There are now three “eights” in Chery’s Russian line: Tiggo 8, Tiggo 8 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro Max. The latest model has the highest status: the most powerful, the most equipped and the only one with four-wheel drive – if you do not take into account the premium sub-brand Exeed. But its representatives, other things being equal, are positioned (and cost accordingly) more expensive than Chery models.
Four wheel drive
In Russia, they are already used to the fact that the crossover will not necessarily be four-wheel drive. Although this used to be only Chinese brands and surprised. But the proliferation of budget pseudo-SUVs has meant that the 4×4 nameplate is not found at all in some segments.
Chery has the opposite situation. As a brand’s reputation grows, so do the cars. And they reached those classes where it’s not comme il faut without four-wheel drive.
Tiggo 8 Pro Max has a typical crossover circuit. Of the assistants, there is only one assistant who descends from the mountain. There are different riding modes for asphalt and off-road, although the difference in settings is barely noticeable.
The clearance is not bad – the manufacturer-specified 185 mm is maintained. Only there is no factory security. And it has to be mounted: behind a thin plastic fairing under the front bumper is a low-hanging oil filter. Not long and harmful.
Tiggo 8 Pro Max doesn’t like hanging diagonally in its purest form. After being swung and hooked to the third wheel, he comes out. And it smells very strongly of the gearbox when it slips!
Powerful engine
Tiggo 8 has a clearly perceived hierarchy. The base model is satisfied with a 1.5 engine with a power of 147 forces. The Pro prefix increases the volume to 1.6 liters and the number of “horses” to 186.
The Pro Max version is powered by a 2.0 turbo with 197 hp. This is an Exeed VX engine – only there it develops 249 horsepower, and for Chery it is tuned. According to unofficial information, the engine control module on the “eight” can be re-flashed, returning the selected forces to the engine.
Pro Max rides with dignity. The motor is manoeuvrable and the preselective robot works smoothly with it, which is rare for the Chinese. There are small delays and jerks, but they do not spoil the picture. Measurements showed: with the promised 8.5 s to hundreds, the crossover accelerates in 8.4 s. In addition, the official maximum speed of 195 km/h is underestimated, the car easily exceeds 200 km/h on GPS.
Comfortable seats
The designers of the G8 all-wheel drive, knowing the features of almost all Asian cars, lengthened the front seat cushions. It has gotten much better!
Ventilation added to heating. True, both systems only serve pillows. They promise to fix the mistake quickly and introduce them in the backs.
But the coolest thing is the headrests. On the front seats and the outer seats of the second row, they are fitted with adjustable lateral support. A small thing, but adds considerable comfort. And it is comfortable to sleep with them. But only for the passenger.
What else?
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max also has other advantages: low beam lenses that rotate at highway speeds, a cluster of two screens, as on expensive Exeed models, a 7-year or 200,000 km warranty.
But at the same time it is the most expensive Chery in Russia. It will cost 3.9-4.2 million rubles. And it’s hard to attribute it to merit.
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