Chery Tiggo Cross – Malaysia gets better engine and gearbox combo vs Indonesia and Australia

Last night saw the launch of the Chery Tiggo Cross, a new entry-level SUV that competes with the Perodua Ativa, Proton X50 and Honda WR-V. Priced at RM88,800 for the 1.5 Turbo and RM98,800 for the 1.5 Hybrid CSH, it’s very competitively priced against those cars.

One area that has yet to be explored is how the Malaysian-spec model compares to the ones in other markets in the region. Unexpectedly, we’re in the lead when it comes to the powertrains, besting those offered in Indonesia and Australia (where the car is sold as the Tiggo 4).

As the variant name suggests, the base model is powered by a 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the Omoda 5, producing 147 PS and 210 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, enabling the car to get from zero to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds and delivering a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.3 litres per 100 km.

This compares favourably against the Indonesian model, which gets a 116 PS/138 Nm 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated unit and a CVT. Meanwhile, the Australian Tiggo 4 receives the turbo mill but is also saddled with a CVT, and it shows – paradoxically, the car Down Under is significantly less fuel efficient, consuming 7.4 litres per 100 km.

One benefit of Indonesia getting the NA mill is that the car is even cheaper there, starting from 249.5 million rupiah (RM65,200) – although buyers have to pony up 279.5 million rupiah (RM73,000) to get the ADAS features that are standard in the other two markets. As for Australia, the Tiggo 4 is priced at AU$26,990 (RM75,000) for the equivalent Ultimate trim, which is a bargain by comparison.

Malaysia and Australia are the only markets to receive the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) variant, which uses a 96 PS/120 Nm version of the 1.5 litre NA engine. Chery Australia lists the four-pot as having 1 PS more, but that could be down to a rounding issue (the country uses kW for power).

This is mated a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) that incorporates a 204 PS/310 Nm electric motor, resulting in the century sprint taking 8.9 seconds and a fuel consumption figure of 5.4 litres per 100 km in both countries. They’re even similar when it comes to price – the Australian car retails at AU$34,990 (RM97,300) for the Ultimate model.

GALLERY: Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 Turbo in Malaysia

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