Chinese firm Chery has introduced updated (MY23) versions of its Tiggo 8 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro Max 7-seat medium SUVs to the South African new-vehicle market.

We’re well acquainted with the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro; in the past, we reviewed the Executive and Distinction derivatives of the 1.6T 1.6TGDI 290T and late last year, the brand added a more powerful flagship version to its medium SUV line-up: the 187 kW/390 Nm Tiggo 8 Pro Max in 2.0TGDI 390T in Executive guise.

Now, however, Chery offers MY23 versions of its Tiggo 8 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro Max with a consolidated line-up of derivatives. As the model-year designation suggests, it’s not an all-new model per se; instead, it incorporates minor cosmetic tweaks, plus detail/specification upgrades to the medium SUV’s cabin.

The easiest way to distinguish the MY23 from its predecessor is by the grey-framed grille and front foglamp housings (the Chery logo is said to be illuminated too), while the rear of the vehicle features Crystal Matrix LED tail lamps with an integrated light bar that spans the tailgate. The Pro 1.6T Executive features 18-inch alloys and black leather trim, while the Pro Max 2.0T Executive has 19-inch alloys and brown leather trim – both come standard with an electrically operated panoramic sunroof and tailgate.

Inside, the MY23 model features revised door trims, as well as a redesigned fascia and centre console, the highlight of which is the 24.6-inch ultra curved dual screen instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen, which includes a surround-view HD camera system, updated satnav (including offline mode) and an 8-speaker Sony audio system, plus it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The standard equipment list is, in a word, comprehensive; both front seats are electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated (6-way for the driver, with memory function). Other features include auto lights and wipers, keyless entry and -start, auto anti-dazzling rearview mirror, dual-zone climate control (with separate outlets for the 2nd- and 3rd-row occupants), a 50W wireless charging pad, multiple USB charging ports and 12V power outlets, as well as a multi-colour ambient LED lighting system.

In terms of safety features, apart from ABS with EBD, electronic stability control and a tyre-pressure monitoring system, the Tiggo 8 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro Max come fitted with numerous airbags, dual front, -side and curtain airbags, as well as driver’s knee and 2nd-row bolster seat airbag. Other items in the safety suite include parking sensors front and rear, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Whereas the Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6T Executive utilises a 145 kW/290 Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that drives the front axle through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0T Executive is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder powerplant (mated with the same gearbox) that produces peak outputs of 187 kW/390 Nm and has a quad-exhaust configuration.

The flagship Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0T Executive derivative is further distinguished from the Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6T Executive by offering adaptive cruise control (as opposed to its sibling’s conventional cruise control), forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and -keeping assist, intelligent high-beam control, traffic congestion assist and a driving view recorder (DVR).

Other notable features to the range include auto folding and heated side mirrors, intelligent voice command, sound-dampening windscreen and front windows, ISOfix child-seat anchor points and, it almost goes without saying, 60/40- and 50/50-split 2nd and 3rd-row folding seatbacks.

Cost of Chery Tiggo 8 Pro & Pro Max in SA

The Tiggo 8 Pro comes with a 5-year/60 000 km service plan and the Tiggo 8 Pro Max with a 7-year/90 000 km service plan. Both have a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and 10-year/1-million km engine warranty.

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