Chery has introduced a conventional combustion engine model to the Tiggo 8 range after debuting the current line-up solely as a plug-in hybrid last year, reports The Citizen.

Worth, however, noting, is that the brand still offers the Pro on local soil as the entry point to the Tiggo 8 line-up.

No electrification here

Priced at a credit of R160 000, the newly introduced Apex retains the same dimensions and seven-seat layout as the CSH hybrid, but with motivation from the familiar 1.6 T-GDI engine.

Replacing the CSH’s 1.5-litre hybrid setup, the combustion engine is identical to that used in the Tiggo 8 Pro LS with outputs 137kW/275Nm.

Drive continues to be routed to the front wheels, this time via a seven-speed dual-clutch instead of the hybrid’s Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).

Standard is a drive mode selector with three settings: Eco, Normal and Sport.

Spec

On the specification front, Chery has confirmed the following items for the Apex:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• folding electric mirrors
• illuminated Scuff Plates
• imitation leather upholstery
• multi-function steering wheel
• electric, heated and ventilated front seats
• reclining and messaging front for the front passenger’s seat
• dual-zone climate control
• push-button start
• keyless entry
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• panoramic sunroof
• electric tailgate
• cooled centre console
• 15.6-inch infotainment system
• wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto
• eight-speaker Sony sound system
• ambient lighting
• integrated satellite navigation
• wireless smartphone charging pad
• type-A and type-C USB ports

Safety and driver assistance systems comprise the following:

• seven airbags
• rain sense wipers
• tyre pressure monitor
• front and rear parking sensors
• 540-degree surround-view camera
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Forward Collision Warning
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Brake Override Assist
• Hill Start Assist Control
• Hill Descent Control
• Auto High Beam Assist
• Lane Keep Assist
• Blind Spot Detection
• Lane Departure Warning
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Lane Departure Prevention
• Door Open Alert
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Reverse Automatic Braking

Price

Now available in a choice of three colours, Khaki White, Carbon Black and Bamboo Grey, the Tiggo 8 Apex’s price tag includes a seven-year/200 000km warranty, a five-year/75 000km service plan and the first-owner only 10-year/1 000 000km engine warranty.

• Tiggo 8 1.6 T-GDI Apex DCT – R569 900
• Tiggo 8 CSH Apex – R729 900

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