker Sony sound system delivers crisp, immersive audio – ideal for those inevitable sing-along moments – and the “Hello Chery” voice command system allows you to adjust key functions without taking your hands off the wheel.
There are also plenty of thoughtful touches, from multiple USB ports and fast charging to roof rails and second-row air vents. It all adds up to a vehicle that has clearly been designed with real-world family use in mind.
Heading east
We left Pretoria early on a Monday morning, coffee cups steaming and the sunrise beginning to colour the sky.
Once out on the N4 the Tiggo settled into a relaxed cruise. At lower speeds the electric motor takes over much of the work, allowing the SUV to glide along quietly enough that you almost start wondering whether the engine is still running.
It creates a remarkably calm atmosphere in the cabin. Conversation flows easily, the sound system gets a chance to shine and the whole journey feels more relaxed.
Before long we arrived at the inevitable first stop.
The unofficial gateway to Mpumalanga
Anyone who regularly travels towards Mpumalanga knows that Alzu Petroport is more than just a fuel stop. Perched alongside the N4, it overlooks a private wildlife reserve where visitors can spot rhino, buffalo and several species of antelope grazing peacefully across the veld.
Stretching your legs while watching wildlife is not a bad way to break up a drive.
Of course, we also took the opportunity to stock up on snacks. After all, a road trip without snacks is simply a commute with better scenery.
Alzu also offers charging facilities for electric vehicles, making it a useful stop for EV owners heading east. For us, however, the Tiggo’s hybrid system meant we could simply continue without worrying about range or charging schedules.
Sweet temptations
Dullstroom has long been a favourite stop for travellers heading into the highlands of Mpumalanga. The town’s trout dams, charming eateries and relaxed atmosphere make it an easy place to linger longer than planned.
In our case the temptation came in the form of an outrageously decadent gourmet milkshake that could probably qualify as dessert, lunch and a mild life event all at once. A quick visit to the satellite Milly’s store added yet more snacks (biscuits and coconut ice will be the death of me) to the Chery’s cargo area, at which point it became clear that the vehicle’s generous storage capacity was going to be put to excellent use.
The pothole tango
The road between Dullstroom and Lydenburg has developed a reputation for potholes that appear with all the subtlety of a surprise tax bill. Navigating them requires concentration and the occasional quick swerve.
I was still on a sugar high and as alert as one can be, but the Tiggo was having a nervous breakdown. Its driver assistance systems were less than impressed by my evasive manoeuvres. Lane departure warnings do not always appreciate sudden creative driving, especially if there is traffic approaching from the front.
That said, it does highlight just how comprehensive the Tiggo’s safety suite is. The L2+ driver assistance system uses a network of cameras and ultrasonic radars to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings, constantly working in the background to keep things safe. Features like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and blind spot monitoring add an extra layer of reassurance, particularly on longer journeys.
Once the electronic assistants had been persuaded to relax, however, the Tiggo handled the situation admirably. The suspension absorbed rough patches comfortably and the steering proved responsive enough to weave around obstacles when necessary.
At one point it felt like the large SUV was dancing around potholes with the grace of a well-trained polo pony, which is not something one normally associates with a seven-seat family vehicle.
Hybrid power that just works
Much of the Tiggo 8 PHEV’s smooth performance comes courtesy of Chery Super Hybrid. This system combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver a healthy combined output of 255kW and 525Nm.
At lower speeds the electric motor does most of the work. On the open road the petrol engine takes over, while both systems can work together when additional performance is required. The transitions are so smooth that you rarely notice them happening.
The 18.3kWh battery offers a claimed electric-only range of up to 90km, while total combined range is rated at around 1 200km. In real-world terms, that means fewer fuel stops and more time enjoying the journey.
Over a round trip of roughly 650 to 700km, including the usual scenic detours and snack stops, we used less than a tank of fuel – which is quite something for a large seven-seat SUV.
Perhaps the best part is that the system manages everything on its own. There is no complicated driving technique required and no learning curve for the driver. You simply drive.
Robber’s Pass and the final climb
The final stretch to Crystal Springs takes travellers over Robber’s Pass, a scenic mountain road steeped in the history of the region’s gold rush era.
The route twists and climbs through rocky terrain and dense vegetation, offering spectacular views across the surrounding valleys. It is the sort of road that reminds you why driving remains one of the best ways to experience South Africa’s landscapes.
The Tiggo handled the bends with reassuring composure, and I was enjoying the drive so much that I was almost disappointed when the entrance to Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge appeared.
A mountain hideaway
Crystal Springs occupies a spectacular location along the Mpumalanga escarpment, overlooking vast stretches of the Lowveld. Set within a private nature reserve, the resort offers a peaceful escape from the busyness of everyday life.
Our chalet proved both spacious and well equipped. Large windows and a veranda opened onto sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, creating the perfect spot for morning coffee or an evening drink while watching the light change across the landscape.
Wildlife roams freely within the reserve and it is not unusual to spot zebra, wildebeest or various antelope species grazing nearby.
Crystal Springs offers plenty to keep visitors occupied. There are walking trails, scenic viewpoints, swimming pools, a spa and a relaxed on-site restaurant that delivers surprisingly good meals at reasonable prices.
On the first evening we opted for pizza, and it was so tasty that I briefly considered ordering a second one purely in the interest of research.
When the journey and destination align
Parked outside our chalet, the Tiggo 8 PHEV looked perfectly at home in the serene location. Like me it had seamlessly slipped into the calm comfort and slower pace of our mountain retreat.
That might sound like a silly thing to say, but it speaks to the kind of vehicle this is. The Tiggo’s calm driving character, comfortable interior and efficient hybrid system suited the slower pace of the mountains beautifully.
It is the kind of SUV that encourages you to travel rather than simply commute.
Heading home
Two days later it was time to point the Tiggo back towards Pretoria.
By the time we arrived home the Tiggo 8 PHEV had proven itself to be far more than just another SUV. It is a practical family vehicle, a comfortable long-distance cruiser and a remarkably efficient hybrid all rolled into one.
Priced from R729 900, it also positions itself as one of the more accessible entries into the plug-in hybrid space locally, while still offering a generous specification list and strong safety credentials.
Most importantly, it turns the journey into part of the adventure. And when the vehicle contributes to the experience rather than simply transporting you there, that is when you know a road trip has been done properly.
