After the mid-sized Tiggo 7 Pro, the compact four in Chery’s Russian lineup ranked second in 2021 sales. A hiccup during this year’s model update pushed the crossover off the top tier, but fresh opportunities are on the horizon to regain ground.
Less volume, more power
The Tiggo 4 featured an atmospheric 2.0 engine with 122 hp in the earlier range. Following a refresh, that engine vanished. Today only the 1.5-liter engine remains, available in atmospheric (113 hp) and turbo (147 hp) versions. The turbo unit mirrors the one used in the Tiggo 7 Pro, but its output has been tuned down from the original 156 hp. Consequently, owners benefit from meaningful savings on road taxes.
The base trim kept a manual transmission, and that remains a strong selling point. With car prices rising, buyers often lean toward affordable trims on the Tiggo family.
Equipment, while practical, is solid. For instance, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated windscreen washers make daily use more comfortable.
The interior mirrors the older Tiggo 7 Pro closely, while the climate control unit for the quartet proves to be more modern and responsive.
Variator instead of a robot
The turbo engine also powered the former four, paired with a pre-selective robotic gearbox with dry clutches. That transmission built a modest reputation for reliability, but to minimize risk it was replaced with a continuously variable transmission designed and built by Chery.
The CVT delivers smoother, more consistent performance. Traction remains ample, and acceleration to 100 km/h occurs in about 10 seconds—comparable to the old robot. The CVT-equipped engine also consumes roughly 0.1–0.2 L/100 km less fuel. The unit uses a Bosch steel belt and supports torque up to 250 Nm, while the engine itself produces 40 Nm less, leaving a comfortable safety margin.
The Tiggo 4 underwent the expected restyling, updating optics, bumpers, and grille for a refreshed look.
More options
The previously pricey 18-inch wheels were dropped from standard and optional kits, aligning with the model’s more approachable pricing. In the top configuration, a sporty red accent decor was available.
The Tiggo 4 Pro also gained LED headlights, available with both engines, providing solid illumination in all modes.
The steering wheel now allows adjustment for both tilt and reach. The microclimate control is fully touch-sensitive, and the central display grew from 9 to 10.25 inches. The classic gear selector was replaced by a compact joystick. The crossover features a surround-view camera system and a USB port for rear-seat passengers.
Chery’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility remains intact, enabling seamless smartphone integration for the Tiggo 4 Pro.
Profitability
Prices for the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro start around 2.05 to 2.40 million rubles. At first glance the small FWD Chinese crossover appears expensive, yet rivals in the class carry higher price tags. Dealers also offer discounts around 170 thousand rubles, and when combined with the model’s advantages, the effective price can drop by as much as 390 thousand rubles. By comparison, the JAC JS4, sold as Moskvich 3, starts at about 1.97 million rubles.
Overall the Tiggo 4 Pro presents a strong value proposition in a compact crossover segment, though there are a few drawbacks to consider.
Mixed on-road behavior
The crossover can feel slow to react to steering and tends to lean during aggressive maneuvers, yet the suspension remains composed and does not transmit excessive jolts over rough surfaces. The design shift toward a lighter, simpler rear suspension replaced the independent setup in higher trims with a beam axle across all Tiggo 4 Pro models. Despite this change, the overall driving dynamics remain within expected bounds for its class.
Safety considerations
Stability control is present on all variants, but the base trims offer only front airbags. Side impact protection requires stepping up to higher trims, a notable detail for a contemporary crossover. Updated models still emphasize modern safety features, but price and trim choices influence the level of standard protection.
Nominated for the Driving Grand Prix
New models are eligible to participate in the Driving Grand Prix, including those arriving in 2022 or those that have undergone a generation shift. The restyling of the Tiggo 4 Pro counts as a thorough modernization of the previous generation.
Cast your vote in the Driving Grand Prix
Readers can participate in the Driving Grand Prix poll to help select this year’s standout car novelties.
The notice encourages participation by offering a small prize drawing for survey completions. The competition period remains open through late February, with details available in the dedicated section of the site.
COMPLETE THE 2023 DRIVING GRAND PRIX QUESTIONNAIRE
All specifics about the match are organized in a dedicated section on the site.