JUST a few months after its launch, the all-new A+ segment SUV, the Chery Tiggo Cross, was already in the hands of this writer and fellow local media — put to the test on a proper long-distance run.
The destination? We set off from Bamboo Hills, Segambut, heading all the way to Tanjung Jara Beach Resort in Kuala Dungun, Terengganu — a journey of nearly 800km.
Six Units of the Chery Tiggo Cross on Test
A total of six units were provided for the media convoy — three units of the Tiggo Cross Turbo and three units of the Tiggo Cross Hybrid.
What made this particularly interesting is Chery’s bold claim that this subcompact SUV is capable of travelling over 1,000km on a single full tank, thanks to its Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) technology.
What Exactly Is the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH)?
So the mission was simple — find out whether Chery’s claim holds up in the real world. Can the Tiggo Cross complete a KL to Terengganu return trip without a single fuel stop?
The Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) platform was first unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2025 and has now officially made its way to Malaysia. Key highlights include:
- Thermal efficiency of 44.5 percent — among the highest in the industry
- Ultra-low fuel consumption with a driving range of up to 1,200km
- High-performance DHT transmission with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.28 seconds
- A safe 1.8kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery with an operating temperature range of -35°C to 60°C
Powertrain Options: Turbo vs Hybrid
The Chery Tiggo Cross is available in two powertrain options: Turbo and Hybrid CSH. Here’s a quick spec breakdown:
1.5L Petrol Turbo
- Output of 147ps and 210Nm of torque
- 6-speed dual-clutch (DCT) transmission
- 0-100 km/h in 9.9 seconds
- Fuel consumption of 6.3 litres per 100km
1.5L Hybrid CSH
- Combined output of 204ps and 310Nm of torque
- DHT150 transmission (CVT with dual-motor setup)
- 0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds
- Fuel consumption of 5.4 litres per 100km
- Capable of running on pure electric power up to 80 km/h
KL to Terengganu — The Journey Log
@pandulaju Atas kerja, @cherymalaysia kata Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid boleh bergerak sejauh 1000km dengan hanya 5.4L/100km. Sekarang kita cuba dulu perjalanan KL ke Terengganu. Berapa agaknya yang kita dapat? Kalau nak tahu, tengok video sampai habis! #chery #cherymalaysia #cherytiggocross #csh #pandulaju ♬ original sound – PanduLaju
Starting on a full tank, the Tiggo Cross was showing a projected range of 850km. Here’s how the fuel gauge tracked throughout the journey:
- KL to R&R Temerloh: Range remaining — 744km
- R&R Temerloh to Kuantan: Range remaining — 638km
- Kuantan to TCS Kemaman: Range remaining — 583km
- TCS Kemaman to Tanjung Jara Beach Resort: Range remaining — 518km
Upon arrival at our destination, the fuel indicator still showed half a tank (2/4 bars) with 518km of range remaining. Technically, this SUV had more than enough left in it to drive back to KL — with over 100km to spare.
Chery also organised a fuel efficiency challenge specifically for the hybrid variant during the trip. Our group recorded 5 litres per 100km, while the best-performing group managed an impressive 4 litres per 100km. Remarkably frugal numbers for an A+ segment SUV.
What We Liked
- Excellent fuel economy — particularly impressive on the Hybrid variant
- Well-controlled body roll with semi-bucket seats that keep you feeling planted and stable
- Responsive pickup — whether cruising or pushing hard, the Tiggo Cross feels composed throughout
- Balanced suspension that absorbs kampung roads and light off-road sections without complaint
- Comprehensive safety features, including an intelligent driver assistance suite
What We Didn’t Like
- The Hybrid’s engine is noticeably louder than the Turbo variant
- Steering feels overly light — lacking confidence through sharp corners at higher speeds
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) is too sensitive — it can feel like the steering is fighting you rather than helping
- The boot is still manually operated — no powered tailgate on offer
- The rear seatback recline angle is quite upright — potentially uncomfortable on longer journeys
So Can the Chery Tiggo Cross Really Do KL to Terengganu Without Refuelling?
The answer is a definitive YES. The Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid delivered on Chery’s promise — completing the KL to Terengganu run on a single tank, with enough fuel left over for a bit of sightseeing around town afterwards.
The combination of genuine fuel efficiency, responsive performance, and a comfortable ride makes the Tiggo Cross Hybrid one of the most compelling hybrid SUV options in its class right now.
