The Space Marvel That Challenges Everything We Know About Car Value
Move beyond discussions about housing shortages and energy crises - Australia might have found an unexpected solution in the form of the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Ultimate. While the name might be cumbersome, this Chinese-made SUV represents a revolution in automotive value that demands attention.
Measuring 4.5 metres long and nearly 2 metres wide, the top-spec Tiggo 7 offers interior space that genuinely rivals some city apartments. The sheer volume inside this vehicle is so impressive that one reviewer joked about needing Apple's Find My app to locate his wife in the back seats.
Performance Meets Extraordinary Efficiency
Under the bonnet lies a sophisticated 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 255kW of power and 525Nm of torque. This powertrain propels the 1.9-tonne vehicle from 0-100km/h in just 8.2 seconds - quicker than many performance hatches from recent memory.
The real story emerges in fuel consumption. During extensive testing including daily commuting, Blue Mountains excursions and multiple trips to Sydney's northern beaches, the Tiggo 7 consumed only 15 litres of fuel while maintaining 30% battery charge - all without ever being plugged in. The vehicle's regenerative charging system continuously replenishes the battery, creating what feels like automotive alchemy.
Official figures claim up to 1200km range from its 60-litre tank, with real-world estimates settling between 730-870km - sufficient for a Sydney to Melbourne journey on a single tank.
Premium Features at an Unbelievable Price Point
The equipment list reads like a luxury vehicle specification sheet. For the $43,990 drive-away price of the plug-in hybrid model, buyers receive:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated and ventilated leather seats
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless phone charging
- 360-degree camera system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Premium sound system
The interior space management is exceptional, with second-row legroom that would embarrass business class airline seats. Three adults can sit comfortably in the back, while the boot capacity handles weekly shopping with ease or transforms into furniture-moving capability with rear seats folded.
Driving Dynamics and Practical Considerations
The hybrid system operates seamlessly, transitioning between power sources without driver awareness. Power delivery arrives decisively, though combined with the comfort-focused suspension, can create a slight see-saw effect during aggressive acceleration.
Ride quality proves exceptional, absorbing Sydney's notorious potholes and road imperfections with premium-car composure. The steering remains precise and the turning circle defies the vehicle's substantial dimensions, making urban manoeuvring surprisingly straightforward.
Some design elements reveal cost-saving measures, such as basic finishes on door speakers. The facial recognition safety system proves persistently intrusive, though these are minor compromises in context.
The Brand Perception Challenge
The fundamental hurdle for the Tiggo 7 remains the Chery badge. Chinese manufacturers still face scepticism regarding quality and reliability, though Chery attempts to counter this with a comprehensive seven-year warranty.
For buyers willing to overlook brand snobbery, the Tiggo 7 represents one of Australia's most compelling automotive propositions. It delivers space, equipment and performance matching vehicles costing twice as much, while operating costs approach negligible levels.
In an era of escalating living expenses, the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Ultimate demonstrates that exceptional family transport needn't require financial sacrifice. The name might be forgettable, but the driving experience certainly isn't.
