CKD Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, 8 Pro launching in Indonesia soon; here's why Malaysians should take note

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro are to launch in Indonesia in a couple of days (23-Nov 2022), locally-assembled (CKD). It's worth keeping an eye out for this event, as their specs there can shed some light of what to expect when the cars come to Malaysia.

Chiefly because Chery's planning an R&D centre there to further study the needs of their Indonesian and Southeast Asian customers.

With the Bekasi, West Java plant, Chery now has seven plants worldwide, and Indonesia serves as the company's regional base for the right-hand drive (RHD) market.

Also read: First look at the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, an X70 rival with a more premium interior

For what its worth, the specs-sheet are pretty encouraging. The Tiggo 7 Pro is a five-seater, and will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 150 PS and 230 Nm of torque, paired to a CVT-automatic. It's front wheel drive (FWD).

Kit count includes a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an 8-inch LCD air-cond control panel. Leather seats, a 360-degree camera, wireless charger, powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof, and full ADAS to complement six airbags are also what's listed.

The Tiggo 8 Pro – serving as the Tiggo family's flagship 7-seater – promises 'Royal Comfort'. Big words, but Chery's got their hearts in the right place; inside you'll find quilted leather seats, a digital instrument cluster, Sony sound system, and even a refrigerated armest.

Also read: Chery to establish CKD operations in Malaysia, Tiggo Pro SUVs to be priced competitively against Proton

Multi-coloured ambient lights add to the occasion, and so does the panoramic sunroof. Safety is complemented by a full suite of ADAS (includes adaptive cruise control and a blind spot monitor).

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine (255 PS/390 Nm), mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

In the archipelago, the Tiggo 7 Pro goes against rivals like the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V, while the Tiggo 8 Pro goes against the VW Tiguan Allspace and Mazda CX-8.

Prices for the Chery duo will be announced at the launch proper, so stay tuned.