Chery’s Impact on Australia’s Affordable SUV Market

Earlier this year, Chery made waves in Australia’s automotive landscape by introducing its new entry-level SUV, the Tiggo 4 Pro, which has a compelling starting price of under $25,000, drive-away.

Positioned below the Omoda 5 in Chery’s local offerings, the Tiggo 4 Pro enters a competitive segment, setting its sights on popular light SUVs such as the Hyundai Venue, Kia Stonic, Mazda CX-3, Toyota Yaris Cross, and Volkswagen T-Cross.

The impact was immediate, with Chery reporting record sales in November, largely propelled by the Tiggo 4 Pro, which was the best-selling model in the company’s range for that month. Analysts anticipate it could emerge as Australia’s top-selling light SUV by 2025.

Currently, Chery offers two variants, with our focus being on the flagship Ultimate, priced from $26,990 drive-away. After a colleague’s brief experience with the Tiggo 4 Pro on a controlled track, we are now keen to assess its performance in everyday conditions.

Pricing Overview of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

How does the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro fare on price? Quite favorably.

The flagship Ultimate variant starts at:

  • 2025 Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Urban: $23,990 drive-away
  • 2025 Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Ultimate: $26,990 drive-away

Interior Design and Features

Inside, the Tiggo 4 Pro impresses with a surprisingly upscale ambiance for its price point. The elevated ride height, a hallmark of crossover SUVs, makes entry and exit a breeze, appealing to drivers seeking a better vantage point or those with mobility limitations.

A notable touch is the illuminated Tiggo side sill plate upon opening the door—an unexpected luxury in a budget vehicle. Once seated, the faux-leather appointed seats are comfortable but may become warm in the sun. Features like seat heating are controlled via a touchscreen interface, a trendy yet unconventional choice.

While the driver’s seat is plush, it lacks sufficient lateral support, a common limitation in vehicles targeting budget-conscious buyers. The adjustable electric driver’s seat lacks lumbar support, but the integrated headrest is soft and accommodating.

Dashboard and Infotainment System

Dominating the dashboard is a well-sized, leather-wrapped steering wheel featuring both reach and tilt adjustments. Although the controls are logically placed, a few mishaps occurred while trying to toggle cruise control instead of adjusting audio volume.

The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster offers multiple layouts, prominently featuring a digital speedometer. Meanwhile, the equally generous 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen is responsive and bright, providing seamless access to wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—though some users may experience occasional connection issues.

Driving Experience

Under the hood, the Tiggo 4 Pro features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 108 kW and 210 Nm of torque via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Starting the vehicle presents a sharp engine rev followed by a quick idle, demonstrating a responsive nature.

However, the power delivery can feel disjointed due to unusual throttle calibration and CVT character. The vehicle offers two drive modes, Eco and Sport, each proclaiming its presence with rather dramatic announcements.

On urban streets, the Tiggo 4 Pro is remarkably manageable despite its light steering, which lacks feedback and may feel overly muted compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-3. Comfortably navigating city driving is a plus, but the experience diminishes on highways where road noise can be intrusive.

Safety and Warranty

Safety features include a robust suite of aids like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, although their calibration often necessitates driver intervention. Currently, the Tiggo 4 Pro has not secured an ANCAP or Euro NCAP safety rating.

Chery offers a generous seven-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty, with capped-price servicing adding to the vehicle’s appeal.

Final Thoughts

The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro inevitably reshapes expectations in Australia’s budget SUV market. Combining modern design with advanced features at an attractive price point signifies a bold leap forward for the automaker.

For those seeking an affordable yet stylish first car, the Tiggo 4 Pro is undoubtedly a compelling option, signaling to competitors that they must elevate their offerings to remain relevant in this increasingly competitive segment.

Source:www.carexpert.com.au