First Drive: New Kid, Big Splash – Chery Tiggo 8

Why it matters

The Chery Tiggo 8 is one of the most talked-about new arrivals in the UK. In just four months, the brand has carved out just over 1% market share with 5,500+ units sold – remarkable for a newcomer taking on established European and Asian players.

The Summit PHEV pairs a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with an electric motor and an 18.4 kWh battery, delivering a WLTP electric-only range of 56 miles – enough to cover most daily urban trips without using petrol.

Pricing is keen: Summit PHEV comes in at £36,545; the petrol-only Summit, just £31,545. Strong numbers for a seven-seat SUV with this equipment level.

First impressions: attractive design, loads of tech

Thanks to Simon Bradbury and the team at Fish Brothers Chery (Swindon) for the test. The Tiggo 8 Summit PHEV looks exactly how a modern family SUV should: clean, conservative lines that will age well rather than divide opinion. Inside, it feels more premium than the price suggests – big digital displays, neat materials, and thoughtful trim details. It does not feel “budget” when you climb in.

Model matrix (UK)

Petrol only

• Aspire 1.6T — 147 PS, 0–62 mph in 9.8s: £28,545
• Summit 1.6T — 147 PS, 0–62 mph in 9.8s: £31,545

Plug-in hybrid (Super Hybrid)

• Aspire PHEV 1.5T — 204 PS combined, 0–62 mph in 8.5s, 56-mile WLTP EV range: £33,545
• Summit PHEV 1.5T — 204 PS combined, 0–62 mph in 8.5s, 56-mile WLTP EV range: £36,545

The PHEV uses Chery’s Super Hybrid system with a 18.4 kWh battery and strong combined economy. On a 206-mile loop (Swindon to Cardiff with Bristol stops) over 24 hours and no charging, the state of charge rose from 20% to 24% – a pleasant surprise and a hint at how efficiently the hybrid system harvests energy.

On the road

A soggy January test is a fair trial. The suspension shrugged off potholes and standing water; grip felt secure; electric-assist torque makes low-speed town work easy. It’s not a sports SUV, body roll appears if you push – but for daily duty, it’s calm, predictable, and confidence-inspiring.

Ergonomic niggles: I repeatedly slipped into neutral when manoeuvring until the selector and drive-mode layout became familiar. Also, the wiper controls weren’t where I expected – extra “fun” when greeted by the traditional Severn Bridge welcome (IYKYK). Not deal-breakers, but worth flagging for first-time users.

Cabin & tech highlights

• Large central touchscreen with crisp graphics and intuitive menus
• Sony audio system – plenty of punch for long trips
• Heated & ventilated seats (front and selected rear positions on Summit) for year-round comfort
• Panoramic roof boosts light and space by day; ambient lighting delivers a calm night vibe
• Head-Up Display (HUD) keeps key info in view

Overall, the tech punches above its price, and day-to-day usability is strong.

Practicality check

• Seven seats: With all seats up, the boot fits small items/kids’ bags; fold row three for a genuinely big load area (figures vary by source, but flexibility is the win).
• EV-only range: 56 miles WLTP – ideal for most commutes and school runs without petrol.
• Electric tailgate (Summit): Genuinely handy with full hands.
• Storage: Plenty of cubbies and cupholders. It passes the double-shot flat white + water bottle test – Dry(ish) January friendly.

Verdict: very good value

The Chery Tiggo 8 Summit PHEV is one of the most compelling seven-seat SUVs on sale in the UK right now. The EV range, equipment levels, price, and that recent Carwow Car of the Year recognition speak to a serious contender in a crowded segment.

No, it doesn’t deliver the last word in dynamic finesse, and a few controls take acclimatisation. But as a family SUV that looks good, feels well-equipped, and delivers excellent value, it’s hard to beat at this price. It’s no surprise this sits at the top of my most-quoted list right now.

Thinking of adding one to your fleet? Ping me for a tailored quote that fits your mileage and budget.