Chinese automobile company Chery unveiled its new Tiggo 9 at the Beijing exhibition, a large SUV with hybrid-electric propulsion – which looks unusually different from the gasoline model with the same name that was introduced a year ago in Shanghai. The local importer Israeli importer reported the model is expected to arrive in the country in 2025.
The Tiggo 9 is larger than the well-known Tiggo 8, measuring 9 cm longer (481 cm), 6.5 cm wider (192.5 cm), and 3.5 cm taller (174 cm) with a longer wheelbase by 6 cm (277 cm). The manufacturer doesn’t publish information about the cargo compartment’s volume, but says that a third-row seating option will be offered.
The model’s propulsion unit includes a gasoline engine with a displacement of 1.5 liters (238 hp), with a pair of electric motors (224 hp), connected to a transmission with three transfer and propulsion ratios. The manufacturer doesn’t release details about the model’s battery capacity or the electric driving range but announced an official fuel consumption of 19.2 km per liter and a theoretical total range of 1,400 km, according to the very optimistic Chinese standard.
The Tiggo 9’s appearance resembles the company’s familiar style, but with a front adorned with LED lighting elements, retractable door handles, and 20” aerodynamic design rims. The passenger compartment includes a 15.6" screen and a smaller digital instrument cluster.
Even before the Tiggo 9 arrives in Israel, the importer expects to expand the local lineup with a hybrid-electric version of the popular Tiggo 8. It will also be equipped with a gasoline engine with a displacement of 1.5 liters, paired with electric motors and dual propulsion. The combined power output stands at 320 hp, acceleration to 100 km/h takes 7.6 seconds, and 19.3 kWh batteries ensure an electric driving range of 75 km.
In the year and a half since it entered the Israeli market, Chery has achieved exceptional success, even before landing a single electric model in the country. The main point responsible for sales is the Tiggo 8, which has become popular in the automobile market thanks to the combination of a modern SUV appearance, seven seatings, and an attractive price tag - despite its high fuel consumption.
If Chery manages to introduce hybrid-electric versions of seven-seat models in Israel while maintaining a competitive price, they’re likely to be very popular. Besides reducing gasoline consumption, leasing customers will benefit significantly from the increased value of usage in the model. And that's a real game-changer.