Large SUVs are all about luxury, tech, and space, but some buyers want more performance. That’s why the likes of BMW with its M models, Mercedes-Benz with AMG, and even Range Rover with its SVRs keep introducing crazy high-performance SUVs to market.
So, why can’t Chery? Well, it can, and it has. The Tiggo 9 range offers three different powertrains. The first is a 2ℓ, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine, producing a decent 187kW and 390Nm, sent to either the front wheels or all four via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, depending on the trim. Fuel consumption is rated at 7,9 ℓ/100 km for the FWD Pinnacle and 8,3 ℓ/100 km for the AWD Vanguard.
Hybrid technology
Then we get into the plug-in hybrids (PHEV), which incorporate the brand’s advanced CSH (Chery Super Hybrid) technology. They’re also offered in a choice of FWD or AWD. For both, engine power is provided by a 1,5ℓ dedicated hybrid petrol engine, delivering 115kW and 220Nm. But they’re paired with electric drive motors, and this is where things get interesting.
The Tiggo 9 FWD Pinnacle CSH is equipped with an 18,3kWh battery, which means you now have 165kW and 390Nm available, with a bonus all-electric driving range of up to 90km. The Tiggo 9 AWD Vanguard CSH we tested features a larger 34,4kWh battery, delivering an impressive combined output of 455kW and 920Nm, and an extended all-electric range of up to 160km.
Big and fast
So, what does CSH Vanguard do when has to move 2,3t of luxury SUV in a hurry? It sprints from 0 to 100km/h in just 5,33 seconds and hits its electronic speed limiter of 190km/h just after 400m. That’s fast in anyone’s books and right in the ballpark of the other performance SUVs we mentioned.
Both PHEV variants offer an exceptionally good combined range of up to 1 400 km. Fuel consumption is said to drop as low as 1,5ℓ to 1,4ℓ/100km, with overall figures claimed at 5,5ℓ to 6,2ℓ/100km. During our test week, we averaged 6,6ℓ/100km, but that included the full-bore road test programme the car went through.
What’s the verdict?
We believe the fuel consumption could be much lower if you make use of home charging or fast public chargers. We’ll be testing this in the Chery Tiggo 9 CSH Vanguard soon, doing the usual urban run-around before hitting the open road to Knysna for a bit of ocean therapy. The plan is to get there on a single tank of fuel. Watch this space…
Vehicle fast facts
Chery Tiggo 9 CHS Vanguard
Price: R989 900
Engine: 1,5-litre turbo-petrol and electric
Transmission: dedicated hybrid
Power: 455kW
Torque: 920Nm
Fuel consumption (tested): 6,6ℓ/100km
Licensing mass: 2 308kg
Towing capacity: 1 425kg
