Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV vs Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV: Which offers the better deal?

The plug-in hybrid SUV market in Malaysia has been intensified with the introduction of the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV, set to give a tough run for their money to the Chinese players in the segment. It is Proton’s first-ever plug-in hybrid SUV, under its e.MAS sub-brand, which aims to bring advanced electrified technology within reach of more Malaysians.

The Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV is competitively priced between RM 109,800 and RM 129,800 (on the road, without insurance). With this attractive pricing, the Proton PHEV has claimed the title of Malaysia’s cheapest PHEV. previously held by the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV. 

In today’s story, we will compare these plug-in hybrid SUVs in terms of pricing, drivetrain technology, features, and overall value, helping prospective buyers make informed decisions. 

Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV vs Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV: Price

The Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV comes in three variants - Prime, Premium and Premium Plus, while the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV is offered in a single trim. The prices are as follows - 

Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV Prime	RM 109,800	Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV	RM 129,800
Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV Premium	RM 123,800
Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV Premium Plus	RM 129,800

As we can see, the entry-level variant of the Proton model is significantly more affordable than the Tiggo 7 PHEV, with a price difference of RM 20k. However, the top-spec variant is priced similarly to that of Chery.

However, if we take into account the e.MAS 7 special launch rebate of RM 4,000 (available for the first 5,000 bookings), the price comes down to RM 105,800 (Prime), RM 119,800 (Premium) and RM 125,800 (Premium Plus), making it a clear winner in terms of pricing. 

Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV vs Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV: Dimensions

Specs	Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV	Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV
Length	4,740 mm	4553 mm
Width	1,905 mm	1862 mm
Height	1,685 mm	1696 mm
Wheelbase	2,755 mm	2670 mm
Boot space	528 litres (expandable up to 2,065 litres)	475 litres (expandable up to 1,386 litres)

Size-wise, the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV is larger and wider than the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV. It also has a longer wheelbase, indicating better cabin space, especially for rear passengers. The e.MAS 7 also outperforms the latter when it comes to boot space. 

Thus, the Proton PHEV has an upper hand in terms of dimensions and cargo practicality, all while being competitively priced.

Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV vs Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV: Drivetrain specifications 

While both are PHEVs, there is a difference in how their plug-in hybrid systems are engineered and behave. The e.MAS 7 features Geely’s super-hybrid powertrain, combining a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine and a front-mounted electric motor. 

The system is designed to be electric-first, which prioritises EV driving wherever possible. The engine serves primarily as a supporting energy source and engages directly with the wheels only when it is more efficient, such as during highway cruising or long uphill drives. 

Also part of the setup is the 11-in-1 Dedicated Hybrid Transmission offering smooth power delivery without traditional gear shifts. Three available drive modes are - Pure EV, Hybrid, and Power. For battery packs, there are two options: 18.4 kWh (Prime and Premium and 29.8 kWh (Premium Plus).

Coming to the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV, it underpins CSH (Chery Super Hybrid) tech that integrates a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor. The mill has a high thermal efficiency of 44.5% and is paired with a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission for seamless power delivery to the wheels and an 18.3 kWh battery pack. Available drive modes are Eco, Normal, and Sport, where the engine and motor work together for optimal performance.

Let’s compare the numbers - 

Specs	Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV	Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV
Drivetrain	1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine + front-wheel drive motor	1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine + front-wheel drive motor
Max power	Engine - 99 PS E-motor - 218 PS Combined - 262 PS	Engine - 143 PS E-motor - 204 PS Combined - 279 PS
Max torque	Engine - 125 Nm E-Motor- 262 Nm Combined - 262 Nm	Engine - 215 Nm E-Motor- 310 Nm Combined - 365 Nm
Battery	18.4 kWh CATL LFP/29.8 kWh Geely Aegis LFP	18.3 kWh LFP
Range (NEDC)	Electric - 105 km/170 km Combined - 1,000 km/1,065 km	Electric - 90 km Combined - 1,200 km
Charging	30-80% in under 20 mins with 30 kW DC charging	30-80% in just 19 minutes with 40 kW
Fuel consumption	4.3 litres per 100 km (23.3 kmpl)	5 litres per 100 km (20 kmpl)

As we can see, the Tiggo 7 PHEV delivers more combined power and significantly more torque, offering stronger acceleration and responsiveness. It also has a longer combined range, mainly because its fuel tank is larger at 60 litres versus Proton’s 51 litres. 

However, if we see all-electric range, the range-topping e.MAS 7 PHEV runs for longer in pure EV mode, ideal for daily city commuting without petrol use. Proton also has the edge in terms of fuel efficiency. 

Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV vs Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV: Features

Here’s a quick feature-wise comparison of the two PHEV (taking the e.MAS 7 top variant into account) -

Specs	Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV Premium Plus	Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV
Exterior	Auto LED headlights Full-width front illuminated light bar  LED daytime running lights 3D full-length LED tail lights Auto-rain sensing front wipers Auto-folding and heated side mirrors Powered tailgate  Panoramic sunroof with sunshade 19-inch wheels	LED automatic headlights Active cornering lights LED tail lights Puddle lights Front and rear LED fog lights Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers Hands-free powered tailgate Panoramic sunroof with powered sunshade 18-inch alloy wheels
Interior	15.4-inch infotainment unit  English and Malay voice-command support Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster 13.8-inch head-up display Over-the-air updates 16-speaker Flyme sound system Auto-air conditioning with N95 filter Leatherette upholstery Wireless charging Power-adjustable front seats with memory and ventilation 256-colour ambient lighting system Auto-dimming rearview mirror 2 USB Type-A and 2 USB Type-C charging ports Walk-away door lock Intelligent keyless entry and  start Electric parking brake Vehicle-to-vehicle Vehicle-to-load	12.3-inch infotainment unit Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 12.3-inch digital driver display 8-speaker Sony sound system Dual-zone automatic climate control Leather upholstery Wireless charging pad 6-way power adjustable driver seat with memory function and ventilation 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat 64-colour ambient light Frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror Double-glazed acoustic glass Three USB ports (2x Type-A, 1x Type-C) Vehicle-to-load
Safety	7 airbags Adaptive Cruise Control  Automatic Emergency Braking Lane Departure Warning and Prevention Forward Collision Warning  Traffic Sign Recognition  Leading Vehicle Departure Alert  Emergency Lane Keep Assist Rear Collision Warning Rear Cross Traffic Alert  Rear Cross Traffic Braking  Blind Spot Detection Lane Change Warning  Door Open Warning Intelligent high beam control 360-degree surround view camera	8 airbags  Adaptive cruise control Traffic jam assist Autonomous emergency braking Lane departure warning  Lane departure prevention  Lane change assist  Lane keep assist Emergency lane keep assist  Blind spot monitors Rear cross traffic alert Rear cross traffic braking  Front collision warning Rear collision warning  Door opening warning  Speed limit reminder  Intelligent high-beam control Driver monitoring system  Dashcam Tyre pressure monitoring system  540-degree surround-view camera

The table reveals that both models are well-loaded with features, promising a comfortable driving experience.

Verdict

Both the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV and Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV are excellent choices in the C-segment plug-in hybrid SUV category, each offering its own strengths. When it comes to choosing one, prospective buyers need to consider their personal preferences and make the best choice.  

• If you are seeking value, everyday efficiency, and practically, the e.MAS 7 PHEV is a well-rounded choice.
• But if you lean towards performance and a better combined range, the Tiggo 7 PHEV is worth the extra investment.

Also read: Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV variants explained – Which one should you choose?