Chery Malaysia shook up the local market recently with the introduction of the Tiggo Cross.
Two variants were introduced:
- Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid CSH, priced at RMRM99,800.
- Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 Turbo, priced at RM88,800.
Competing in the Malaysian market, the Chery Tiggo Cross is a game changer not only due to its price but also the technologies that it has to offer. It has amassed 1,000 bookings in just two days, but what makes it so popular?
Some of the technologies that are offered as standard for both variants include a 360-degree Panoramic Camera, a 15-watt wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, an electric driver’s seat, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, as well as a large 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster of equal size.
However, the top-of-the-line variant comes packed with 16 intelligent Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
Some of the systems include:
- Blind Spot Monitoring – Alerts the driver about vehicles in blind spots.
- Autonomous Emergency Braking – Intervenes in emergency situations by automatically applying brakes.
- Intelligent Headlight Control – Adjusts headlights automatically so as not to blind oncoming traffic.
- Forward Collision Warning – Warns the driver of a potential frontal collision.
- Lane Departure Warning – Warns the driver when the car drifts into a different lane.
- Adaptive Cruise Control – Maintains a predetermined speed by automatically braking and accelerating.
- Rear Collision Warning – Warns the driver of oncoming vehicles behind the car, particularly when reversing.
- Lane Change Assist – Monitors traffic behind the vehicle and alerts the driver with audio-visual cues to help with safe overtaking.
The Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 Hybrid CSH also offers seven airbags for comprehensive safety and protection.
However, the cherry on this Chery is the fact that the Tiggo Cross earned a five-star Safety Rating at the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), the independent voice on vehicle safety for Australia and New Zealand.
But that is not the only reason why the Chery Tiggo Cross has become such a darling among car buyers; it is the hybrid technology that it has to offer as well.
Called the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH), the tech represents Chery’s proprietary cutting-edge hybrid powertrain technology, engineered for a cleaner and more efficient drive.
The system works by combining an internal combustion engine with electric motors as well as a battery management system.
Combined, this system offers class-leading fuel economy, lower emissions, as well as impressive driving dynamics.
The technology is the result of two decades of advancement by a global R&D system that includes eight centres, 300 laboratories and 30,000 R&D professionals. In fact, in its current fifth-generation form, the CSH system sets a new global benchmark with thermal efficiency exceeding 44.5%.
That is quite phenomenal considering that conventional petrol engines operate at a peak thermal efficiency of only 25-35% while some of the competitor hybrid systems are only able to offer 40-43% thermal efficiency.
By now, the question at the back of your mind would probably be, “but how does it work?”
The CSH system works by intelligently switching between several drive modes automatically, depending on driver demand and driving load:
For example, in Pure Electric drive mode, such as at low speed and when the battery has sufficient charge, the Tiggo Cross is driven purely by the electric motor.
The engine is completely switched off, providing the driver with a silent, zero-emission driving experience.
Then there is the Series Hybrid mode, which works when the battery charge is low or at moderate speeds. This is when the engine acts as a generator and provides electricity to the motors.
The engine does not provide drive to the wheels but runs at its most optimal RPM to generate electricity for the motors. Similar to a range-extender, and consumes very little fuel in return.
Further to that, there is the Parallel Hybrid mode. This is when both the engine and electric motors work concurrently to provide power to the wheels, such as at high speed or during acceleration. This is the primary mode during highway driving or overtaking.
But at really high speed, such as when cruising on the highway, the Engine Direct Drive mode kicks in and drives the wheels directly, bypassing the electric motors. But when needed, the electric motors can still provide a boost.
What about recharging, though? You might wonder. The Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 Hybrid CSH uses regenerative braking that recharges the battery during deceleration or when braking.
The Chery Super Hybrid System is the company’s core technology for its new energy vehicles, and now, with prices starting from just under RM100,000, the technology is available to more car buyers, in turn playing a part in reducing global emissions.
Our short drive experience with the car revealed an impressive refinement level, and in the hybrid variant, the overall performance, such as acceleration, was fantastic to say the least.
In fact, we found that the hybrid variant was smoother with fewer vibrations in the cabin as well.
Speaking of the cabin, space was generous in all seats, and equipment levels match that of more expensive cars as well.
Very few cars deserve the term game changer, but the Chery Tiggo Cross is definitely one of them.
