A major new player has officially arrived on Britain's automotive scene, and it's bringing a compelling mix of space, power, and value. Chery, China's top automotive exporter for 22 years, has launched its flagship model here: the Tiggo 9 CSH, a seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV priced from £43,105.
Big Ambitions and a Simple Choice
While the Chery brand itself is new to UK showrooms, its sister brands Omoda and Jaecoo have been building a rapid presence. According to Farrell Hsu, Chery's UK country director, the brand aims to embody "suburban living: a smarter choice that will bring happiness to everyone." The commercial ambition is clear, with the company planning to expand its dealer network from 35 to 100 sites by the end of 2026, partnering with groups like Sytner and Arnold Clark.
The Tiggo 9 CSH (Chery Super Hybrid) strategy is notably straightforward. Unlike rivals with complex trim levels, Chery offers one powertrain and a single, fully-loaded 'Summit' specification. This pitches it directly against established models like the Skoda Kodiaq and Hyundai Santa Fe, but at a price that undercuts them significantly.
Specification and Practicality
For your money, the specification is exhaustive. The list includes heated and ventilated seats for the first two rows, a panoramic sunroof, a 14-speaker Sony audio system, and a comprehensive suite of 19 driver assistance systems. The interior uses wood-grain trim and 'eco leather' to create a premium feel.
Practicality is a key strength. The Tiggo 9 measures 4,810mm long, offering a 2+3+2 seating layout that can accommodate seven adults at a squeeze. With all seats in use, boot space is a modest 143 litres, but folding the rear rows flat expands this to a van-like 2,021 litres. The cabin is also well-equipped with USB ports and individual climate controls for passengers.
Powertrain and Performance
The plug-in hybrid system combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with three electric motors and a 34.4kWh battery. Total outputs are 428hp and 428lb ft of torque, enabling a 0-62mph sprint of just 5.4 seconds. More importantly for daily running, it can travel 91 miles on electric power alone, and the battery supports rapid DC charging at up to 71kW.
This results in staggering official figures of 470.8mpg and 14g/km of CO2, which translates to substantial tax savings, especially for company car users. With a full tank and battery, Chery claims a combined range of approximately 650 miles.
On the Road Verdict
On the move, the Tiggo 9 prioritises calm and comfort. It pulls away silently in EV mode and remains refined even when the engine activates. The ride quality is good, effectively soaking up imperfections in British road surfaces, though the steering is light and lacks feedback.
While some rivals may feel more dynamically resolved, the Chery's gap to them is narrowing fast. Its main limitation is a 1,500kg towing capacity, which is less than many diesel SUVs.
Verdict: The Chery Tiggo 9 CSH is one of the most convincing Chinese cars yet to reach the UK. It isn't perfect, but its compelling combination of a high equipment level, a long electric range, a spacious cabin, and a price around £10,000 less than key rivals makes its shortcomings easy to overlook. In an era of soaring car prices, Chery's value proposition is potent, and British buyers are clearly taking notice.
