The Australian automotive landscape is shifting gears.
As drivers look for smarter, cleaner, and more efficient ways to travel, the demand for hybrid technology has never been higher. Enter Chery, a brand making bold strides in the new energy sector with the launch of its advanced Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) system.
Having arrived this year, the refreshed Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 models, this system promises to redefine what we expect from hybrid performance.
But does it live up to the hype?
We took a test drive and now a closer look at the technology, the specs, and how Chery is addressing the specific needs of Australian families…
The Heart of the Beast: Advanced Hybrid Tech
At the core of Chery’s new offering is the CSH system, a sophisticated powertrain designed to bridge the gap between traditional petrol driving and the electric future.
It starts with a fifth-generation 1.5TGDI dedicated hybrid engine. For the tech-heads out there, this engine boasts an industry-leading thermal efficiency of 44.5%. In plain English, that means it squeezes more energy out of every drop of fuel, resulting in better performance and lower consumption.
This engine doesn’t work alone. It is paired with Chery’s stepless Super Hybrid DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission), which achieves an impressive 98.5% transmission efficiency. On the road, this translates to a driving experience that feels powerful yet incredibly smooth, eliminating the “clunky” transition between power sources often felt in older hybrid systems.
Battery Power and Range
Range anxiety is a real concern for many Aussies considering the switch to electrified vehicles. Chery addresses this head-on with a high-capacity lithium iron phosphate blade battery (18.3 kWh).
The numbers are compelling:
- Pure Electric Range: Over 90 km. This is more than enough for the average daily commute, meaning many drivers could go weeks without using a drop of petrol for their Monday-to-Friday grind.
- Total Driving Range: Exceeding 1,200 km. This is the game-changer for long Australian road trips, effectively removing range anxiety from the equation.
For added convenience, the battery supports DC fast charging. You can boost the charge from 30% to 80% in just 19 minutes—barely enough time to grab a coffee and stretch your legs before hitting the highway again.
Addressing the Confusion: What Aussies Want
Chery’s launch comes at a critical time. A recent national survey of over 2,000 Australian car buyers, titled The Road Ahead With Chery, reveals a fascinating snapshot of the local market.
While 74% of Australians would consider a New Energy Vehicle (NEV), a staggering 53% admit they aren’t confident in distinguishing between hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fully electric vehicles (BEV).
Lucas Harris, Chief Operating Officer at Chery Australia, acknowledges this gap.
“Australians clearly want smarter, more efficient cars but many are still wading through jargon,” says Harris. “Our job is to make hybrid technology simple and accessible so families can choose with confidence.”
The survey also highlighted that while cost and value are the top priorities for 50% of buyers, confidence in hybrids for long-distance travel is significantly higher (55%) than for fully electric vehicles (46%). By offering a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) solution that combines electric efficiency with petrol reliability, Chery is directly answering the call for a “best of both worlds” solution.
The Lineup: Value Meets Innovation
One of the most attractive aspects of Chery’s new range is the pricing. In a market where “green premium” often puts hybrid technology out of reach for many families, Chery is aggressive on value.
Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid (PHEV)
- Type: Mid-size five-seater SUV
- Range: Up to ~90 km EV range | ~1,200 km combined
- Price: From $39,990 drive-away
This model targets the heart of the family SUV market. It offers the space and practicality needed for school runs and weekend sports, with the efficiency to keep running costs low.
Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid (PHEV)
- Type: Seven-seat SUV
- Range: Up to ~90 km EV range | ~1,200 km combined
- Price: From $45,990 drive-away
For larger families, the Tiggo 8 offers that crucial third row of seats without compromising on efficiency. At under $46k drive-away, it presents a compelling value proposition against established competitors.
Expanding the Family
Chery isn’t stopping there. The lineup also includes:
- Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid (PHEV): An All-Wheel Drive seven-seat flagship with up to 170 km EV mode and ~1,250 km total range (From $59,990 drive-away).
- Tiggo 4 Hybrid (HEV): A compact five-seat hybrid SUV perfect for city dwellers (From $29,990 drive-away).
Why This Matters for Gen Z and Beyond
The shift to new energy isn’t just about saving money; it’s about future-proofing. The survey data shows that younger Australians are leading the charge. almost 9 in 10 Gen Z drivers (87%) would consider a NEV. However, affordability remains a barrier, with nearly half still expecting their next car to be petrol-powered due to cost constraints.
Chery’s strategy seems tailor-made for this demographic. By offering advanced PHEV technology at price points that rival traditional petrol cars, they are democratising access to cleaner driving.
Gen Z drivers in Sydney are particularly engaged, with 40% saying they are very likely to consider owning a NEV. They are curious, environmentally aware, and looking for clarity rather than complexity—exactly what the CSH system aims to deliver.
The Verdict
Chery has been investing in energy-saving technology since 1999, and that experience shows. The Chery Super Hybrid system isn’t just a bolt-on addition; it’s a sophisticated, integrated powertrain that delivers on the key metrics that matter to Australians: range, efficiency, and price.
With the ability to cover daily commutes on electric power and cross the continent on a single tank, the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 Super Hybrids offer a practical, no-compromise solution. As confusion around electric technologies persists, Chery’s straightforward approach—backed by impressive specs and sharp pricing—might be exactly what the Australian market needs to accelerate the transition to a greener future.
Keep an eye out for these models landing in showrooms now. If the specs are anything to go by, they are set to make a serious impact.