Chery TJ-1 CDM – tough-looking SUV has no official name yet, but could come to Malaysia after first wave

Chery TJ-1 CDM – tough-looking SUV has no official name yet, but could come to Malaysia after first wave

All Chinese SUVs look the same? There are popular themes and it’s all a bit generic, but there are also exceptions, and this Chery TJ-1 CDM is one. Just look at that face!

The TJ-1’s front fascia is dominated by a huge grille with C H E R Y proudly emblazoned, not unlike those Ford Raptor style grilles that’s on every other Ranger. If anything, this is even bolder thanks to the chosen font. However, behind that big black nose, the TJ-1 is a modern-looking square cut SUV with no overtly macho cues. Pop-out door handles are common in the Chinese market, and the light theme seems to be a chequered pattern.

Size wise, the TJ-1 is 4,515 mm long and 1,865 mm wide, which puts it between the Honda HR-V and CR-V in length. The wheelbase is 2,675 mm long, with short overhangs at both ends.

Surprisingly, when you consider the butch face, the interior of this Auto Shanghai 2023 showcar is in various shades of beige, and the overall effect is softer than expected. Of course, there are screens in front of the driver and in the middle of the dashboard – the latter is a 14.8-inch portrait unit. Chery uses Sony speakers, and they’re in here too.

This “light off-road” vehicle is powered by a 1.6L turbo engine mated to a seven-speed DCT, which should be the same combo found in the higher-spec Omoda 5 (we’re getting the 1.5T CVT). There’s also a 1.5T plug-in hybrid with 154 hp/220 Nm and a pure electric range of over 100 km, for a total range of 1,400 km. 4WD is available.

Word is that the TJ-1 will launch in Q3 this year and Chery is going public in search of an official name for the TJ-1. According to Chery Malaysia management, this model will be considered for the Malaysian market, but it’ll be after the main models, which for now are the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro, and later, the Omoda 5 EV and PHEV versions of the Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro. What do you think of the TJ-1’s design and package?

GALLERY: Chery TJ-1 CDM at Auto Shanghai 2023

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance with us

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services. You can also pay with instalment using Grab PayLater or Shopee SPayLater.

Renew Car Insurance

Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

 

Add a comment

required

required