2024 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro family SUV from China one step closer to Australia

Australians will soon have a new option in the popular seven-seat family SUV segment as the 2024 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro nears its expected launch in the second quarter of this year (April to June).

The largest model in Chery’s new line-up has been approved for sale locally, with the Tiggo 8 Pro to sit above the Omoda 5 small SUV and mid-size Tiggo 7 Pro SUV.

Positioned to rival the likes of the Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander, the Tiggo 8 Pro measures 4720mm long, 1860mm wide, 1705mm tall and features a 2710mm wheelbase.

Australian government approval documentation lists the Tiggo 8 Pro as featuring seating for five, but Chery Australia has confirmed the new SUV will exclusively feature three rows of seating – differentiating it from the five-seat, two-row Tiggo 7 Pro.

The Australian-market model looks to mix the front-end design of the Tiggo 8 Plus with the rear design of the Tiggo 8 Pro Champion Edition, both sold in China.

It appears at least two configurations will be offered: a front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant, both powered by a 180kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The FWD version tips the scales at 1626kg – before fuel, engine oil or passengers are added to the vehicle – while the AWD variant adds 105kg to the scales.

The government approval documents show the base car is fitted with 18-inch wheels (shod in 235/35 tyres), air conditioning, cornering lights, rear fog lamps, and power windows and mirrors as standard. A sunroof may be available on top-of-the-range models.

Safety features include a front-centre airbag designed to prevent front occupants' heads clashing in a severe side impact. It is expected the Tiggo 8 Pro will offer advanced driver assist features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert as Chery aims for a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Stepping up to the AWD version, equipment is boosted by 19-inch wheels (with 235/50 tyres) and the standard inclusion of a sunroof.

To cope with the extra weight, the AWD Tiggo 8 Pro also features slightly larger front and rear brakes (316mm vs 308mm, and 313mm vs 314mm respectively).