Chery Auto PH rumored to launch new flagship Tiggo 8 Pro this year

Chery Auto Philippines had a great 2021 for sure. After widely expanding its network of dealerships, the company was able to launch two new models, and give one some minor updates as well. Well it looks like they’ll be starting 2022 with another new model launch and it’s gonna be something big.

We got some information from some very reliable sources affiliated with the brand’s local distributor, that Chery Auto Philippines will be introducing another new crossover early this year in the form of the Tiggo 8 Pro. In fact, units are already in the country, secretly tucked-away somewhere, safe from spy-cameras.

First introduced for the Chinese market back in 2019 as the Tiggo 8 Plus, the Tiggo 8 Pro is the global version of Chery’s flagship SUV offering, slightly larger than the Tiggo 8 which is currently available and also the brand’s local flagship offering. It is a more upmarket and premium version of the standard Tiggo 8.

On the outside, it wears a more subdued version of Chery’s Life In Motion 3.0 design language, seen on the Tiggo 2 Pro and Tiggo 7 Pro. The front fascia and rear are very much different from the standard Tiggo 8, while the side profile remains very similar if not the same. Features should include full LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a panoramic sunroof.

Meanwhile, on the inside, it also features a dashboard design that is different from the standard Tiggo 8. The overall look is more modern and sophisticated. Features include a new 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual large screens for the infotainment system and instrument cluster, touch-panel for the climate control,  as well as an electronic gear shifter.

For most markets, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is powered by a 1.6 L turbocharged GDI petrol engine that produces 197 hp and 290 Nm of torque, paired to a 7-speed DCT. Another option is a 1.5 L turbo petrol paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system from the Chinese-market Tiggo 8 Plus. This one has less output at 156 hp and 230 Nm of torque, paired to a CVT. Our source mentions that we will be getting the latter option which does not come as a surprise as it will make the Tiggo 8 Pro qualified for the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement which will allow it to be priced cheaper.

And that brings us to the price. No exact figure has been given but our source tells us to expect the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro to be priced around the Php 1,500,000 mark, less than Php 200,000 more than the standard Tiggo 8.

According to our first source, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is set to be launched this month. Given the circumstances though, we’re not expecting that to happen anytime soon. Most likely it will be pushed back a little bit later within the first quarter of this year. One thing is for sure though, and it’s that they’ll be introducing this new model. Once launched, it should compete directly with the Geely Okavango.