Launched in the Malaysian market last June, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro has a significant responsibility to strengthen the Chery brand’s presence in the country.
As a newcomer, the Tiggo 7 Pro faces considerable challenges, as its closest competitors, such as the Honda CR-V and Proton X70, are indeed formidable. However, after test-driving it, I found that this Chinese SUV is capable of providing stiff competition in its segment.
That said, like other vehicles on the market, it also has its drawbacks. These drawbacks are relatively minor in my view but can still impact the ownership experience.
Engine is powerful but lacks refinement
Believe it or not, the Tiggo 7 Pro is more powerful than both the CR-V and X70, boasting figures of 197 PS and 290 Nm from its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine.
With a seven-speed DCT transmission driving the front wheels, the SUV is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, with a top speed of 205 km/h.
On the highway, the combination of engine and transmission performs admirably, offering quick throttle response and smooth gear changes. However, when navigating busy city streets, I found that the powertrain can be somewhat unrefined and occasionally struggles slightly when taking off.
Suspension is a tad too soft
The Tiggo 7 Pro’s suspension system is typical for a Chinese brand vehicle. It is soft and comfortable, with satisfactory shock absorption, which gives me more confidence when traversing uneven roads.
However, the softness of the suspension makes the Tiggo 7 Pro feel a bit unsteady if driven too fast. It can still handle corners well, but if pushed too hard, you can feel it beginning to ‘struggle.’
Clearly, the way the dampers are set is best suited for leisurely driving, but I believe it requires a little of fine-tuning to better cope with Malaysia’s unpredictable road conditions.
Appearance could use a little more pizzazz
Don’t get me wrong; I think the Tiggo 7 Pro is actually rather handsome and stylish. That said, when placed alongside the CR-V and X70, I am confident it would get overshadowed due to its somewhat conventional design language.
The Mercedes-esque diamond-like studs on the grille and full-width rear lights are attractive touches that boost the car’s appeal, yet it’s undeniable that the red brake calipers appear somewhat out of place for a family vehicle.
Additionally, the blue accents on the bumper seem like an afterthought. If you follow the automotive industry closely, you’d know that blue is often used by vehicle manufacturers for EVs, hybrids, or PHEVs, making it seem rather odd on a pure ICE vehicle like the Tiggo 7 Pro.
The Tiggo 7 Pro marks the fourth model launched by Chery Malaysia, following the Omoda 5, Tiggo 8 Pro, and Omoda E5.
Like its three predecessors, the Tiggo 7 Pro plays a crucial role in Chery’s efforts to cement its brand presence in Malaysia for the second time. It enters the fiercely competitive C-segment SUV market, going head-to-head with well-established rivals like Proton’s X70 and the immensely popular Honda CR-V.
As a newcomer, the Tiggo 7 Pro faces significant challenges, as its closest competitors boast impressive credentials proven by encouraging sales figures. However, this Chinese SUV has proven itself capable of standing up to the competition.
What makes the Tiggo 7 Pro particularly compelling is its pricing, which falls below RM130,000. It offers exceptional value, especially in terms of features, performance, and safety, making it a worthy alternative for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.
Aesthetics-wise, the Tiggo 7 Pro may not be as striking as the 2025 X70 or CR-V, but it certainly exudes a stylish, mature image that is capable of appealing to professionals.
While it may not scream for attention, pleasant details such as the Mercedes-esque diamond studs in the grille, the full-width rear light, and tasteful blue accents on the front bumper help it stand out subtly.
The vehicle sports attractive 18-inch alloy wheels, which hide red brake calipers—an unexpected touch for a family-oriented SUV, yet appealing to those who has a desire for sporty touches on their vehicles.
Measuring 4,513 mm in length, 1,862 mm in width, and 1,696 mm in height, the Tiggo 7 Pro is slightly shorter than the X70 and CR-V but boasts greater height compared to both models. Its wheelbase spans 2,670 mm, matching that of the X70 but falling 30 mm short of the CR-V.
Despite its smaller dimensions, the Tiggo 7 Pro’s cabin feels remarkably spacious and accommodating for a family of five. The materials used throughout convey quality rather than cheapness, justifying the already wallet-friendly price tag.
You’ll find leatherette upholstery enveloping much of the dashboard, seats, and steering wheel, complemented by touches of wood trim and glossy black and aluminium accents.
Notably, the dashboard is accented with nice-looking faux carbon fibre trim, complementing the sporty image initiated by those red brake calipers.
In terms of features, buyers will find everything they could possibly desire in a vehicle of this market category. For example, the infotainment system and essential vehicle information are displayed on a sizeable 24.6-inch screen, which actually comprises two separate displays of 12.3 inches each.
Additional offerings include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Sony audio system with eight speakers, a 50W wireless charger, and ambient lighting with 64 colour options.
Convenience features such as dual-zone climate control, six-way power adjustments for the driver’s seat, four-way adjustments for the front passenger, a panoramic sunroof, and Keyless Entry with Walk-Away Auto Lock make for a comfortable and user-friendly driving experience.
Don’t let the Tiggo 7 Pro’s smaller footprint fool you; it’s well-suited for family use. The rear seats are spacious, providing ample thigh support and a comfortable seating angle. The conventional SUV body shape also grants generous headroom for taller passengers.
The boot space, while smaller than that of the X70 and CR-V at 475 litres, remains plentiful. If you need extra room, simply fold down the rear seats for a vast total capacity of 1,672 litres.
On the safety front, there’s no cause for concern, as Chery has equipped this SUV with a host of active and passive safety features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Multi-Collision Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist, and more.
If that’s not enough, it also boasts seven airbags and a comprehensive 540-degree camera system complete with markers to assist drivers in tight spaces.
Despite its Chinese origins, the Tiggo 7 Pro does not compromise on quality; the camera displays are notably bright and sharp, outshining some of the more expensive SUVs on the market.
The design is appealing and the features provided are more than adequate but how does the Tiggo 7 Pro perform on the road?
Open the bonnet, and you won’t see much, as the 1.6-litre turbo engine and its associated components are neatly concealed beneath a large plastic cover.
That said, you won’t have any problem feeling the power as the four-cylinder engine produces 197 PS and 290 Nm of torque, surpassing the outputs offered by the three-cylinder engines found in Proton and Honda’s X70 and CR-V.
With a seven-speed DCT transmission driving the front wheels, this SUV is claimed to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 205 km/h.
Undeniably, the combination of engine and transmission endows the Tiggo 7 Pro with impressive acceleration, making it a joy to drive on wide-open motorways.
However, navigating busy city streets, I found the powertrain to be less smooth at times, with occasional jerks when initially pulling away.
According to Chery, the powertrain should achieve fuel consumption figures of around 7 l/100 km (14.2 km/l). In my mixed driving of both highways and urban areas, I recorded a consumption of about 8.9 l/100 km (11.2 km/l)—not too shabby considering the slightly aggressive driving style.
The suspension system is quite typical for a Chinese brand; it’s soft and comfortable, providing satisfactory shock absorption, which inspires confidence when tackling uneven roads.
Nevertheless, the softness of the suspension can make the Tiggo 7 Pro feel a bit precarious at higher speeds. While it handles corners well for an SUV, overly spirited driving can lead to the vehicle struggling to maintain composure.
In other words, I believe the Tiggo 7 Pro is better suited for relaxed and leisurely driving, even though it boasts a rather powerful engine and features aggressive design elements like red brake calipers and carbon fibre trim.
Conclusion
If you’re on the lookout for a versatile C-segment SUV that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro might just be your ideal choice.
While its design may not be the most eye-catching in its class, it makes up with an impressive list of features and satisfying performance.
Concerned about after-sales support? Rest easy, as Chery Malaysia offers a generous seven-year/150,000 km warranty, 24/7 free towing service, and a five-year complimentary service package for the Tiggo 7 Pro.
As announced back in June, Chery Malaysia has presented its rewards to the Malaysian Olympic athletes who brought home medals from the recently concluded Paris Olympics.
The national men’s doubles pair, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, who clinched bronze medals in the tournament, each received a Chery Tiggo 7 Pro.
Meanwhile, the men’s singles badminton bronze medalist, Lee Zii Jia, also earned himself a Tiggo 7 Pro but was unable to attend the event as he is currently competing in a tournament overseas.
“Their grit, determination, and perseverance throughout the Games are truly inspiring, and we are proud to celebrate their success with a vehicle that mirrors these qualities,” said Michael Chew, Vice President of Chery Malaysia.
The prize presentation ceremony, held at a Chery showroom in Bandar Bukit Puchong, was also graced by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh.
“We believe that sports is a unifying tool for Malaysia. We encourage the private sector to play their role in rewarding athletes when they succeed in bringing back medals. What makes Chery’s gesture special is that they are celebrating all medal winners,” said Yeoh.
Launched last June at a price of RM123,800, the Tiggo 7 Pro is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 197 PS and 290 Nm of torque.
With a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) driving the front wheels, the SUV is capable of achieving fuel efficiency as low as 7.0 litres/100 km.
Additionally, the Tiggo 7 Pro is equipped with plenty of exciting features such as Advanced Driver Assistance System 2.5 (ADAS 2.5), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, panoramic sunroof, and a premium Sony audio system.
Chery Malaysia said that it aims to continue uplifting local sports talent and contributing to the nation’s success on the global stage, in line with its expansion across the country.
CHERY Auto Malaysia’s third offering, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, has been officially launched at a price of RM123,800.
However, the first 2,000 customers will enjoy a special price of RM119,800. The SUV comes with a seven-year/150,000-km warranty, seven-year free towing service and five-year free service.
In terms of size, the Tiggo 7 Pro measures 4,513 mm in length, 1,862 mm in width, and 1,696 mm in height, making it shorter but wider and taller compared to its closest competitor, the Proton X70.
Both models have the same wheelbase of 2,670 mm.
For the exterior, the Tiggo 7 Pro comes with front and rear LED lights, sequential turn signals, ‘diamond’ studs on the grille, and 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels.
It is available in four colours: Bloodstone Red with a black roof, Vanilla Blue, Carbon Black, and Khaki White with a black roof.
Moving inside, there is a wide 24.6-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a 50W wireless charger, ambient lighting system with 64 colour options, and a Sony audio system with eight speakers.
The front and rear seats, door trims, and steering wheel are wrapped in black synthetic leather upholstery.
Other standard niceties include USB Type A and Type C ports, a panoramic roof, Remote Engine Start, and Walk-Away Auto Lock.
Under the hood of the Tiggo 7 Pro is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine delivering a healthy output of 197 PS and 290 Nm of torque.
Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) driving the front wheels, the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 205 km/h.
According to Chery, the Tiggo 7 Pro can achieve a fuel efficiency level as low as 7.0 liters per 100 km. It also comes with three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.
In terms of safety, the Tiggo 7 Pro features ADAS level 2.5, incorporating features such as:
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Multi Collision Brake
Blind Spot Detection
Door Opening Warning
Traffic Jam Assist
Intelligent High Beam Control
Front Collision Warning + Rear Collision Warning
Adaptive Cruise Control + Integrated Cruise Control
Lane Departure Warning + Lane Departure Prevention
CHERY Auto Malaysia has confirmed that the Tiggo 7 Pro will be launched in the local market by the end of May, with an estimated price of below RM130,000.
The C-segment SUV, which will compete with the likes of the Proton X70 and the Honda CR-V, is now open for bookings and will be showcased at Chery showrooms nationwide starting this April.
As previously reported, the Tiggo 7 Pro is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 197 PS and 290 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission tasked to drive the front wheels.
Interestingly, during its business briefing event held in January, Chery claimed that the Tiggo 7 Pro is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds. However, the specifications shared recently stated a significantly different century sprint time of 9.5 seconds. We will seek clarification from Chery regarding this matter.
Additionally, the model is said to be capable of reaching a maximum speed of 205 km/h. The company also claims a fuel economy of 7.0 litres per 100 km.
In terms of features, the Tiggo 7 Pro will come equipped with LED headlights and taillights, sequential turn signals, diamond-like inserts on the grille, and two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, you will find leatherette upholstery, a 24.6-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 50W wireless charger, a multi-colour ambient lighting system and a Sony audio system with eight speakers.
Additionally, there are USB Type-A and Type-C ports, a panoramic sunroof, Remote Engine Start, Walk Away Auto Lock, and three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.
In terms of safety, the Tiggo 7 Pro comes with ADAS 2.5 safety suite, which includes features such as:
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Multi Collision Brake
Blind Spot Detection
Door Opening Warning
Traffic Jam Assist
Intelligent High Beam Control
Front Collision Warning + Rear Collision Warning
Adaptive Cruise Control + Integrated Cruise Control
Lane Departure Warning + Lane Departure Prevention
Also included are seven airbags, a 540-degree panoramic camera system, Hill Start Assist Control and Hill Descent Control.
The Tiggo 7 Pro will be available in four exterior colours, namely Bloodstone Red with a black roof, Vanilla Blue, Carbon Black, and Khaki White with a black roof.
During its business briefing in Kuala Lumpur earlier today, Chery Malaysia confirmed that they will be launching the Tiggo 7 Pro in the second quarter of this year.
The five-seater SUV will be Chery’s fourth model to be introduced in Malaysia following the Omoda 5, Tiggo 8 Pro, and Omoda E5. As previously reported, the Omoda E5 is slated for launch in March.
In addition to confirming the Tiggo 7 Pro’s arrival, Chery Malaysia also took the opportunity to divulge preliminary specifications for the upcoming model.
Unlike in Indonesia, where the Tiggo 7 Pro is offered with a 1.5-litre turbo engine, we will be getting the more potent 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine capable of making 197 hp and 290 Nm of torque.
The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that allows the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds.
Elsewhere, the Tiggo 7 Pro will come with 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats. Interestingly, the image used in the presentation slide shows a different front bumper design from the unit previewed last year.
The infotainment system includes 24.6-inch dual display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Sony premium audio system with eight speakers.
Safety-wise, the version we’re getting will be equipped with 17 ADAS features, five more than what you can find in the Tiggo 8 Pro. Also included is a 540-degree camera.
Pricing hasn’t been revealed yet, but it is expected that the Tiggo 7 Pro will be positioned between the Omoda 5 (RM108,800 to RM118,800) and Tiggo 8 Pro (RM159,800). It is also highly likely to be locally assembled in Kulim, Kedah alongside the two aforementioned models.
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