Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid : In a bold move that will shake up Australia’s hotly-contested SUV market, the Chinese car maker Chery is about to release its game-changing Tiggo 4 Hybrid with an extraordinarily long driving range of up to 1000km, pitting the new model against all comers in the compact hybrid category.
This game changing SUV – set to arrive on the Australian market in 2025’s third quarter – marks a monumental milestone in Chery’s growing range of cars and has the potential to set a new standard for fuel efficiency and driving range in its class.
A Compact Range Revolution in the Palm of Your Hand
(Geneva Motorshow, Switzerland – 2020) the standout aspect is, of course, it’s remarkable 1000km range due to Chery’s self-developed CHS (Chery Super Hybrid) powertrain technology.
The hybrid powertrain combines a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 71kW of power and 118Nm of torque with an electric motor that itself musters a strong 150kW of power and 310Nm of torque to the front wheels.
The hybrid layout employs a relatively small 1.83kWh battery that does not require external charging, so it should be a bit simpler for drivers after some extra range but without the hassles of a plug-in set-up.
And what takes our breath away is how that places the Tiggo 4 Hybrid against far pricier rivals. Many hybrids like to spruik their efficiency, but not all offer the kind of budget-friendly range it looks as though Chery is preparing to offer Down Under.
The company cites just 5.4L/100km on the WLTC cycle for fuel use, which is a massive improvement over the current petrol Tiggo 4 (7.3L/100km).
“This is a real win for fuel-conscious Australian drivers who don’t want to compromise the capability and convenience of their vehicle,” automotive analyst Jessica Chen said.
“And the fact that you can drive between Sydney and Melbourne on a tank of fuel is another strong selling-point for regional customers doing regular F3/4-400km commutes.”
Beyond EFficiency Performance Improvements
Aside from the Tiggo 4 Hybrid’s stellar range and efficiency figures there is also performance gains over the standard petrol powered variant according to Chery.
Power is up to 110PS, and the 86mph top speed is complemented by 0-100km/h acceleration of 9.4 seconds – 1.2 faster than the standard version, proving it wrong on one of the knockdowns often made against hybrids, which is that performance is traded for efficiency.
The CHS machine weighs in at around 50kgs so is a relatively small amount of added mass and by no means is detrimental to the agility and feel of the car.
During early testing industry observers have observed that the motor’s instantaneous torque delivery means the low-speed response is better than that of the existing petrol-powered Accord, which some reports have suggested is a bit laggy.
“The combined output of the hybrid powertrain more than doubles the grunt of the regular turboed engine,” says David Rogers, senior motoring editor at Australian Auto Review.
“But, most importantly, it delivers that power in a more linear, predictable manner that most/all drivers will appreciate in daily driving.”
Retain Subtle Design Essence with Functionality Enhancements
In terms of appearance, Tiggo 4 Hybrid retains the family design of the petrol-driven version, with minimal updates to the styling to hint at its technological advance.
On the outside, the differences are minor and it retains the LED headlights, vertical daytime LED running lights and the diamond-shaped grille design of the Tiggo 4 Pro.
New branding is located at the hatch, emphasizing the hybrid drivetrain, and modified colours, such as one called “Moon Silver”, will be added to the offering.
There are several improvements inside the cabin that Chery has made to give the vehicle a more premium feel. Inside, the Tiggo 4 Hybrid features new trim materials, replacing the piano black finishes with a brushed metallic look for the centre console.
Cabin changes include a reconfigured climate control layout, as well as redrawn infotainment graphics.
Although the boot is slightly humped gain from the battery, boot space remains almost identical despite the inclusion of the hybrid bits. The rear seats still fold flat (and relatively easily) for more than 67 cubic feet of storage space, so there is that practical SUV versatility that buyers likely expect.
Competitive Dynamics in an Expanding Segment
The Tiggo 4 Hybrid is just another excellent example of Chery’s strategic placement and everything to do with the company’s goal of fast-tracking its Australian growth.
It’s already made a name for itself with the standard Tiggo 4, which is among the best-selling small SUVs in the country, and it intends to capitalise on this with its hybrid.
It is expected to launch as an affordable foray into the hybrid market, with insiders suggesting pricing is close that of the $29,990 drive-away Urban Hybrid.
That would see it undercut many similar hybrid based SUVs, reinforcing Chery’s strategy of providing good value propositions to Australians.
The timing is also of enormous significance, with skyrocketing fuel prices and a growing demand from consumers for more economical cars.
Chery’s entry could hasten that process of cheap and cheerful hybridisation, with many of the larger manufacturers already finding it a struggle to bring hybrids in at a realistic price.
“What we’re seeing is a strategic democratization of hybrid technology,” says Dr Michael Wong, an automotive industry researcher from Melbourne University.
“In doing so at a mass market price, Chery is likely to transform consumer perceptions of what represents good value in the hybrid segment.
Final Australian specifications are yet to be confirmed but we can expect the Tiggo 4 Hybrid to add to the already extensive technology used in the petrol variant.
That includes two 10.25-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, wireless smartphone integration and voice command.
Safety is a priority, the current Tiggo 4 already comes with a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
The hybrid version will presumably offer a similar high level of safety, with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and a full suite of airbags included.
The introduction of hybrid-optimized features such as regenerative braking, an energy flow display and the ability to download vehicle data to analyze driving efficiency and performance for the advanced powertrain are unique elements provided by the Volt.
A Piece of a Wider Electrification Plan
The Tiggo 4 Hybrid is just part of Chery’s growing electrification plan for Australia.
The company has also confirmed that plug-in hybrid versions of the larger Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro will also land in Australian showrooms around mid-2025, giving the brand a one-two-three punch of electrified models across multiple size categories and price points.
It’s more than a one-size-fits-all strategy, considering the variety of consumer preference in Australia, with regular hybrids aimed at those after practicality and a large driving range; while plug-in options will also be available for drivers who have access to charging but still want more electric-only mileage.
Industry experts says this adaptable approach could be adopted to the Australian market where differing driving conditions, infrastructure issues and consumer preferences make a one-size-fits-all strategy toward electrification difficult.
“They are especially shrewd in that they understand that different Australian drivers have different needs,” says Emma Taylor, editor at EV Insider Australia.
“The 1000km driving range of the Tiggo 4 Hybrid means range anxiety is a thing of the past and the crossover can be refuelled in the same way as a standard petrol powered vehicle so it is the perfect stepping stone for many buyers.”
Environmental Credentials and Sustainability 5.1 Over the past five decades, CSP has moved beyond its roots and harnessed solar energy for power generation as well, not directly but by using it to generate steam.
Aside from the obvious benefits of low fuel consumption and longer range, the Tiggo 4 Hybrid is a major advancement in terms of environmental friendliness.
CO2 emissions are much lower than the petrol equivalent and meet consumer demand for a more sustainable mode of transport.
The way Chery has approached hybridization reflects a pragmatic stance on sustainability, too: While full electrification may be the end goal for many manufacturers, hybrid technology is here now and provides an immediately accessible way to have a meaningful impact on the environmental consequences of personal transportation for a wider swath of the market.
The company has also committed to continual advancements in sustainable vehicle manufacturing, including implementing further recycled and recyclable materials in the vehicle, and increasing the use of renewable energy in its production lines.
Market Impact and Outlook
The Tiggo 4 Hybrid and its ground-breaking 1000km driving range should make all hybrids before it, seen in the Aussie mid-size SUV segment, nervous.
Firstly, it can cause the larger more established players to review their pricing strategies, as consumers realise the value benefit the new comers all like Chery offers to them.
Second, the focus on range offers a strong solution to one of the concerns of many Australian drivers, especially those in regional areas where the distances between places can be vast.
By providing a solution that takes into account both effectiveness and affordability, Chery may help urban technology appeal to more than just major metropolitan regions.
Lastly, the Tiggo 4 Hybrid could help to contribute to changing the national psyche of car buyers as China shifts from the world’s largest market to the world’s leading brand setting benchmarks that matter to consumers.
“Had someone told me that a Chinese-made vehicle would be pushing the frontiers of hybrid technology five years ago I would have found it implausible,” says historian of the automobile Dr. Robert Chen.
“Today with the 1000km Tiggo 4 Hybrid’s 1000km range under our very noses, we have a very real world example of just how much things are changing and the old guard is no longer in control.”
A Game-Changer for Cheap Hybrids Regardless, this is a watershed hybrid.
“With Australia moving toward a greener future in terms of automotive, the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid could well be the car that finally brought hybrid technology, with its exceptional range, to the masses.
This compact SUV not only promises to be a powerful and efficient offering, delivering headline 1000km range, but is also a statement of intent for a brand that is hell-bent on accelerating its growth in the Australian market.
The proof of the pudding will be when they hit the road in Australia in Q3 2025 but on paper and in practice – as hard as we could push them – the Tiggo 4 Hybrid looks like living up to its promise as a true Skate Revolution for Australia’s roads.
For cost-conscious commuters looking to eke out the most range for the least environmental impact, the wait may be worth it.