The New Kid on the Block has arrived
Let’s address the elephant in the showroom: Chery. To most British car buyers, the name sounds more like something you’d find at the bottom of a trifle than a major automotive player. But don’t let the unfamiliar badge fool you. Chery is a global behemoth, and with the Tiggo 8 Pro, they’ve launched a frontal assault on the UK’s family SUV market that should have the established brands checking their mirrors with some anxiety.
First Impressions and Design
At first glance, the Tiggo 8 Pro looks... well, expensive. It doesn’t scream 'budget' from the kerbside. With its large 'diamond' grille and sharp LED lighting signature, it has a presence that sits somewhere between an Audi and a Mazda. It’s a handsome thing, particularly in the top-spec 'Summit' trim with its 19-inch alloys. It looks right at home in a leafy suburban driveway, which is exactly where Chery wants it.
The Interior: A Tech-Lover’s Dream
Step inside, and you’ll find where the real magic happens. If you were expecting scratchy plastics and wobbly buttons, prepare to be disappointed. The cabin is wrapped in soft-touch materials and features a massive 15.6-inch 2.5K HD central display that wouldn't look out of place in a Mercedes. In the Summit trim, you even get ventilated massage seats and a 12-speaker Sony sound system that packs a proper punch.
"It's a rare example of a car that feels like it should cost £15,000 more than it actually does."
The layout is clean, although Chery has fallen into the modern trap of putting almost everything into the touchscreen. It’s responsive enough, but finding the heated seat controls while navigating the M25 can be a bit of a faff. Thankfully, the voice assistant is actually quite clever and can handle tasks like opening the panoramic sunroof without you taking your eyes off the road.
Performance and Range
We’re testing the 'Super Hybrid' (PHEV) version, which is undoubtedly the pick of the range. It pairs a 1.5-litre turbo engine with an electric motor to produce 204 PS. It’s not a racing car, but it’s more than enough for the school run and motorway cruising. The official 56-mile electric range is the headline act; in the real world, you’ll likely see about 40-45 miles, which is still enough to cover most daily commutes without burning a drop of petrol.
On the road, it’s clearly prioritised comfort over 'sportiness.' The suspension is soft, soaking up the worst of Britain’s potholed roads with impressive composure. The downside is that it feels a bit boat-like if you try to hustle it through a corner, and the steering is so light it feels like it’s connected to the wheels via a very polite suggestion rather than a mechanical link. It’s relaxing, rather than engaging.
Practicality: The Seven-Seat Shuffle
As a seven-seater, the Tiggo 8 Pro follows the standard class rules. The middle row is cavernous, offering more legroom than many luxury saloons. However, the two rearmost seats are strictly for kids or very flexible adults on short trips. With all seats up, the boot is tiny (just 117 litres), but fold them down and you have a 494-litre cavern. Fold everything flat, and you’ve basically got a small van.
Running Costs and Verdict
This is where the Chery starts to make total sense. With a starting price for the PHEV around £33,500, it undercuts the Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq by a massive margin. For company car drivers, the 9% BIK rate is the icing on the cake. Throw in a 7-year warranty and a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and the logical argument for buying one becomes almost impossible to ignore.
Verdict
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro isn't perfect, the driving dynamics are a bit woolly and the infotainment takes some learning; but the value proposition is staggering. It offers premium luxury and plug-in efficiency at a price that makes its rivals look greedy. If you can get past the badge, this is quite simply one of the best family car bargains of 2026.
