One of the more popular Chinese manufactures in Mzansi, Chery, has given the Tiggo 7 range a shot in the arm with the addition of Dark Edition trim added to the new model. The special edition brings a blacked-out exterior treatment, along with a revised transmission and additional safety equipment.

Dark Edition additions over the standard Chery Tiggo 7

This special edition Tiggo 7 wears a fully blacked-out theme which is executed on different parts of the exterior. Starting up front, the grille is now finished in a high gloss blacked finish compared to the previous chrome look whilst the 18-inch alloy wheels and window seals also receive a black shade further supporting the theme.

Privacy glass is now a standard feature on the Dark Edition trim allowing rear passengers to benefit from reduced ultraviolet light and solar heat entering the cabin. To contrast the VIP look, Chery offers the Tiggo 7 in four different shades of metallic colours in the form of Khaki White, Carbon Black, Phantom Grey and Black & White two-tone.

The darker theme continues inside

Black faux-leather upholstery covers most of the interior with the electronically operated seats, parts of the dashboard door panels and on the multifunctional steering wheel getting that leather premium look and feel.

Whilst on the topic of dashboard, standard equipment upfront consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen. The 12.3-inch central touchscreen supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone pairing capabilities whilst being able to summon your voice assistant in helping you open your windows on a sunny day.

Some more standard equipment found in interior of the Dark Edition includes a six-speaker audio system. Keyless entry, one-button start and dual-zone climate control.

With a strong focus on family and practicality, Chery underline that the Tiggo 7 Dark Edition keeps this ideology in mind when considering the power tailgate with smart-key operation which makes loading the boot of the car more easy when you have a lot in your hands.The vehicle retains its measurements at 4,553 mm long, 1,862 mm wide and 1,686 mm high, which Chery says is what continues to cater for spacious passenger and everyday family use.

The Dark Edition gains a new dual-clutch transmission

For power, the Dark Edition Tiggo 7 now pairs six-speed dual-clutch transmission to the turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine, producing 108 kW and 210 N.m of torque. This transmission replaces the continuously variable transmission previously used in the Distinction. Chery claim this new pairing to produce a combined fuel consumption of 6.9 L/100 km on the WLTP cycle.

Why stop at changing the gearbox, add some more safety features Chery said

The biggest upgrade in terms of safety has to be the addition of seven airbags (side curtain airbags now offered) compared to the predecessor which only offered four airbags. The passive-safety package is supported by a high-strength safety cage incorporating hot-stamped steel. Tyre-pressure monitoring, an anti-theft alarm, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines are also standard.

Pricing and peace of mind

The Chery Tiggo 7 is priced at R415,900

The Tiggo 7 Distinction Dark Edition is covered by a five-year/150,000 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 balance of which is also transferred to the second owner through the manufacturer’s Cherished preowned programme