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The Chery Tiggo 4 brings this Chinese marque's strong value proposition to the segment for small SUVs - and does so with non-plug-in full-Hybrid power. Do you really need to spend more than is required here for a compact crossover of this kind. Inspect this Oriental contender with value as a priority and you might decide not.
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Background
It took most of the market's mainstream brands years before they properly built a wide product line-up. Chinese maker Chery though, did just that within just 12 months of launching in the UK. First with the Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 mid-to-large-size SUVs. And then subsequently with the crossover model we look at here, the more compact and affordable Tiggo 4.
That this car isn't an EV might not be a surprise. At the time of this model's launch in Spring 2026, the Chery marque wasn't yet selling full EVs here. What's more surprising is that the '4' isn't being offered here with the pure petrol or Plug-in Hybrid powerplants that sustain the brand's larger models. Instead, this compact design comes only with a full-Hybrid CSH powertrain - one you can't plug in. Let's take a closer look.
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Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 19995 | 21995 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 120 | 120 |
| Max Speed (mph) | 108 | 108 |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 8.9 | 8.9 |
| Min | Max |
| Length (mm) | 4320 | 4320 |
| Width (mm) | 1831 | 1831 |
| Height (mm) | 1652 | 1652 |
| Boot Capacity (l) | 430 | 430 |
Driving experience
Chery has decided the launch of this Tiggo 4 to base UK sales around the full-Hybrid non-plug-in powertrain we've already seen in another Chery Group model, the Omoda 5 SHS-H. This 'Super Hybrid' system combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric drive system, a 1.83kWh battery and a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). This powertrain delivers a combined output of 204PS and 310Nm of torque.
This is a conventional Toyota-style full-Hybrid system with the engine and motor working in tandem to power the front wheels. That power works through the Cherry Group's own three-speed 'DHT' auto gearbox ('Dedicated Hybrid Transmission') optimised to work with petrol/electric powertrains. The system relies quite heavily on its electric motor, with the petrol engine cutting in and out mainly to keep the battery topped up. Instant electric torque makes for smooth standing starts. Expect 0-62mph to require 8.9s en route to about 108mph. Handling was developed in Europe and benchmarked against Western rivals. Don't expect cutting-edge handling or particularly feelsome steering but the drive dynamics are reasonably class competitive.
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Design and build
The Tiggo 4 is small - but not really that small, measuring in at 4,320mm in length, 1,831mm in width and 1652mm tall - so much the same size as rivals like Dacia's Duster or the Vauxhall Frontera. The front gets the usual huge imposing Chery grille, flanked by corner cut-outs blending into vertical daytime running light strips. The profile, which the Chinese maker insists is 'shaped like a tiger', is mainly notable for a kicked-up lower window line around the D-pillar. And at the back, there's a subtle rear spoiler and a full-width 'tiger'-patterned light bar.
Inside, it's all a bit nicer than you might expect, given the affordable price point. This is a part of the market where a soft-touch dashboard with faux stitching wouldn't normally be expected - but you'll find it here. Two screens of 10.25-inches in size are bonded together on the dash top - and there's a big digital display on the centre stack to control the dual-zone climate system. Unusually for a Chinese car, this set-up is controlled by welcome old fashioned knobs and switches.
You might not like all of the trimming choices - the textured grey plastics and easily scratchable shiny piano black surfaces for instance. But the stubby shift-by-wire gear selector looks nice and there's lots of cabin space to store things, including a shelf below the centre console, properly-sized door bins, cup holders and a cubby beneath the front armrest. A wireless 'phone charging mat is a surprising omission.
Space in the second row is as much at a premium as it usually is in this class of car and it's at this point you'll really notice that the Tiggo 4 is 233mm shorter than the next SUV up the company's range, the Tiggo 7. It's quite a narrow cabin too, but the rear bench should feel comfortable enough for a couple of adults, with decent head space. The 2,610mm wheelbase length allows for reasonable leg space and 900mm of knee room. Plus Chery provides both a central vent and a USB-A port. Out back, there's a reasonably-sized 430-litre boot, which extends to 1,190-litres with the rear seats down.
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Market and model
Tiggo 4 CSH prices start at around £20,000 for the base 'Aspire' version and rise to around £22,000 for the plusher 'Summit' variant. There's a choice of six colours: Arctic White, Midnight Black, Orbit Silver, Slate Grey, Solar Flare Red and Storm Grey.
'Aspire' trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear-view parking camera, heated wing mirrors and keyless entry, while inside there's a 12.3-inch instrument screen and a cooled wireless phone charging mat. Media connectivity is taken care of by a 12.3-inch centre screen incorporating wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto', along with the "Hello CHERY" intelligent voice assistant.
For a few more niceties you'll need 'Summit' spec, which builds on this with eco-leather upholstery, a 360-degree camera system, an electrically adjustable driver's seat and privacy glass.
Safety is well taken care of. A 7-airbag configuration provides comprehensive occupant protection, aided by a body structure that incorporates up to 60% of high-strength steel. That's supported by a broad suite of up to 17 advanced driver-assistance systems, which use a Multi-Functional Forward Camera, Millimeter-Wave Radars and a Long-Range Millimeter-Wave Radar. These ADAS systems include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Rear Collision Warning (RCW).
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Cost of ownership
You wouldn't expect more recent Chinese brand Hybrid technology to be quite as efficient as that of mainstream rivals who've been developing it for decades - and it isn't. But the differences aren't huge. The Tiggo 4 CSH manages 53.2mpg on the combined cycle and 120g/km of CO2. But look at the class standard; a rival Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid manages 62.7mpg and 109g/km.
So it's a little adrift, but Chery still reckons the CSH will get 650 miles from a tank of fuel. Compare the 267 mile figure of the Chery Group's comparably-sized full-electric Omoda E5 and it becomes obvious why customers are hesitating over the EV switch.
Most new brands offer comprehensive warranties and this one is no different. Chery includes a 7 year/100,000 mile warranty with all its cars. The battery has its own 8-year/100,000 mile warranty. Servicing needs are quite frequent; garage visits are needed every year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. Affordable servicing plans are available though, at point of purchase and servicing turnround times will be aided by a UK parts warehouse established in cooperation with DHL. There's 24/7 RAC roadside assistance too, which renews with each service up to the end of the warranty.
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Summary
The Tiggo 4 is probably the car that will really establish the Chery brand in the UK. It's affordably priced, the looks are right for its target market and it's well equipped. And of all the powertrains this Chinese marque could have chosen for this car, the full-Hybrid unit selected here seems the right one to suit this model's value proposition and market sector.
It would be a lot to expect that engine to be as efficient as full-Hybrids sold by rival brands who've been developing petrol/electric technology for decades - and it isn't. But it gets close enough to the necessary running cost benchmarks to satisfy many potential customers. Who will like the spacious cabin and the long warranty. As we've said numerous times recently, Chinese cars are getting better - even the most affordable ones. Here's another example of just how much better.
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