Tag: Chery

Chery Tiggo 4 arrives in the UK and this could be one of 2026’s most interesting budget SUVs

Chery is not hanging about in the UK. It only launched its own brand here recently, yet the range is already growing quickly, and now there is another model on the way in the shape of the new Tiggo 4. At first glance, this looks like a very important car for the brand, because it goes straight after one of the biggest pressure points for British buyers right now: getting a stylish, practical SUV without spending a fortune.

What immediately grabs attention is the price. The new Chery Tiggo 4 starts from £19,995, which gives it a very strong opening line in a market where even small SUVs can now feel surprisingly expensive. That alone will get people talking, but this car looks interesting for more than just the number on the windscreen.

The Tiggo 4 is Chery’s first UK model to use the brand’s full-hybrid powertrain. That means no plugging in, no relying on public chargers, and no major change to your daily routine. It is designed to offer a more straightforward route into electrified driving for people who still want the familiarity of a petrol engine but would like better efficiency and lower running costs around town and on everyday trips.

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre petrol engine working with a compact hybrid battery system, with total power quoted at 204PS. For a small SUV at this price, that is a pretty eye-catching figure. On paper at least, this should mean the Tiggo 4 has enough punch to feel lively in normal driving, rather than simply being another budget-focused crossover that asks you to compromise.

That is what makes this launch feel significant. Chery is not just trying to offer the cheapest thing it can. It seems to be aiming for that sweet spot where price, performance, technology and peace of mind all meet in the middle. For a lot of buyers, that is exactly where the real battle is being fought.

In terms of design, the Tiggo 4 looks very much like a modern member of the Chery family. It has the upright SUV stance people love, a bold front end, sharp lighting details and enough visual presence to avoid looking like a cut-price afterthought. It has the sort of styling that should appeal to drivers who want something contemporary and smart, but not overly fussy.

It also feels like the right kind of car for the way many people actually use their vehicles. This is the sort of compact SUV that needs to cope with commuting, school runs, shopping trips, a weekend away and the general messiness of everyday life. If Chery has got the packaging right, that could be a major part of the Tiggo 4’s appeal.

There is also reassurance in the ownership proposition. Chery is backing the Tiggo 4 with a seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty, plus an eight-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty. For buyers who may still be getting to know the brand, that matters. It gives the impression of a company that knows trust still has to be earned, and is willing to put some substance behind the sales pitch.

More broadly, the Tiggo 4 feels like another sign that Chery is serious about building real momentum in the UK. We have already seen the brand expand its line-up quickly, and this latest arrival looks like it could become one of its most accessible and potentially most relevant models yet. Not everyone wants a big SUV. Not everyone wants a plug-in hybrid. Not everyone wants to spend more than £20,000. This looks like a car designed with those people firmly in mind.

My early take is that the Tiggo 4 could be one of those cars that quietly becomes a bigger deal than many expect. It is entering a crowded part of the market, but it is doing so with a clear message. Keep the price sensible, give people hybrid efficiency without complication, wrap it in a modern SUV body, and offer enough reassurance to tempt cautious buyers. That sounds like a smart formula to me.

There is still more to learn about the full UK specification, but as a first impression, this looks like a very promising addition to the Chery range. If the driving experience holds up and the interior quality feels competitive, the Tiggo 4 could end up being a genuine value standout.

For UK buyers watching their budgets but still wanting something fresh, useful and electrified, this is definitely one to keep an eye on.

11/03/2026
Chery Tiggo 7 Summit PHEV
A quick intro

The UK loves a mid-size SUV, and it loves a good value story even more. The Chery Tiggo 7 Summit PHEV turns up with a plug-in hybrid system, a long warranty, and a spec list that looks almost too generous for the money.

This is a first look, not a full road test. I have not spent enough time in this exact car yet to give a deep verdict on long-term comfort, real-world efficiency, or how it behaves after months of ownership.

Who are Chery and why should you care?

Chery is a major Chinese manufacturer with a big global footprint. In simple terms, it is not a start-up brand learning as it goes.

One credibility point that often gets missed in pub chat is the Chery Jaguar Land Rover joint venture in China. Chery and JLR have operated a 50:50 joint venture since 2012 to build Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles for the Chinese market. That does not automatically make the Tiggo 7 “a Range Rover”, yet it does show Chery has experience working to the standards expected in that world.

The headline numbers (Summit PHEV)

Here are the key claims for the plug-in hybrid model:
- 150kW system output
- 365Nm torque
- 0 to 62mph in 8.5 seconds
- Up to 56 miles electric driving
- Over 700 miles total range when fuelled and charged
- 7-year / 100,000-mile warranty
On paper, that is a strong pitch for families and company car users who want lower running costs without going full EV.

Exterior walkaround: smart, modern, not flashy

The Tiggo 7 goes for clean SUV proportions and modern lighting rather than wild styling.

My take is simple. It looks tidy and current. It does not look expensive, yet it also does not look cheap. That is exactly what a value-focused family SUV should aim for.

Size (in metres)
- Length: 4.553m
- Width: 1.862m
- Height: roughly 1.686m to 1.696m
That places it right in the centre of the family SUV sweet spot. It should feel manageable in town, while still offering proper cabin space.

Wheels and stance

Depending on trim, you will see 18 or 19-inch bright machined alloys. The Summit trim is meant to feel like the “fully loaded” option, so the styling tends to be the more eye-catching version in the range.

Boot space and practicality

This is where plug-in hybrids can be a bit of a reality check. Packaging the battery often eats into the boot.

A useful rule of thumb for the Tiggo 7 range:
- Petrol versions can be around the mid-500 litres mark
- The PHEV drops to the high-400 litres mark
In daily life, the shape matters as much as the number. If the load bay is square and the floor is sensible, it can still do the family job well. Charging cable storage also matters. You want a proper place for them so they are not rolling around with your shopping.

Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV Interior

Interior: value car, lots of tech, mixed materials

Up front, the Tiggo 7 is clearly trying to win you over with screens and features. In this class, the cabin is where people make a quick judgement.
- The layout looks modern and feels easy to understand
- The tech offer is a selling point
- The finishing is not class-leading, yet it does not scream “cheap” either
This is where expectations matter. If you go in wanting “BMW-level” touch points, you might be disappointed. If you go in wanting a practical cabin that looks fresh and does the job, it makes more sense.

Storage and day-to-day use

This is what I always check in a family SUV:
- Cupholders that fit real bottles
- Door bins that are not tiny
- Somewhere for your phone
- USB charging where people actually sit
It is boring, yet it is what you notice every single day.

Rear seats: the family test

The Tiggo 7 is built for family life, so rear space matters.

From what I have seen so far, it offers good rear room for adults, and it should suit child seats without feeling cramped. If you do a lot of school runs, it is worth checking:
- How wide the rear doors open
- Where the ISOFIX points are
- Whether your pushchair fits without a fight
Driving: first impressions only

I have not extensively tested this car yet, so I’m keeping this section measured.

The Tiggo 7 Summit PHEV feels set up for easy, relaxed driving. It is not pretending to be sporty, and that is fine. In a family SUV, most people want:
- predictable handling
- smooth progress
- an easy motorway manner
- assistance tech that reduces fatigue
The hybrid system is designed to give you that calmer “electric feel” in the right moments, with petrol there for longer trips.

When I get more seat time, I’ll be looking closely at:
- real-world electric range
- how smoothly it blends petrol and electric power
- motorway refinement
- brake feel in stop-start traffic
Rivals and my alternative pick

This is a competitive part of the market, and buyers will cross-shop plenty of options.

Natural rivals from the same family include:
- Jaecoo 7
- Omoda 9
If I’m choosing an electrified SUV on value, there is another one I’d consider.

The Geely Starray EM-i is priced from £29,990 and sits in a similar “big kit for the money” space.

My personal view is that I would have more confidence leaning towards Geely, largely because of Geely’s links with Volvo. Geely has owned Volvo Cars since 2010, and that association tends to bring reassurance around engineering culture and long-term brand direction.

That does not mean Chery lacks credibility. The JLR joint venture point matters. It shows Chery has been building vehicles within a partnership that demands a certain level of quality and process.

So the choice becomes less about “good vs bad” and more about what gives you confidence:
- Chery: big global maker, growing UK presence, strong warranty, credible manufacturing links
- Geely: value story plus Volvo connection that may reassure cautious buyers
Who should consider the Tiggo 7 Summit PHEV?

This car makes the most sense for:
- families who want SUV space with a plug-in option
- drivers who can charge at home and do lots of short trips
- buyers who value warranty and kit over badge status
- company car users who want to explore PHEV Benefit in Kind
Summary & Star Rating

Chery Tiggo 7
Ben Freakley
Performance: How quick it feels day to day. Power, throttle response and smoothness.
Handling: How it corners and how stable it feels on different roads.
Comfort: Ride quality, seating, refinement and road noise.
Tech and Infotainment: Screens, CarPlay, clarity, speed, app controls, driver aids.
Ease of Use: How simple the cockpit is. Buttons vs touch. Clear menus. Good ergonomics.
Space and Practicality: Boot size, rear room, storage, access, visibility.
Running Costs: Real world range, charging speed, fuel use, tax, servicing.
Build Quality: Materials, fit and finish, how solid it feels inside.
Value for Money: How much car you get for the price.
Summary
The Tiggo 7 Summit PHEV looks like a solid value-led plug-in hybrid SUV with a strong spec pitch and a reassuring warranty.
It is not a luxury SUV, and it is not trying to be. The finishing is a small step behind the class leaders, yet it still presents well and does not come across as bargain-basement.
3.5
14/02/2026
Chery to launch Lepas, it’s fourth car brand in the UK
Lepas is landing on our radar, and the L8 already has “F-Pace vibes”

Another new name is popping up from the Chery stable, and it’s called Lepas.

On first glance, the Lepas L8 has a shape and stance that might make some UK drivers do a double take. From certain angles, it gives off a bit of Jaguar F-Pace energy. Not a copy, but you can see why people will compare it once the front-end details and slim lighting signatures come into view.

And let’s be honest, the internet will have fun with this one. Jaecoo has already had plenty of “Chinese Range Rover” jokes thrown around. With Lepas leaning into a big-cat identity, expect the comment section to be fully warmed up before the first UK test drive happens.

Still, jokes aside, Lepas looks like it’s building something very specific: stylish, tech-heavy SUVs with a clear lifestyle angle, rather than hardcore off-road bravado.

What Lepas says it stands for

According to Lepas, the brand is inspired by the leopard and aims to integrate speed, power, and elegance. The name is tied to the idea of “leaping” across regions and cultures, with a global outlook focused on travel experiences and an elegant, tasteful lifestyle.

Lepas also describes itself as a global new-energy brand developed by Chery Group, with messaging built around “elegant driving” and “elegant technology”.

A clear SUV-first strategy

Based on what Lepas is publicly showing right now, there’s a strong lean toward SUVs.
- The L8 is repeatedly described by Lepas as a benchmark SUV in its segment.
- Across Lepas event coverage, the brand consistently groups L8, L6, and L4 as its core “star product” line-up.
That tells you a lot. Lepas wants to win in the busiest part of the market first, where UK buyers are already comfortable with crossovers and family SUVs.

Lepas L8: the flagship (and the one with the most detail)

The L8 is positioned as the flagship model, with Lepas putting a lot of emphasis on comfort, technology, and day-to-day usability. It even uses the phrase “easy to park and user-friendly” when describing the L8’s real-world brief.

Key dimensions (as published by Lepas)
- Length: 4.688 m
- Wheelbase: 2.800 m
- Rear legroom: 0.97 m
Design and cabin themes

On the official L8 page, Lepas calls out styling cues like “Leopard Aesthetics”, plus a cabin pitched as an “Elegant Third Space”. You’ll also spot references to comfort touches such as air quality monitoring and an active fragrance system.

Tech and usability

Lepas highlights features like intelligent parking support (including Automatic Parking Assist and Remote Parking Assist in its event coverage), plus a tech-led ownership experience built around connected functions.

Hybrid and range claims (from Lepas)

Lepas also makes some big efficiency and range statements for the L8 when discussing its Super Hybrid tech:
- 44.5% thermal efficiency (claimed)
- 4.2 L/100 km fuel consumption in battery-depleted conditions (claimed) which is about 67 mpg (UK)
- Over 100 km pure electric range (claimed) which is about 62 miles
- Over 1,300 km combined range (claimed) which is about 808 miles
Worth saying: these are claimed figures from the brand, so the real test will be how it performs in UK conditions and UK driving styles.

Lepas L4: the smaller SUV aimed at younger drivers

The L4 has less public detail than the L8 right now, but Lepas does describe its role clearly. In its own event write-up, Lepas calls the L4 “the refined ride for young drivers”.

That reads like a smaller, city-friendly SUV designed to be stylish, accessible, and easy to live with, rather than trying to be a full-size family barge.

The mystery one: Lepas L6 (featured, but no model page yet)

Now to the interesting part. Lepas repeatedly references an L6 and it’s featured on the homepage of it’s international website, but at the time of writing there’s no dedicated L6 model page with specs on the official site.

What we can say, based on Lepas’ own wording:
- Lepas has presented L8, L6, and L4 together as its core line-up at international events.
- Lepas explicitly refers to the debut of the all-new L6 (alongside the L4) in its overseas showcase coverage.
- It also describes the L6 as a “Moving Up” mobile workstation for trendsetting creators, which is a very specific vibe.
So, will the L6 make its way to the UK? Lepas hasn’t confirmed UK model plans on its own site, so we can’t state it as fact. But if the brand expands beyond a single launch model, the L6 feels like the obvious “next” candidate because it’s consistently shown as part of the main trio.

My early take

Right now, Lepas feels like a brand that wants to look premium, feel calming inside, and sell you a lifestyle as much as a drivetrain.

The L8 is clearly the headline act, with the biggest claims and the most detail. The L4 looks like the younger, smaller SUV play. And the L6 is the wildcard: publicly shown, positioned with purpose, but still light on specs.

If you’re a UK buyer, the most important questions will be the boring ones:
- How does it ride on rough UK roads?
- Is the cabin genuinely quiet and comfortable on a long motorway run?
- Is the tech slick, or does it get annoying after a week?
- How strong is the dealer and service support once it scales?
When we get UK confirmation and proper spec sheets, we’ll know whether Lepas is just a sharp-looking new badge, or the next proper disruptor in the SUV market.
06/02/2026