Chery has quietly upgraded the Tiggo 8 lineup by introducing a refreshed derivative called the APEX I. This new derivative will sit above the entry-level spec model, offering an addition of more standard equipment in the interior, safety upgrades, and a redesigned exterior appearance.
New looks for the APEX I
This new model offering debuts a new front fascia design that looks completely different from the entry-level LS Tiggo 8 and Pro Max but is identical to the top-of-the-range PHEV Tiggo 8 offering. Like the PHEV, the APEX I features full LED headlights, while the rear benefits from a full-width LED rear light bar. The side profile of the vehicle is completed by 19-inch alloy wheels and contrasting brushed silver roof rails.
The vehicle measure at 4,725 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,705 mm high, with a 2,710 mm wheelbase and has a array of exterior paint colors to choose from including : Khaki White, Khaki White and Bamboo Grey.
“Customers in this segment are clear about what they expect from a family SUV. They want safety and comfort to come as standard, not as costly extras,” said Verene Petersen, National Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa. “The Tiggo 8 APEX I answers that with seven airbags, advanced driver-assistance systems and comfort features such as heated and ventilated front seats, passenger-seat massage and a powered leg rest.”
The interior is a Chery familiar affair
The Tiggo 8 is still a 7-seater offering that has soft-touch and leather appointments all around the cabin. The dashboard layout is a high-tech setup featuring large screens of up to 15.6 inches. Everything is still more or less the same, but now, with the addition of new included features to the list, like a six-way adjustment and four-way powered lumbar support for the driver.
Heated and ventilated seating, with the ability to electrically adjust the front seats, while the whole interior mood is set by a 64- color ambient lighting system. The specification also includes a panoramic sunroof with an electrically operated sunshade and a power tailgate with smart key operation, adding convenience during everyday use.
Safety is on point in the Apex models
The model is equipped with seven airbags, including side curtain airbags, as well as tire -pressure monitoring, an anti-theft alarm, and a speed-limit reminder. The Tiggo 8 APEX also features a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. These include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance, along with additional active safety functions designed to support the driver and reduce fatigue on longer journeys.
Powerplant
Powering the car is a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine, producing 137 kW and 275 N.m of torque. Power is then sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Altogether Chery claim the vehicle is capable of producing a fuel consumption of 7.7 L/100 km on the WLTP cycle and a 57-litre fuel tank, the Tiggo 8 APEX I offers a theoretical range of approximately 740 km between refuelling stops.
Pricing
The new Chery Tiggo 8 APEX I is priced at R569,900.
As with Chery South Africa’s wider model range, the Tiggo 8 APEX I is supported by a comprehensive ownership package comprising a seven-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty and a five-year/75,000 km service plan. The first owner also receives Chery’s 10-year/1 million km engine warranty.
The Tiggo 8 Apex l is also supported by Chery’s Trans-national Warranty Programme under the Chery Family Care umbrella. This allows customers to access warranty-related support at authorised Chery service centres across Chery’s global markets, providing added reassurance for owners who travel across borders or relocate internationally.