adminand have spent quite a considerable amount of time on each visit in the last few months and I tell you as much as we may call their products names, they are the most creative and industrious people I know.
They literally own the world in the sense that 90 percent of what we wear and use everyday is manufactured by them.
In this issue, I am going to look at a practical example of a Chinese product that is available locally and is a brand that is fast becoming a success in Southern Africa.
Am talking about the Chery Tiggo, one of the most affordable mid-size Sports Utility Vehicles to hit our Zimbabwean market.
With a features checklist that has everything and more in its class, the Chery Tiggo in a Chinese vehicle, which competes with the Toyota Rav4 and a few other mid-size SUVs.
When we test drove this vehicle with Nicci Macklin at Quest Motors, my first impression was that it was a “Zhing Zhong” but a few minutes into the drive, I had a change of heart.
I want to set the record straight and say with confidence that the Chinese know their stuff.
In my view, not all things made in China are “Zhing Zhongs”, most of them are actually quality products.
The arrival of Chinese vehicles in our market has been met with a bit of apprehension and the Chery Tiggo was no exception.
Purely from an exterior finish point of view, there is no indication of the iffy build quality and cheapness that we have come to expect from Chinese vehicles.
The Tiggo has a modern and fairly sophisticated look with its large headlamps and a split grille with the Chery badge mounted prominently in the centre.
The side-opening tailgate, upon which the spare is mounted, has a funky look that makes it stand out among its competitors.
Adding to the surprisingly classy Tiggo package are colour-coded bumpers, door handles and side mirrors.
Standard fog lamps and proper roof racks that adjust to suit your load – something seldom seen on more upmarket and expensive vehicles – are just two of the many features that give the Tiggo an edge its competitors.
The 235/60 R16 Kumho tyres give the Tiggo reasonable grip, but this is more of a soft-roader than a serious off-roader.
Even with its good ground clearance of 205 mm, approach and departure angles of 33 and 27 degrees respectively, the Tiggo is a doubtful off-road contender, thanks in part to the vulnerable looking exhaust outlet.
The first impression it gives is that it is well put together and that it could possibly be one of the best we have seen from China.
In TX guise, this vehicle is highly specked and has a lot of space.
A generous range of adjustment is available on the driver’s seat, and even though the steering wheel is only rake and not reach adjustable, it is easy to find a comfortable driving position.
Rear passengers benefit from reclining backrests. There are storage compartments throughout the cabin and an MP3-compatible audio system with and auxiliary input will appeal to younger buyers. Making up the high standard spec-levels are convenient auto-locking doors, park distance sensors, headlamp levelling, electric windows all round, air conditioning, power steering, electric mirrors, and a single drink holder.
Humps, bumps and uneven surfaces were admirably absorbed thanks to the MacPherson struts up front and trailing arms with coil springs set-up at the rear.
Handling was satisfactory, I was impressed because while the slight body roll under brisk cornering was expected, the Tiggo felt composed at cruising speeds.
On the safety front, Chery claims to have applied a philosophy of “safety for everyone” by equipping this vehicle with dual SRS front airbags, an energy- absorbing steering column and side impact door beams for all four doors.
The ABS with EBD brake system recorded an average stopping time of 3,61 seconds.
The Chery Tiggo is a practical vehicle that comes equipped with a wide range of features – surpassing many of my expectations – and offers value for money.
This is one head turner, which will definitely give the Toyota Rav4 a good run for its money because of their similar dimensions, capacity and built.
Despite the stylistic and dimensional differences (which are slight), the main concept is the same.
The Tiggo is available in a 1,6 manual, which drives like a charm, handles terrains well and the 2,0 automatic, which comes with your sunroof and leather interior.
There is also a 2,0 manual option and these start from a mere US$28 400 making it half the price of a Toyota Rav4.
The top speed is 160km/hr-170km/hr and its ideal for the business executive who is on a budget.
It is perfectly suited for city traffic and the tight confines of urban living, thanks to its good handling. It’s also ideal for “bundu bashing” once in a while.
The Chery is pronounced “che-ree” and, roughly translated from Chinese to English, means “unique”.
It may not have always been uniquely styled, but its phenomenal rate of growth is certainly special in the automotive world. With the festive season coming up and that big bonus cheque, maybe a Tiggo will not be a bad gift this year.
Nicci Macklin at Quest Motors will be happy to assist with the finance options and test-drives.
Enjoy this work of art from the far east. Till next week, ciao!
- Fact D Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows, rallies and has written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected]
Online Reporter