With an estimated starting price of under RM 130,000, this 5-seater C-segment Chery Tiggo 7 Pro represents the latest in Chery Malaysia’s relentless product offensive on Malaysia’s growing SUV segment.

The final price will only be confirmed closer to its launch date, but Chery Malaysia says deliveries will begin by end-May 2024, suggesting that the model will be launched within the next month or so.

Despite the 'Pro' name, this is actually a 'Pro Max' model. In some markets like South Africa and Australia, the Tiggo 7 model range is split into the Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 7 Pro Max. The latter has a different grille and upgraded infotainment system.

The model that Chery Malaysia will be launching is the highest specifications Tiggo 7 Pro Max, but without the 'Max' suffix on its name.

The 1.6-litre turbocharged Chery Tiggo 7 Pro will slot between the 1.5-litre turbocharged Chery Omoda 5 (from RM 108,800 to RM 119,150) and the 2.0-litre turbocharged 7-seater Chery Tiggo 8 Pro (from RM 159,800).

Both the Tiggo 7 Pro and Omoda 5 are C-segment SUVs, but Omoda 5 is aimed at a younger audience (or B-segment Honda HR-V buyers), while the Tiggo 7 Pro is aimed at the more mature crowd, especially those shopping for a Proton X70.

The Proton X70 is currently on the last legs of model life. A facelift model with a new front-end design, and probably a new updated infotainment too, is due.

The Proton X70 is currently priced from RM 98,800 to RM 128,800.

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro’s 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine makes 197 PS / 29 Nm. The engine is shared with the Jaecoo J7, with the same output. Drive is transferred to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), the same gearbox as the Jaecoo J7 and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro.

Claimed fuel consumption is 7.0-litre/100 km.

The rear suspension is independent multi-link, while front is a set of Macpherson Struts.

Confirmed features for Malaysia include:

• 18-inch wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Remote power-operated tailgate
• 475-litre boot volume (up to 1,672-litre with rear seats folded)
• 24.6-inch dual infotainment-instrument panel screen
• 8-speaker Sony audio
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 50 W wireless charger for smart devices
• 7 airbags
• Full suite of advanced driving assistance (ADAS) – autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, rear-cross traffic alert with braking
• 540-degree parking camera

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is available in four colours - Bloodstone Red with Black Roof, Carbon Black, Vanilla Blue, and Khaki White with Black Roof.

Like the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro will be locally assembled in Kulim, Kedah, at the Inokom plant.

Chery Malaysia says the Tiggo 7 Pro will be on display at all Chery dealerships nationwide by mid-April.