The 2025 Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – China’s “meh” becomes SA’s “maybe?”
The Unwanted Child of Wuhu
While China’s auto market zooms into the future with actual bestsellers like the BYD Song Plus (EV) and Li Auto L7 (PHEV), the Tiggo 4 Pro sits in the corner of Chery’s showroom like a kid picked last for dodgeball. Not even top 20 in its homeland! Yet here in South Africa? Suddenly it’s the “premium SUV alternative”—a bit like how Debbie’s is “gourmet” only when you’re drunk at 2 AM.
The rear end says “SUV,” the performance says “please overtake me”
The Petrol-Powered Time Machine
China’s buying EVs/PHEVs like hotcakes (because, you know, the future), but South Africa? We’re still getting China’s 2018-era petrol leftovers. The Tiggo 4 Pro’s 1.5L turbo is about as “cutting-edge” as a VHS player—yet we’re told it’s a “tech marvel” because it has wireless charging and a touchscreen with 360 camera.
Interior features: Faux leather, sunroof, and Hello Chery Voice Command System
The SA Special – Lowered Expectations
Why does the Tiggo 4 Pro sell here? Simple:
- Cheaper than a RAV4 (but so is a kidney transplant)
- “Luxury” features (faux leather seats! A sunroof!)
- 7-year warranty (because we’re not taking chances)
Meanwhile, in China, buyers get 600km EV range, 0-100km/h in 4 seconds, and actual build quality—but hey, we get… this.
The Tiggo 4 Pro is proof that South Africa is China’s automotive dumping ground—a place where yesterday’s mediocrity becomes today’s “best value.” It’s not bad… but in a world where EVs are starting to dominate, selling a thirsty petrol SUV as “modern” is like trying to pass off a fax machine as “retro chic.”
You’re getting what China didn’t want.