Chery Tiggo 8 SUV Patent Filed in India – What to Expect
With India’s automotive scene changing at light speed, international automobile majors are looking towards the country for new opportunities. In the most recent news, Chinese automaker Chery Automobile has applied patents for its Tiggo 8 SUV in India. Chery is a state-owned automaker and fourth-largest auto giant in China, famous for its range of SUVs and strong global expansion plan.
Even as the brand has yet to make a formal announcement about an entry date, the filing of the patent indicates its interest in the Indian SUV market, which has been one of the fastest-growing segments. Here’s a close-up view of the Tiggo 8 SUV, its features, specifications, and possible positioning in India.
Chery Tiggo 8: Design and Dimensions
The Chery Tiggo 8 SUV is a successful model in many global markets already. In comparison to the Indian patent design, the SUV repeats its international version in terms of proportions and styling.
- Front Profile: The fascia is dominated by an octagonal-shaped grille with aggressive styling that is flanked by angular LED headlamps with LED DRLs that are integrated. The styling provides the Tiggo 8 with a bold road presence.
- Side Profile: Sleek body contours, squarish wheel arches, 19-inch alloy wheels, and flush-fitting body-colored door handles characterize its contemporary design. The presence of a sloping roofline imparts a premium crossover-like theme.
- Rear Design: Integrated LED tail lamps, raked windshield, and roof spoiler give a chic yet tough look. Chrome accents are liberally applied on the body to boost attraction.
Dimensions:
- Length: 4,696 mm
- Width: 1,860 mm
- Height: 1,745 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,710 mm
These are in the same league as competitors such as the Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Meridian, and Tata Harrier. Global Tiggo 8 is available mostly in a five-seater configuration, though there exists scope for Chery to consider six- or seven-seat alternatives for India to address varied consumer needs.
Powertrain and Performance
Globally, the Tiggo 8 uses a 2.0-litre TGDI turbo-petrol motor generating approximately 245 PS and 390 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) for seamless power transfer.
One of the standout features is the ZF All-Scene intelligent all-wheel-drive system, providing superior traction and stability on diverse driving conditions. Fuel economy for the global-spec model is around 11.5 km/l, which is satisfactory for a car of its size and capability.
To cater to different road and driver requirements, the SUV provides six drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and others – to ensure optimum flexibility between efficiency and performance.
Feature-Loaded Cabin
The Tiggo 8 SUV is designed with premium appeal in mind, targeting urban buyers who demand technology and comfort. Some of the notable features include:
- 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a modern interface
- 540-degree panoramic camera for complete visibility around the vehicle
- 12-speaker premium sound system for immersive audio
- Multilingual intelligent voice assistant
- 50W wireless charging pad for smartphones
- Multi-color ambient lighting to enhance the cabin’s luxury quotient
- Premium leather upholstery in luxurious colors such as brown
The focus is obviously on providing a feature-packed, tech-laden atmosphere, with the shebang to compete with established premium SUVs in India.
Safety and ADAS
Safety is one of the biggest USPs of the Tiggo 8. Internationally, the SUV has been awarded a 4-star Euro NCAP rating, and its list of equipment is long.
- Nine airbags for all-round protection
- 19 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including:
- Blind Spot Detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning and Prevention
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Driver Monitoring System
- In-built dashcam for extra security and recording
This robust safety package puts the Tiggo 8 well ahead of Indian competitors that are more and more concentrating on 5-star safety ratings and ADAS technology.
Global Variants and Hybrid Options
In the international markets, Chery sells the Tiggo 8 in various models like Tiggo 8 Pro, Tiggo 8 Plus, and Tiggo 8 Pro Max. Hybrid powertrains are sold in markets like Australia, the UK, and Malaysia. If Chery enters India with its hybrid technology, it is likely to capitalize on the increasing demand for fuel-efficient and green SUVs.
India Market Positioning and Competitors
Though Chery hasn’t yet announced its India entry plan, the Tiggo 8 is anticipated to be priced in the 30 lakh rupee range. This will pit it against:
The Indian premium SUV market is heating up, and Chery might look to differentiate itself with a value-for-money proposition – with more features and safety technology for a competitive price tag.
Challenges for Chery in India
Although the Tiggo 8 appears promising on paper, Chery has a few challenges it needs to overcome before it can find success in India:
- Brand Awareness: Chery is not very well known in India, as compared to Hyundai, Toyota, or Tata. Trust building will be imperative.
- After-Sales Network: Dealerships, service centers, and spares availability will take huge investment to establish.
- Geopolitical Factors: Trade relations between India and China can have an impact on consumer sentiment and regulation approvals.
- Competition: Players already have feature-loaded SUVs in the same range, so differentiation will be tough.
Final Thoughts
The Indian filing of the Chery Tiggo 8 SUV patent is a serious indication that the Chinese carmaker means business to enter one of the globe’s most competitive markets for SUVs. With its aggressive design, tech-laden cabin, cutting-edge ADAS, and premium positioning, the Tiggo 8 has the makings of a winner among Indian consumers looking for a global SUV offering.
But Chery’s success will also depend on how it establishes the pricing for the Tiggo 8, its localization plan, and how it can establish a reliable after-sales ecosystem. If these are done well, the Tiggo 8 may be a solid choice for those who want a proven premium SUV and will signal the start of more extensive Chinese thrust into India’s rapidly growing automotive market.
FAQs on Chery Tiggo 8 SUV Patent in India
Q1. What is the Chery Tiggo 8 SUV?
The Chery Tiggo 8 is a premium mid-size SUV that has been designed by Chinese automaker Chery Automobile. It is available for sale in several markets around the world and has now been patented in India, indicating a potential future launch.
Q2. Has Chery confirmed the launch of Tiggo 8 in India?
Until now, Chery has not made an official announcement of the launch date of the Tiggo 8 in India. The patent application states only the intent of the company to foray into the Indian SUV segment.
Q3. What are the dimensions of the Chery Tiggo 8 SUV?
The Tiggo 8 is 4,696 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,745 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,710 mm. This makes it a direct competitor of SUVs such as Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Meridian.
Q4. What engine is the Chery Tiggo 8 running in other countries?
Overseas, the Chery Tiggo 8 comes equipped with a 2.0-litre TGDI turbo-petrol engine delivering about 245 PS and 390 Nm of torque, combined with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and intelligent AWD system.
Q5. How fuel-efficient is the Chery Tiggo 8?
The overseas-spec Tiggo 8 boasts a fuel efficiency rating of about 11.5 km/l, good for a premium SUV of its size and power output.
Q6. What are the key features of the Tiggo 8?
The most notable features are a 15.6-inch touchscreen multimedia system, a 12-speaker premium sound system, 540-degree panoramic camera, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and premium leather seats.
Q7. Is the Chery Tiggo 8 safe?
Yes, the Tiggo 8 has nine airbags, an embedded dashcam, and 19 ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking. It also features a 4-star Euro NCAP rating.
Q8. Will Tiggo 8 in India be offered with hybrid variants?
In Australia, the UK, and Malaysia, Chery sells hybrid versions of the Tiggo 8. Hybrids would provide it with a competitive edge if brought to India, but nothing is official yet.
Q9. What can be the approximated price of the Chery Tiggo 8 in India?
If the vehicle is launched, the Tiggo 8 is likely to cost around Rs 30 lakh and will be pitted against competitors such as Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Meridian, Tata Harrier, and Mahindra XEV 9e.
Q10. What are Chery’s greatest challenges in India?
Chery will have to overcome challenges like low brand consciousness, establishing a robust after-sales ecosystem, competition from incumbent players, and geopolitical concerns that could impact consumer perception.
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