First look at the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, a value-added B-segment SUV aimed at the HR-V, sub-RM 100k possible?

• Circa RM 100k starting price possible for Chery's entry-level SUV
• Gets turbocharged 1.5-litre engine with 147 PS and 210 Nm, mated to a CVT
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard fitment

Set to be Chery Malaysia’s most affordable SUV, we have gotten our first look at the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro. It aims squarely at segment rivals like the Honda HR-V.

In South Africa where the model is currently on sale, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is priced between ZAR 269,900 (~RM 70k) to ZAR 359,900 (~RM 93k), considerably cheaper than the Honda HR-V there (ZAR 469,000 / ~RM 123k to ZAR 554,500 / ~RM 145k). Both the Tiggo 4 Pro and HR-V sold in South Africa are imported (CBU).

Local assembly (CKD) plans for Chery is still unclear, so it is doubtful if the Tiggo 4 Pro can match the Honda HR-V's price in Malaysia.

Like the Chery Omoda 5, the Tiggo 4 Pro was part of a preview event held by Chery Malaysia, the new management team that’s in-charged of the event. However, while the Omoda 5 was a static display-only car, we managed to get some seat time in the Tiggo 4 Pro.

Also Read: Chery Tiggo 4 Pro spied testing in Indonesia undisguised; launching ahead of Malaysia?

But before that, here’s a quick run-down on the upcoming B-segment SUV.

Unlike the eye-catching Omoda 5, the Tiggo 4 Pro blends into the sea of SUVs. That said, it still offers a diamond-studded pentagonal front grille, flanked by a pair halogen projector headlights with LED daytime running lights.

Typical SUV styling cues like skid plate-like design elements round the front and rear, roof rails, and plastic cladding adorn the little Tiggo 4 Pro. The 17-inch wheels are finished in dark grey and are wrapped in 215/60R17 tyres all round.

Despite its entry-level positioning, the interior of the Tiggo 4 Pro is a surprisingly decent place to be in. The Tiggo 4 Pro we sampled, which is a pre-production unit by the way, offers a nice soft touch trim with stitching laid out across the dashboard.

Also Read: Geely says no Boyue Pro for us, Chery says Malaysians deserve the best Pro models

Sitting atop that is a 10.25-inch infotainment system, replete with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other niceties nestled within the cabin include a 6-way power-adjustable driver seat, electric parking brake with auto hold, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster.

More importantly, beyond on-paper features and specifications, is the Tiggo 4 Pro’s perceived quality is very noteworthy. The seats are surprisingly plush and comfortable, while the main touchpoints are finished in soft touch material or nicer plastics.

Behind the wheel, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro accelerates and gets up to speed with relative ease, given its turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder mill does 147 PS and 210 Nm – healthy figures for an SUV of its size.

Also Read: Chery returning to Malaysia in Q3 2022 - Jaguar Land Rover tech, rivalling Proton X50 / X70

Couple that with its light steering wheel, maneuvering the Tiggo 4 Pro doesn’t take a lot of effort. That said, the Tiggo 4 Pro’s entry-level positioning is reflected in its NVH levels and ride comfort – both on-par with the rest of its segment rivals.

Although time spent with the Tiggo 4 Pro was relatively brief, things are looking on the positive side of things for this entry-level SUV.

With the Tiggo 4 Pro being Chery Malaysia's entry-level model, the little SUV could very well be priced around the RM 100k mark. After all, fellow imported (CBU) Chinese rival, the GAC GS3 Power is priced jaround the RM 100k mark (RM 96k to RM 105k).

Also Read: Review: For X50 money, the 2022 GAC GS3 certainly asks a lot from Malaysians, but can it justify?

Based on our brief 10-minute session, we believe that the Proton X50 still has the slight edge in terms of overall refinement and power delivery, though the Tiggo 4 Pro comfortably trumps the GAC GS3 Power, in terms of power, ride comfort, and feature set.

A more in-depth review will be done upon the launch of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro in Malaysia. Stay tuned for that.