First Drive Chery Tiggo 8 CSH, Offers EV-like Driving Sensation

Katadata OTO Rating:

Plenty of power, comfortable driving position, and spacious cabin

Front suspension too soft, mirror adjustment complicated.

Here is a more complete review of the first impression of trying the Chery Tiggo 8 CSH, the newest hybrid car from PT CSI.

Driving Position

For your information, the driver was a woman with a height of around 150 cm and above.

One of the challenges in driving a large-dimensioned SUV is visibility. However, we easily found an ergonomic driving position thanks to the electric seat adjustments for up-down and forward-backward.

The steering wheel can also be adjusted for tilt and telescope. So it's even easier to find the best position before driving.

Photo : KatadataOTO

However, like most other Chinese electric cars, the mirror adjustment must be activated through the head unit. Then the mirrors can be moved using buttons on the left and right of the steering wheel.

Driving Impression

The route was quite limited to the PIK area. First, we drove the Chery Tiggo 8 CSH across an uneven paving block or conblock road area.

Although the engine sound is relatively quiet and not too audible in the cabin, the sound of the tires on the asphalt was quite clear from the inside.

At that time, we used the normal HEV driving mode, a combination of the gasoline engine and hybrid technology. In EV mode, the car's performance is fully supported by the battery and electric motor.

Crossing uneven roads, the independent suspension felt like it could dampen the bumps better. But it caused the car to feel a bit wobbly if that road condition was passed at high speed.

Photo : KatadataOTO

Meanwhile, when KatadataOTO tried sitting in the passenger seat, the suspension actually felt a bit stiff, although not to the point of disturbing comfort.

The power and sensation of instant torque were felt when we tried to accelerate. For your information, the Tiggo 8 CSH carries a 1,500 cc turbo engine.

The combination of the combustion engine and electric motor is believed to allow it to produce 341 hp and a peak torque of 525 Nm, delivered to the front wheels or FWD (Front Wheel Drive).