Chery Auto PH set to launch an electrified SUV at MIAS 2022

Chery Auto Philippines is no longer keeping it a secret. They will be launching a new and electrified SUV at the Manila International Auto Show, happening this April 7 to 10, 2022 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Following the successful launches of the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 2 Pro last year, the brand, under the distributorship of United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI) is now teasing its upcoming launch with several posts on its official social media pages.

While the company and its teasers have not specified what exact model they will be introducing, all point to the new Chery Tiggo 8 Pro. First, the model was already spotted driving on Philippine roads with its logos and badging covered. 

“We are excited to let MIAS 2022 visitors get the first look at this all-new Chery. With its convention-redefining luxury SUV styling and premium features, we expect it to be nothing less than a game-changer in this highly competitive segment,” says Chery Auto Philippines President Erroll Duenas.

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, more upmarket than the Tiggo 8 which is currently available and also the brand’s local flagship offering. 

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. 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 which we hope would come as standard in the local-spec version if launched.

Under the hood, since the model will be electrified, we might get either one of two hybrid powertrains. First is a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system that produces 156 hp and 230 Nm of torque, paired to a CVT. Another possible option is from the Tiggo 8 Plus Kunpeng e+.

This one is also a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine but with two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear. The front twin motors, single back motor, and super-shun TSD dual-axis drive produce a combined output of 326 hp and 510 Nm of torque. The vehicle is also equipped with a ternary lithium battery with an output of 19.27 kWh that enables a range of 100 kilometers on its own. This powertrain option is also capable of going from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.9 seconds.

A closer look at the teasers also give us the idea that the Tiggo 8 Pro will get the latter powertrain. First, the image of the vehicle’s instrument cluster shows an EV range of 100 km. Then there’s the image of the vehicle’s electronic gear shifter which has an EV mode button right next to it. If the Tiggo 8 Pro were to get a mild-hybrid powertrain, it wouln’t have the aforementioned functions. If ever, this will really be a gamechanger.

Chery Auto Philippines says that they will be announcing official pricing and more details when the new model is formally unveiled at MIAS 2022. Again, this is happening from April 7 to 10, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.