Though its official launch date towards the end of 2024 hasn’t been announced yet, the Chery Cross has already created buzz in the South African automotive world! The renowned Chinese automaker introduced this intriguing new crossover to the South African car market at the recent Kyalami Festival of Motoring (FoM) in Midrand, Gauteng.
The first thing to mention about this new crossover is its name. It signals a break in the accepted naming convention of Chery’s existing SUV line-up of the Tiggo 4 Pro, the Tiggo 7 Pro, and the Tiggo 8 Pro. (Please note that at Thorp Chery we also sell the Tiggo 7 Pro Max and the Tiggo 8 Pro Max in the higher-grade Max specification. However, it’s important to also note that the Chery Cross is not intended to be the Max variant of the Chery Tiggo 4.)
Chery has confirmed that the Cross is intended to slot in between the Tiggo 4 and the Tiggo 7. There has been significant speculation as to why the Tiggo 5 Pro wasn’t called the Tiggo 5 or the Tiggo 6.
One likely explanation for this could be that Chery is tapping into the naming strategy of another prominent South African car brand, Toyota, since it’s likely that the vehicle’s biggest rival will be the Toyota Corolla Cross.
In a nutshell, the soon to be released Chery Cross is in fact a higher-spec crossover intended to occupy a slot above the South African Tiggo 4 Pro in Chery’s SUV lineup. Let’s take a closer look at this intriguing addition to Chery’s SUV stable!
Positioning and Naming
As mentioned, the Chery Cross is intended to strategically fit in between the popular Tiggo 4 Pro and the larger Tiggo 7 Pro. As regards performance and specs, the Tiggo Cross can therefore be seen as a high-end Tiggo 4 Pro that ‘splits the difference’, as it were, between the Tiggo 4 Pro and the more expensive and upscale Tiggo 7 Pro.
It therefore offers an attractive blend of their relative sizes, features, specs and values. Could one possibly speculate that breaking their numerical naming convention, and indicating the Cross’s ‘position’ in their SUV line-up, means that Chery intends the Cross to adopt a distinct and significant automotive identity? Time will tell!
Performance and Powertrain
In practical terms, this means that the Chery Cross is fitted with the same spirited 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine found in the top-spec Tiggo 4 and the baseline Tiggo 7. This impressive powerplant delivers a punchy 108kW of power and 210Nm of torque, striking a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
Coupled with a sophisticated six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the Chery Cross promises a smooth and responsive driving experience, whether you’re navigating city, highway, or doing some moderate off-roading. Note that the Cross is not available with a CVT transmission option.
Features and Technology
While the full specs are yet to be revealed, the Chery Cross showcased at the FoM gives South African motorists a tantalising glimpse into its impressive potential. The interior is expected to be a haven of technology and comfort, featuring a pair of expansive 10.25-inch screens that’ll dominate the dashboard.
A wireless charging pad, likely a standard feature, will add to the Chery Cross’s convenience and modern appeal. Based on Chery’s innovative track record, we confidently expect a host of other cutting-edge technological, performance and safety features.
Pricing and Value Proposition – The Sweet Spot
Chery has indicated an estimated price point of around R500,000 for the Chery Cross. This positions it competitively in the market and offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. If you’re looking for a premium SUV without breaking the bank, the new Chery Cross could be the answer!
This is a Crossover SUV to Watch Out For!
The Chery Cross is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the South African automotive landscape. With its blend of style, performance, technology, and value, it’s poised to capture the attention of discerning drivers in South Africa. If you’re in the market for a new SUV, keep an eye out for the Chery Cross – it might just be the SUV you’ve been waiting for!
As soon as it’s been launched, you’ll be able to experience the Cross firsthand at Thorp Chery in Cape Town. Visit our dealerships at Thorp Chery Plumstead or Chery Table Bay Mall in Sunningdale. And please note that as always, for your peace of mind, all our new Chery vehicles are sold with a 10-year, 1,000,000km warranty exclusive to Thorp. Visit us and discover why this fascinating new vehicle could just be the next best thing in the Western Cape!
