Chery Auto PH teases a new electrified Tiggo crossover

Chery Auto Philippines is set to introduce yet another Tiggo crossover in its local lineup which is already and still composed of only crossovers, ever since the brand re-entered the local market in 2019. Not only that, it might even come with an electrified powertrain under the hood.

A teaser was posted on the official Chery Auto Philippines Facebook page with the words “Excite. Accelerate. Electrify.” Obviously a tease that the upcoming model will be electrified, which could possibly be the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro.

The teaser image used, despite being shadowy, clearly shows the side silhouette of the Tiggo 8 family. The front fascia is also visible and matches that of the Tiggo 8 Pro’s despite also being shadowy. Also, the a Chery Tiggo 8 Pro has already been spotted multiple times driving on local roads with all its logos and badging covered with duct tape.

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.

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. If ever though, the PH-spec version will likely get a different option which is a 1.5 L turbocharged petrol engine 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. Not only will this mild-hybrid version allow the model to qualify for the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement making it priced more affordable, it also matches the teaser’s “electrify” word.

Other than that, we really don’t have any exact information for the upcoming model, except for some speculations which we reported about earlier this year. You can read about that here.

We also have no idea yet when the new crossover will be launched. It is safe to assume though given the timing that it could be next month, possibly during the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), given that another media outlet has already reported the event’s exhibitors which includes Chery Auto Philippines. All we can do now is wait.