FLAGSHIP MODEL: The TIGGO 7 Pro Max comes packed with exceptional features including an automated rear luggage door that opens when the driver approaches

By Ali Mphaki

The receptionist asking for what type of vehicle I was driving so to secure me a parking space in their hallowed edifice was exasperated.

“What?”, she asked for the third time.

I repeated:

“TIGGO 7 Pro Max”.

“No broer, I’ve never heard of such a car before. Please spell it for me,” she said.

Ignorance may just as well be bliss but fact of the matter is that Chery SA – celebrating its second anniversary in Mzansi – is further solidifying its presence in the dynamic automotive landscape of South Africa with the launch of the New TIGGO 7 Pro Max.

Making its debut on South African soil, the New TIGGO 7 Pro Max  presents drivers with a refreshed design, class leading technology, and the option of an exceptional all-wheel drive performance.

Its the first four-wheel drive TIGGO Pro in South Africa. Noticeable about the exterior is its bold, new grille, boasting an accentuated diamond pattern.

It wears size 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, with a deep-dish pattern on the 2WD model, with the all-wheel drive model flaunting an even larger 19-inch rim.

To top it off, the powered tailgate plays host to the vehicle-wide LED light strip, a hallmark of the TIGGO 7 Pro range.

Chery SA will not stop to tell us it is “engineered for every adventure”.

This because the new TIGGO 7 Pro Max provides the option of a versatile all-wheel drive model and two-wheel drive model, while offering drivers the flexibility of choosing from six intelligent driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, Muddy, and Off-Road.

Likely to bring out the child in you is its unique LED light-up sequence, both in the front and rear.

As the sensors detect the key in hand, its LED lights perform a welcoming symphony of light, evoking a sense of occasion every time the driver approaches the vehicle.

The cabin is illuminated in ambient light courtesy of a stepless LED light ring, which stretches from end-to-end, offering a spectrum of 64 captivating hues to create an immersive ambiance.

The star of the dashboard is the 24.6-inch curved hyperboloid immersive screen that provides an ultra-high-definition display. This screen is the hub for information including climate controls and a wealth of entertainment options, including wired and wireless Apple CarPlay2, Offline Navigation, as well as Android Auto, offering connectivity and convenience.

For luxury and comfort, the newcomer comes with the inclusion of one-piece, perforated leather sport front seats, now equipped with electric adjustment for a personalised fit.

Comfort is further enhanced with the heated and ventilated driver and front seats, alongside the driver memory seat. While the premium 8-speaker SONY sound system offers an immersive auditory experience, ensuring you enjoy every moment of your journey.

Breathing fresh air has never been this satisfying, thanks to the enhanced air conditioning system, equipped with N95-level (pm 2.5) air purification capabilities. For the New TIGGO 7 Pro Max in Executive trim, the automatic quality control system (AQS) goes above and beyond by offering negative ion air purification, ensuring the cleanest in-cabin air quality.

The New TIGGO 7 Pro Max Range Includes:

TIGGO 7 Pro Max Distinction 2WD – R529,900

TIGGO 7 Pro Max Executive 2WD – R559,900

TIGGO 7 Pro Max Executive AWD – R609,900

MOTORING:

Briefs

SA’S EV ROADMAP

South Africa’s Electric Vehicles White Paper, released on Monday by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Ebrahim Patel, aims to create a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) roadmap for the country.

At this stage, the White Paper does not clarify the exact incentive structures that will be put in place for the country’s EV transition.

The Minister said further details on the fiscal aspects would be announced by the Minister of Finance in his Budget Speech in February 2024.

Further elements of the White Paper will also be released in the coming months. -IOL

BUSY 2024 FOR STELLANTIS

The 16-brand-strong Stellantis Group is set for a busy 2024, which includes the preparation of a new production facility in Gqeberha for the Peugeot Landtrek double-cab bakkie.

Despite the fact that Stellantis wasn’t forthcoming in confirming any local activity from Alfa Romeo for the coming 12 months, we suspect it is looking into the viability of introducing the Tonale plug-in hybrid.

Also a strong possibility internationally – and likely in the pipeline for introduction into SA as early as possible – is an expected new all-electric compact SUV that will share its platform with the Jeep Avenger.

FORD TREMOR

Ford is introducing even greater diversity and customer appeal to the Ranger line-up in South Africa with the launch of the all-new Ranger Tremor.

The Ranger Tremor Double Cab uses the same 154kW/500Nm 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine and full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) system as the Wildtrak X, and benefits from the innovative Trail Turn Assist feature that allows the vehicle to manoeuvre around the tightest off-road turns with ease.

The Tremor  also brings another pioneering new driver assist feature to the Ranger line-up, in the form of Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance which is being introduced as standard on Tremor, Wildtrak X, the upcoming Ranger Platinum and the Ranger Raptor.

It will also be offered as an option on the standard Wildtrak models.

BMW Z4 GOES MANUAL

BMW will begin production of a manual version of the Z4 M40i roadster in the first quarter of 2024.

It will be the first time that BMW has put a clutch pedal in the current-generation Z4 since it was launched in 2019. The previous-generation Z4 could be equipped with a manual but not in top-spec 35i guise, which the M40i replaced.

 The M40i currently uses a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, mated to BMW’s ‘B58’ turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six, which produces 335bhp.

The introduction of a manual option is positioned to give the Z4 a unique selling point over rivals such as the Audi TT and Jaguar F-Type, which aren’t offered with a stick shift.

It should also boost dwindling sales. According to market analyst Jato Dynamics, the Z4 has sold 5448 times in Europe so far this year – 260 fewer than the TT and 222 fewer than the Porsche 718 Boxster.

KIA PICANTO GROWS UP

Kia experienced more growth in South Africa’s used-car market in November than any other brand, posting a 25% increase in sales over the previous month.

Much of this can be ascribed to the Picanto hatch, which itself experienced the highest month-on-month percentage increase in sales out of the 10 best-selling models in the used-car space at 20.8%. The stellar 533 sales of the Kia Picanto had it driving away with the eight-place trophy, beating one of its biggest rivals, the Suzuki Swift, by just 54 units.

In total, November’s used-car figures dipped by 2% in comparison to October, with 32,300 units sold on the pre-owned market to the value of R13 billion, revealed insights from AutoTrader.