The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro line has long impressed consumers for a number of reasons. It’s a true flagship SUV which has an exterior that exudes personality and character, a hospitable interior with many advanced features, and is as reliable as it is solid value for money.
With the introduction of the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0, the model retains all the excellent qualities of its fellow Tiggo 8 Pro sibling, but now flexes even more power with a muscular 2.0-liter gasoline engine. Positioning itself between the Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6 AT and the top-of-the-line Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV, the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0–the only variant with all-wheel drive—offers a more dynamic choice in this already formidable line up.
Exterior
What gives the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0 visual character is its well-sculpted beltline, which endows the body with both dynamic and static elements. What I like most is how the elegant yet athletic styling contrasts with the aggressive-looking trademark Chery grille, yet also compliments it to give this midsize SUV that distinctive appearance.
Having both a refined yet rugged appearance make the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0 stand out, making it even more modern and appealing. It’s in the finer, subtler details also that add to its distinctiveness, such as the 18-inch aluminum rims and the prominent “CHERY” branding at the rear in lieu of the more traditional discreet logo.
Further adding to its persona are LED high and low beams which employ a multi-cavity reflective matrix for elegantly upscale and highly effective illumination (its lighting efficiency is around 2.7 times higher than that of a traditional halogen lamp).
Interior
What stood out to me about the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0 is that more than just having a spacious and luxurious cabin, its interior is fitted with a plethora of features that are both convenient and purposeful. Not only does it have a premium look and feel to it, but the sumptuous leather seats are designed with wrap-around bolsters to increase the hug of the occupant’s hip, which really puts new meaning in “embracing cabin.”
For better long-distance driving comfort, a 6-way electric adjustment for the driver’s seat enables a more comfortable experience. The passenger seat even has a second seat adjuster located on its upper left side for an easier and more convenient access for chauffeur-driven rear-seat passengers (or if you simply just want to mess with your friend sitting on the right front passenger seat).
Building on the interior’s generous space is the generous use of high-quality materials. Whether on quick trips to the supermarket, road trips out of town or long, boring rides in traffic, you can fully expect the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0 to provide a comfortable and relaxed journey. Although the space in the third-row seats may be a tad compromised, it’s still relatively accommodating, perfect for smaller scale families.
On a recent golf trip to Antipolo with friends, to say that the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0’s trunk space was serviceable would definitely be an understatement. Packing four golf bags in any trunk or cargo area is a major feat, and the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0 was able to achieve that sufficiently, all while having surplus space for multiple gym bags and other miscellaneous items. More than just for golf trips with the boys, though, the more than ample cargo space makes out of town trips, Christmas shopping and other activities much more pleasant with its 2,101 liter of trunk space with the rearmost seats folded (1,179 liters with the seats up).
Another aspect that sets the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0 apart from other vehicles in its segment is its smartly designed dashboard. Equipped with a 12-inch LCD touchscreen, the large and imposing display makes it easier to navigate around its interface, as well as being more pleasant when using different apps on Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto, such as Waze and Spotify. Partnered with this is another symmetrical screen for its instrument cluster, ultimately creating an engaging display with a futuristic appearance.
Located below the infotainment screen are buttons, knobs, and a third, smaller touch panel for A/C controls. Admittedly, all of these elements concentrated in one area were puzzling and intriguing initially. However, after acclimating myself to it, its functionality and practicality were definitely more pronounced.
Other nifty features include wireless charging (located beneath the section between driver and passenger seats), a thin compartment by the stick to house phones, wallets, keys, cards and other small essentials, an expansive panoramic sunroof, and, my favorite feature, Sony speakers. As someone who transforms car rides into my own personal jam and karaoke sessions, enhanced speakers are more than greatly appreciated.
Under the Hood
As previously mentioned, the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0’s most revamped facet, as compared to models of its namesake, is its 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine. This turbocharged motor, which is the most powerful amongst Chery’s non-hybrid options, is more power-packed, delivering outputs of 254ps at 5,500 rpm and a rousing 39 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. For context, this is 59ps and 100Nm more than the Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6 iteration.
Moreover, being mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission allows for a steadier and more fuel-efficient ride, as well as having consistent and reliable power at your disposal.
On the way up to Antipolo during the aforementioned golf trip, driving the all-wheel drive Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0 was a pleasure; it exuded more than enough power and control during open stretches such as along Marcos Highway (all whilst loaded with multiple golf bags and other load), and during the tighter stretches portraying maneuverability and agility, avoiding stopped jeeps and pesky tricycles despite its large and bulky frame.
The engine Chery equipped the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0 with is the characteristic that truly sets it apart, as its capabilities and dynamism speak for itself.
Tech & Safety
Merely having safety features is one thing, but making its presence felt and being reliable is another. Fortunately for the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0, not only does it have various safety features, but ones that are enhanced and fine-tuned.
Adaptive Cruise Control for automatic speed regulation, vehicle spacing and monitoring road conditions, Blind Spot Detection with a radar wave range of 3m x 3m behind the vehicle, as well as Lane Keep Assist for real-time monitoring of being within lines are some of the more prominent ones.
Other features that come in handy are Anti-Lock Braking System, Traction Control and a useful 360° camera, to name a few.
Conclusion
With the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0, Chery gives consumers a more powerful and dynamic choice, all while retaining (and even enhancing) those trademark Chery qualities. With a very reasonable ₱1,998,000 price tag, the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0’s turbo engine and elevated Chery experience make this vehicle one that’s hard to resist.
