For those hoping for dramatic changes in the appearance of the updated Tiggo, I hasten to report: there are none. The Chinese SUV, assembled at the Kaliningrad 'Avtotor' plant, still resembles the 2000 Toyota RAV4 to an indecent degree. For those around, this is rather a plus — many still mistake it for a quite respectable car. If you look closely, the differences from the previous version are minimal: a different radiator grille and a slightly redesigned rear, where a spoiler with a long stop light has appeared on the tailgate. That, in fact, is all the changes in the exterior.
Inside, everything is also familiar. The cabin greets you with an interior that is shamelessly 'borrowed' from that very RAV4, and this is perhaps its main advantage. But there are still complaints about the instrument panel: the icons on the cluster are very hard to distinguish. You can make them out only at dusk, and in bright sunlight, only the needles are visible on the information field — and that's it.
However, under the hood, the changes are much more serious. Opening it, you discover, firstly, gas struts that now hold the hood in the raised position. And secondly, in place of the previous 2.4-liter licensed engine from Mitsubishi, a new unit has taken residence here. This is a 1.8-liter engine with 132 horsepower, produced under license by the Austrian company AVL. Isn't that a bit too little power for an all-wheel-drive vehicle? The question disappears by itself, because the Tiggo no longer has all-wheel drive — and, apparently, forever. And this is not a marketing ploy, but a forced measure: engineers were unable to overcome the vibrations that plagued 80% of the all-wheel-drive versions.
However, in its current form, having essentially turned into a station wagon, the Tiggo drives smoothly and quite briskly. The 190 mm ground clearance allows you not to worry too much about obstacles that would be insurmountable for ordinary station wagons. But I would not advise going on serious off-road: the maximum this car is capable of is a well-packed dirt road. You should not forget about the absence of all-wheel drive, even despite the solid ground clearance. Otherwise, the car is quite good. If only the sound insulation of the wheel arches were thicker, the Tiggo could be considered almost an ideal option.
Driving
The car responds predictably and adequately to the driver's actions.
Interior
The ergonomics are well thought out: all controls are in sight and at hand.
Price
It does not hit the budget too hard, but given the lack of all-wheel drive, it could be lower.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Pros: acceptable handling, effective brakes, comfortable cabin, adequate cost.
- Cons: poor sound insulation, especially noticeable in the wheel arch area.
Specifications
- Make and model — Chery Tiggo
- Dimensions — 4285/1765/1715 mm
- Engine — petrol, 1845 cm³, 132 hp at 5750 rpm
- Transmission — manual, 5-speed
- Dynamics — 175 km/h; acceleration to 100 km/h in 11.5 s
- Competitors — Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson