PLUG-IN hybrid (PHEV) technology has proven itself to be far more than just a passing trend — it’s a genuinely practical solution for both daily commuting and long-distance driving. This time around, our media drive with Chery Malaysia took us across nearly half of Peninsular Malaysia in two SUVs that have become firm favourites among modern families — the Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV and Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV.
Covering a route from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan (Pahang), Kuala Terengganu (Terengganu), Belum (Perak), Butterworth (Penang), and back to KL via Ipoh (Perak) and Selangor, we weren’t just testing range and performance — we put the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), cabin comfort, and the smoothness of the hybrid system through its paces across a wide variety of road conditions and weather.
Drive Itinerary: Highways, Hills and Everything In Between
- Day One: Bamboo Hills → R&R Temerloh → Kemaman Kopitiam Kuantan → R&R Paka → Hotel Raia, Kuala Terengganu
- Day Two: Hotel Raia → BHP → Belum Rainforest Resort (lunch stop) → Petron Kuala Ketil → Crowned Hotel, Butterworth
- Day Three: Crowned Hotel Butterworth → Red Brick Cafe Ipoh → BHP Tapah → Bamboo Hills, Kuala Lumpur
That three-day route covered long stretches of highway, straight federal roads, winding mountain passes, and city traffic — the ideal combination to truly test how well the petrol engine and electric motor work together in real-world driving conditions.
Range: The Hybrid Combination That Goes the Distance
The Chery Tiggo PHEV is built on the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) platform, pairing a 1.5L TGDi direct-injection turbocharged engine with a DHT transmission and an 18.3 kWh LFP battery. The combined system delivers an impressive overall range, with an EV Mode capability of around ~90km, and a full combined range of up to 1,200km with disciplined driving.
During our drive, fuel consumption remained impressively efficient — especially when EV mode was engaged in urban areas and slow-moving traffic. On long highway stretches and uphill climbs, the petrol engine took over seamlessly without any noticeable interruption, which speaks volumes about how well-sorted the hybrid system is and how capable it is for longer journeys.
DC fast charging at 40kW is also practical — a 30 to 80 percent charge takes roughly 19 minutes, while a standard AC charge runs between 3 to 8 hours.
One important note though: the challenge rules required participants to complete the full 1,200km without recharging or refuelling — the tank was sealed with a sticker to keep things honest.
Safety: ADAS That Builds Confidence
Both models come equipped with a comprehensive ADAS package:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
- Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
Throughout the highway and hilly sections, we made frequent use of ADAS features — ACC and LKA in particular provided welcome stability and support during long hours behind the wheel. It’s worth mentioning that one of our drivers had just received their ‘P’ licence, making this a genuine real-world test of how accessible the system is.
The suite effectively acted as a ‘co-pilot’ — particularly useful during heavy traffic or unpredictable weather conditions.
Comfort: A Premium Family SUV That Delivers
The Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV clearly shines when it comes to cabin comfort and ergonomics. This 7-seater SUV offers generous space for all occupants, with well-controlled NVH levels and an intuitive infotainment and audio system that impresses from the moment you step in.
Comfort is further elevated by:
- A 15.6-inch infotainment unit paired with a Sony audio system featuring 10 speakers
- Suspension tuned to balance suppleness and stability
- Efficient ventilation and air conditioning system
- Quality cabin materials and seat ergonomics suited for long-distance travel
- A modern, user-friendly dashboard layout
What We Liked and What We Didn’t
Based on our honest, real-world experience, here’s what we can conclude about the Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV:
5 Things We Liked
- Exceptional Combined Range: The EV and petrol combo delivers over 1,000km of range — and it was proven capable of reaching 1,200km, even if it meant driving at a more relaxed pace throughout the challenge
- Capable ADAS Suite: The driver assistance systems worked smoothly without being intrusive or erratic
- Premium Cabin Feel: The Tiggo 8 PHEV’s interior is designed with a more premium and exclusive character — very well suited for family-oriented drivers
- Impressive Fuel Efficiency: Whether in the city or on the highway, this SUV’s efficiency consistently impressed
- Composed and Stable Ride: Always felt settled and planted, even through hilly terrain and less-than-perfect road surfaces
5 Things We Didn’t Like
- EV Mode Has Its Limits: EV mode works well in the city, but feels less consistent on the highway. Drivers with a heavier right foot may not fully benefit from the fuel savings
- Infotainment Takes Getting Used To: The system can feel a little overwhelming at first — new drivers will need some time to get fully comfortable with it
- Third-Row Space on the Tiggo 8 PHEV: Taller passengers may find the third row a touch tight on longer journeys
- Occasional Transmission Hesitation: During aggressive acceleration, the hybrid gear transitions aren’t quite as seamless as some premium rivals
- Extra Attention Needed in Wet Conditions: While ADAS helps significantly, driving in heavy rain still demands a higher level of focus and care
A Practical and Compelling PHEV Case for Malaysians
This drive proved that the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV and Tiggo 8 PHEV are far from generic hybrid SUVs. These are models that offer a combination of technology, driving range, and safety features rarely found in their class — especially at their respective competitive price points.
The Tiggo 8 PHEV wins you over with its premium cabin space and comfort, while the Tiggo 7 PHEV delivers a more compact package without compromising on the things that matter — efficiency and ADAS capability. For those searching for an affordable yet fully loaded hybrid SUV that can handle long-distance travel and family life with equal ease, both models are absolutely worth serious consideration.
