As part of Chery Malaysia’s three-pronged product strategy, the Chery Tiggo 7 will enter the hotly-contested C-segment SUV market, currently led by none other than the Proton X70.

The second generation Chery Tiggo 7 Pro seen here made its global debut in 2020 and has since found its way to multiple countries across the globe. Right-hand drive (RHD) versions of the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro made its debut in South Africa back in May.

In South Africa, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is priced between ZAR 437,900 (~RM 115k) to ZAR 472,900 (~RM 124k), comfortably undercutting core rivals such as the Honda CR-V (ZAR 586,600 / ~RM 154k to ZAR 737,700 / ~RM 195k) and the recently-launched Proton X70 (ZAR 529,900 to ZAR 639,900).

Also Read: The Malaysia-bound 2022 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro has been launched in South Africa; Priced from RM 112k

For the South African market, all three SUVs mentioned here are imported (CBU) units. Meanwhile for us in Malaysia, local assembly (CKD) plans for Chery remains unclear, so it is doubtful if the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro can match the Honda CR-V’s price here.

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is also part of a preview event held by Chery Malaysia. Chery Malaysia is a new team responsible for the brand’s revival here, different from Chery Automobiles Malaysia from before.

Here’s a quick run-down on the new C-segment SUV.

Right out of the gate, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is one stately-looking SUV, featuring a prominent front grille surrounded by a pair of sharp LED headlights. Beneath the headlights are LED front fog lights nestled within a black trim piece.

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

Towards the rear-end of the Tiggo 7 Pro, it gets an unmistakable design, with its full-width LED tail light taking centrestage. The number plate recess is positioned on the bumper, giving the tailgate a very clean look. 18-inch wheels complete the exterior of the Tiggo 7 Pro.

Inside, we dare say that the Tiggo 7 Pro shames the Proton X70 in overall execution. Seats feel plush and comfortable, while the dashboard and door panels get leather inserts for a more upmarket feel.

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The free-standing 10.25-inch infotainment display features support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, something the X70 lacks. Physical buttons are available, nestled underneath the air-conditioning vents.

Speaking of air-conditioning, the Tiggo 7 Pro features dual-zone automatic climate control, accessible via the LCD in the centre console. While the large text makes it easy to read, its piano black trim is a fingerprint magnet and could attract scratches in the future. That said, thankfully the most commonly used controls, including the fan speed and temperature controls, feature physical toggles.

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro’s shift-by-wire design also frees up space beneath the shifter, and as such the model features a convenient storage location similar to the Honda HR-V.

Also Read: First look at the Chery Omoda 5 in Malaysia, the HR-V and X50's more stylish and powerful rival

Motivating the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is a turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that does 147 PS and 210 Nm, mated to a CVT-type automatic transmission. This powertrain combination is identical to the smaller Tiggo 4 Pro.

Behind the wheel of the Tiggo 7 Pro, acceleration isn’t as brisk as the Proton X70 or even its smaller Tiggo 4 Pro sibling. It does take its own sweet time to build up speed, but once on the move, the Tiggo 7 Pro starts to shine.

Out of the trio of SUVs we sampled (Tiggo 4 Pro, Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro), this SUV offered the quietest and most resolved ride comfort.

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That said, kudos to Proton’s ride and handling team, as the Proton X70 still has the slight edge when it comes to ride comfort and handling. Although the ride of the Tiggo 7 Pro feels decent, ironing out Setia Alam’s poorly paved roads with relative ease, there are occasional jolts that would’ve felt better in the Proton.

Another noteworthy point is the sharpness of the cameras. The Tiggo 7 Pro’s cameras, including the reverse camera and 360-degree view camera, offer superior sharpness and clarity, something even more expensive rivals like Mazda could learn from.

Granted, these initial impressions are shaping up to be rather positive for the Tiggo 7 Pro, though more seat time is definitely needed.

Also Read: Malaysia-bound Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro now CKD in Indonesia; launching there in Oct

Our 10-minute session with the Tiggo 7 Pro may be short, but it does go to show that the Proton X70 is a tad bit long in the tooth, especially when it comes to interior execution. Whether or not Chery Malaysia can price the Tiggo 7 Pro competitively against the X70 remains to be seen for now.

Stay tuned for a more in-depth review of the Tiggo 7 Pro after the model is officially launched here in Malaysia.