Chery Tiggo 7: the middle crossover between the small Tiggo 4 and pricier Tiggo 9

Latvian car portal iAuto.lv has published a test of the Chery Tiggo 7, a crossover from Chinese automaker Chery that sits between the cheapest model, the Tiggo 4, and the most expensive, the Tiggo 9. The testers conclude it suits buyers who find the Tiggo 4 too small but do not want to pay for the Tiggo 9.

Size and powertrain

The Tiggo 7 is roughly 4.5 metres long, with a 2.67-metre wheelbase, which is regarded as the standard for compact crossovers. In length it falls between models such as the Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail, and the Toyota Corolla Cross and RAV4.

The model comes in three versions: with a conventional petrol engine, as a hybrid (HEV) or as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). In the hybrid version, a 1.5-litre turbo engine combined with an electric motor delivers 224 horsepower to the front wheels. The car also has adequate ground clearance and 60-profile tyres.

Interior and equipment

The cabin is mostly finished in black trim with silver-look imitations, which reminded the testers of the restrained style of 1990s Japanese luxury cars. It has many physical buttons, a 360-degree camera and a menu translated into Latvian. The boot is larger than those of compact crossovers, lighting is LED on all sides, and overhead there is a panoramic roof with a retractable blind.

The Tiggo 7 comes in two trim levels, and Unique is the better one. With everything included it costs just under 31,000 euros.

On the road

The test included driving through a forest without all-wheel drive. The Tiggo 7 is narrower than other cars of similar length, so branches scratch the sides less and turning around is easier. Drawbacks noted were road noise coming from below despite double-layer glass, and that Car Play appears to connect only by cable.