First Impressions: Chery Tiggo 7 & Tiggo 8 PHEV – Malaysia’s most affordable Plug-in Hybrid SUVs Impress

KUALA LUMPUR: It’s not every day you get handed the keys to a family SUV and then get told, “Alright, three laps around Sepang and then straight to the kick plate.”

But that’s exactly what Chery Malaysia organised at the Sepang International Circuit Driving Experience Centre, putting its freshly-launched Tiggo 7 PHEV and Tiggo 8 PHEV through tests more commonly associated with sports cars than seven-seaters.

At first glance, it feels like an odd setting. But in reality, it’s the perfect way to showcase what the new plug-in hybrid powertrains have done to transform Chery’s Tiggo SUVs.

Also Read: Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV and Tiggo 8 PHEV launched in Malaysia: Up to 1,200 km range, priced from RM129,800

Smoother, Stronger – The powertrain upgrade

Both models use Chery’s CSH (Chery Super Hybrid) system, pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged TGDi Miller-cycle engine (143 PS/215 Nm) with a 204 PS/310 Nm electric motor through a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT150).

Together, that gives the Tiggo 7 PHEV a combined output of 279 PS and 365 Nm, while the larger Tiggo 8 PHEV is quoted at 275 PS and 365 Nm, both driving the front wheels.

On the short handling course, the difference compared to the ICE Tiggo 7 Pro and 8 Pro was immediate. Gone was the inconsistent throttle feel and slightly jerky transmission calibration.

Instead, the PHEVs delivered predictable, steady power. The electric motor’s instant torque smoothed everything out, making the “slow in, fast out” method through corners surprisingly satisfying.

Where it gets really impressive is in how the energy flow behaves. The transition between electric and engine power is seamless — you will notice when the 1.5 turbo steps in, but there's no pause or transition period, they just work in tandem.

Plant your foot hard, and the petrol engine kicks in not as a distraction, but as a boost, helping the motor deliver stronger acceleration. Then, once you ease off and go back into calm cruising, the car settles down again into near-silent EV-like running. It’s smooth, refined, and would be especially welcoming in traffic jams, feels like driving a pure EV.

The Tiggo 7 PHEV, being smaller, felt the more agile of the two, leaning into bends with a bit more eagerness. The Tiggo 8 PHEV, while obviously heavier, carried itself with confidence and showed how much the hybrid system’s linear response improved drivability. For SUVs not built to set lap records, they both held their own remarkably well.

Kick Plate – Stability on demand

If the handling laps were about flow, the kick plate was about chaos. At 50 km/h, the rear axle is suddenly shifted sideways, forcing the car into an unavoidable skid. This is where stability control either saves the day or embarrasses the vehicle.

Here, the Tiggo 7 and 8 PHEV impressed. The moment the rear stepped out, the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) intervened quickly, giving drivers just enough time to countersteer before neatly bringing the car straight again.

The system’s speed and transparency gave confidence that, in real-world slippery conditions — heavy rain, oil patches, or even a sudden swerve — you’d be back in control almost instantly.

Interiors & Design – A step forward

Inside, the Tiggo 8 PHEV is where I found myself particularly impressed. The cabin has had a noticeable revamp, with better materials throughout — especially the seats, which now feature a material resembling alcantara, giving off a distinctly premium vibe.

The dashboard has also been redesigned compared to the ICE version, with the physical AC controls removed from the mid-dash and functions moved entirely to the infotainment screen.

It does mean you’ll have to adjust the air-conditioning through the display, but in this case I’ll take that sacrifice, as the overall look and feel is far more upmarket.

By contrast, the Tiggo 7 PHEV’s interior hasn’t changed as much relative to its ICE sibling, though the materials now feel noticeably better. Where the 7 really shines is outside.

On the Tiggo 7 PHEV, the styling cues lean towards a sharper and more contemporary vibe. Up front, it now features a closed-off diamond-pattern grille flanked by reprofiled headlights with twin L-shaped DRLs, while the bumper has been reshaped with bolder gloss-black inserts.

At the rear, the updates are even more striking — the slimmer tail lamps are joined by a full-width light bar, echoing the Tiggo Cross, and the number plate has been moved to create a cleaner overall rear profile.

The Tiggo 8 PHEV, in contrast, adopts a subtler evolution of its design. The headlights have been narrowed, the grille surround made slimmer, and the front bumper revised with functional air curtains for better aerodynamics.

New flush-fitting door handles and trapezoidal exhaust finishers round off the changes, giving the SUV a neater, more electrified appearance that matches its PHEV character.

The biggest revelation from the short test was how much the plug-in hybrid system elevated the Tiggo 7 and 8’s overall character. Where the petrol-only versions sometimes felt inconsistent, the PHEVs are smooth, predictable, and punchy, with stability systems that genuinely inspire confidence.

And beyond the driving, the spec sheet seals the deal. Both SUVs come with an 18.3 kWh LFP battery, good for up to 90 km EV-only range and a total 1,200 km combined range with the 60-litre tank. Charging is flexible — from DC fast charging (30–80% in 19 mins) to a simple household plug. Plus, both offer V2L (3.3 kW) to power external devices.

Inside, the Tiggo 7 PHEV (RM129,800) skews youthful with its dual 12.3-inch displays, ventilated seats, and sporty vibe, while the Tiggo 8 PHEV (RM159,800) takes the premium route with a 15.6-inch central screen, Sony audio, ambient lighting, and full seven-seat practicality.

Safety is generous too, with eight airbags and a full ADAS suite, including extra driver monitoring functions depending on variant.

For Malaysians interested in value, these SUVs are hard to ignore. The Tiggo 7 PHEV is officially the most affordable plug-in hybrid SUV in the country, while the Tiggo 8 PHEV makes electrification viable for larger families.

Both show how Chery is positioning itself not just as a challenger, but as a brand genuinely shaping the mainstream hybrid conversation here.

Also Read: Chery Malaysia rolls out Super Hybrid Tech, TIGGO 7 and 8 PHEV models to lead the way