How Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max showed itself on Russian roads

Chinese cars in Russia have long ceased to look like something alien. At first they confidently entrenched themselves in the budget segment, and now they are aggressively conquering the middle and even business classes.


For example, the Chery Tiggo 8 crossover has been known in Russia for a long time. The Chinese manufacturer periodically updates its flagship, adding strange prefixes like “Pro” to the name.

The most luxurious version of Chery's urban SUV is the Tiggo 8 Pro Max. The manufacturer decided that a large number of words in the title should say about the level of "coolness".



The cost of the car is far from budgetary - in Russia they want from 3,9 million rubles for it without discounts. Expensive, but for models of this class from other manufacturers ask even more. Of course, in some cases, the engine will be more powerful there, but Chery's turbocharged L4 also demonstrates dynamics. And the fuel consumption there is much more pleasant.

Body

The appearance of the new modification practically does not differ from the usual Chery Tiggo 8/Pro. In fact, Chinese manufacturers simply "stuffed" the standard crossover with options, added a new, more powerful engine.



The first is the appearance of a radiator grille with a new border. Now this element gives the crossover a resemblance to Audi cars. It doesn't look ridiculous, but it doesn't fit into the design either.



But there are complaints about the new exhaust system. Why does a family crossover need four pipes, divorced on two sides? A couple would be enough, especially since the engine is not so powerful that it needs to “breathe deeply”.

There are too many nameplates on the back of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max. All this does not correspond to the appearance of a family crossover. Here on the Geely Coolray, all these sports design delights would look unambiguously harmonious.

Salon

But inside, the Chinese manufacturer tried to fully work out the increase in the cost of the model and the prefix “Max” in the title. The first thing you notice when you get inside is a large dual display. The cabin is spacious both front and rear.

When the first excitement passes, you begin to look closely at the little things. It seems that Chinese designers have collected all the best solutions from models from other manufacturers and put them into the interior of Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max.

The seats seem to be leather, but this is the usual leatherette. The lateral support of the front row seats is fake - this is felt when passing through sharp turns.



The multimedia system is partially copied from the BMW, but works similarly with the iPhone. But there are many questions about climate control - everything is too complicated.

Owners of the new Mercedes E-Class will be surprised to see that the engine start button on the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max is exactly the same as on their cars. This proves that the manufacturer, in its quest to make the best crossover, has taken the path of direct copying.

But you will never create an original model that way. Geely, for example, was not afraid to release its original Tugella and it "shot".

If you don’t find fault with such trifles as constant borrowing and the desire to look more expensive, then the interior of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max is not bad. The ergonomics are well thought out, except that only children can comfortably accommodate in the third row. But this is a common problem for all seven-seater crossovers. It is better to fold the third row and use the space for carrying luggage.

Landing is convenient for a driver of any height and build, for which you need to thank the lack of a frame and the departure of the steering column. A lot of pockets and niches for various little things is also a plus. A huge panoramic sunroof comes even as standard.

Engine

Under the hood of the Chinese crossover is a non-alternative engine with a displacement of 2,0 liters. This is a turbocharged petrol L4, developing 197 hp. With. The drive of the car offered in Russia is only full.



The engine, despite its rather modest volume for such a large weight of the car, is able to accelerate the crossover to 100 km / h in just 8,5 seconds. The average fuel consumption is declared at 8,5 liters. But you shouldn’t delude yourself too much - in real conditions it will be about 10 liters.



How high-quality materials from which Chinese power units are made is also a big question. Over the years of operation, atmospheric motors have managed to prove their relative reliability.

How are you on the go?

The engine starts with a button, while the animation on the dashboard and the melody are a little annoying. The movement of a crossover in the city is typically passenger - the steering wheel does not differ in weight in control, the engine dismantles fast acceleration and dynamics in the traffic flow.



Visibility pleases in all directions, and the driver sits high compared to standard cars - a crossover, after all.

But the level of comfort while moving around the city raises a number of questions. For some reason, any pits and bumps noticeably shake the body. It turns out that the stiffness of the suspension is not configured for urban use.



Hodovka is not designed for a sporty driving style. On the other hand, why try to race a family crossover?

There are also complaints about the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max brake system - it also does not want to support a sporty driving style. If you move at a calm pace, then the crossover stops without problems. But it is worth using the full potential of the engine, as a beating and a specific hum are felt, hinting at overheating of the brake discs.



Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max also does not know how to take turns at speed. It's just dangerous for a family crossover. On the one hand, there is nothing unusual for this class of cars. On the other hand, pseudo-sporty appearance provokes at least once to try an aggressive driving style.

Best of all, Chinese suspensions on roads of the “grader” type, they are also “gravels”, manifest themselves best. Hodovka works out this “washer” at speeds up to 80 km / h. Pendants are hard to break.

The only complaint is the lack of rigidity of the body. She manifests herself as a treacherous creak in the area of ​​​​the central pillar.



Four-wheel drive in the car is intermittent, it is activated by the clutch. That is, you can not move on it all the time. But there are electronic locks. In fact, the crossover will go until it sits on the bottom. Or the clutch will overheat - then the car will also get stuck.

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max is a crossover compromise. On the one hand, it offers so many options and bells and whistles that you won't find in competitors in this price category. On the other hand, the car is still damp - the technical characteristics of the hodovka do not reach the capabilities of the engine.

Is it worth buying? Everyone must decide for himself - to advise something when choosing a Chinese car for such a price is a thankless task. If you need a family crossover, then Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max is basically suitable for this role.