In the next instalment of our weekly (apparently) story series called "New Chery Models that are coming to New Zealand", the Chinese brand has announced the budget-priced Tiggo 4 petrol SUV being launched in July will be joined by a hybrid (HEV) version in August.
There's quite a step up in price. The Tiggo 4 1.5-litre petrol models are $24,990 (Urban) and $29,990 (Ulitmate). The new HEV is available in same-name specifications for $32,990 and $37,990 respectively. However, it'll still be the cheapest hybrid-SUV on sale in NZ.
While Chery does not quote combined power/torque figures for the HEV, it matches a 71kW/118Nm 1.5-litre engine with a powerful 150kW/310Nm electric motor and 1.83kWh battery.
The standard Tiggo 4 petrol has a 1.5-litre engine that makes 108kW/210Nm.
Chery is claiming fuel economy of 5.4l/100km - likely an Australian-market NEDC figure. NZ-specific 3P-WLTP are not yet available.
“Adding hybrid power to our most accessible SUV is a natural next step in making advanced technology available to more Kiwis,” says Lucas Harris, chief commercial officer, Chery Australia & New Zealand.
The Tiggo 4 is full hybrid (the electric motor can drive the wheels), but not a plug-in - unlike the Chery Super Hybrid (CHS) systems of the larger Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 announced last week.
