Looking for an affordable way to dip your toes into the electric vehicle world? The 2025 Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid might just be your answer. This family-friendly SUV has officially become Australia’s cheapest plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and honestly, the pricing is pretty impressive.
What Makes This Deal So Special?
Let’s talk numbers because they’re genuinely surprising. The Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid starts at $39,990 drive-away nationwide. That’s not a typo – you’re looking at under $40,000 for a brand-new PHEV that can run on electricity alone for your daily commute.
To put this in perspective, you’re saving serious money compared to other hybrid options. The closest competitor, the Jaecoo J7, will cost you $47,990 drive-away. The MG HS Super Hybrid? That’s $52,990 drive-away. We’re talking about savings of $8,000 to $13,000 right off the bat.
Two Grades to Choose From
Chery keeps things simple with just two variants:
- Urban grade: $39,990 drive-away
- Ultimate grade: $43,990 drive-away
That $4,000 difference between grades is the same gap you’ll find in the regular petrol-only Tiggo 7 Pro models. Speaking of which, you’re paying a $10,000 premium over the petrol version for the hybrid technology – which actually seems reasonable when you consider the fuel savings you’ll enjoy.
The Heart of the Matter – Engine and Performance
Here’s where things get interesting from a technical standpoint. The Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid combines a 105kW/215Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 150kW/310Nm electric motor. All that power goes to the front wheels, making this a front-wheel-drive setup.
Four Ways to Drive
The system offers four different driving modes to match your needs:
- Pure Electric: Run completely silent on battery power
- Series: Engine charges the battery while electric motor drives the wheels
- Parallel: Both engine and motor work together for maximum power
- Energy Recovery: Captures energy during braking to recharge the battery
Real-World Electric Driving
Now here’s the good stuff – you can drive up to 93km on electric power alone using the NEDC testing cycle. The system works at speeds up to 120km/h, so you’re not limited to city driving. For most people’s daily commutes, this means you could potentially drive to work and back without using a drop of petrol.
Battery Technology That Makes Sense
The 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is a smart choice. LFP batteries are known for their longevity, safety, and consistent performance. They’re less prone to degradation compared to other battery types, which is great news for your wallet in the long run.
Charging Made Simple
When you need to top up, the battery accepts 40kW fast charging, reaching 80% capacity in just 20 minutes. That’s quick enough for a coffee break during longer trips. For home charging, you’ll likely use a standard wall charger or have a dedicated unit installed.
Impressive Range Numbers
Chery claims the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid offers a combined range of 1200km. That’s the kind of range that makes road trips completely stress-free. Even better, the official fuel consumption figure is just 1.4L/100km – compare that to 7.0L/100km in the regular petrol Tiggo 7 Pro.
Let’s be real about what this means for your wallet. If you’re currently spending $80 per week on fuel, you could potentially cut that to $15-20 with mostly electric driving. Over a year, that’s substantial savings.
Features That Actually Matter
Both variants come well-equipped with practical features you’ll actually use. The exterior gets a distinctive diamond-cut front grille (which will eventually appear on petrol models too), 18-inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlights, and integrated LED tail lights.
Interior Comfort and Tech
Inside, you’ll find synthetic leather covering all five seats, including a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The tech package includes a 12.3-inch center touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster – both crisp and responsive.
The voice control system responds to “Hello Chery” commands, and you get both wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto connectivity. The six-speaker stereo system provides decent audio quality for most listeners.
Safety First
Driver assistance technology includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, plus the mandatory autonomous emergency braking. The airbag package covers front, front side, center, driver knee, and side curtain areas – comprehensive protection for the family.
Ultimate Grade Upgrades
Step up to the Ultimate and you’ll get a powered panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, heated and ventilated front seats with driver memory, a 360-degree camera system, and an upgraded eight-speaker Sony premium stereo.
Warranty and Peace of Mind
Chery backs the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid with a comprehensive seven-year/unlimited kilometer warranty. This package includes capped-price servicing and roadside assistance, which removes a lot of ownership uncertainty. For a relatively new brand in Australia, this extended coverage shows confidence in their product.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $39,990 drive-away |
| Electric Range | 93km (NEDC) |
| Total Range | 1200km |
| Fuel Consumption | 1.4L/100km |
| Battery Capacity | 18.3kWh |
| Engine Power | 105kW/215Nm |
| Electric Motor | 150kW/310Nm |
| Warranty | 7 years/unlimited km |
| Fast Charging | 40kW (80% in 20 minutes) |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Who Should Consider This PHEV?
This vehicle makes perfect sense for families wanting to reduce fuel costs without the range anxiety of a full electric vehicle. If your daily commute is under 80km round trip, you could drive almost entirely on electric power during the week and use the petrol engine for weekend trips.
Urban drivers will appreciate the silent electric operation in stop-and-go traffic, while the 1200km total range means you’re never stuck planning trips around charging stations.
The $39,990 price point puts hybrid technology within reach for many more families than previous options. When you factor in potential fuel savings and government rebates in some states, the ownership equation becomes even more attractive.
The Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid represents excellent value in the growing PHEV market. At $39,990 drive-away, it’s priced to compete seriously with conventional petrol SUVs while offering the benefits of electric driving for daily use.
Sure, Chery is still building brand recognition in Australia, but the seven-year unlimited kilometer warranty provides solid backing. The combination of practical electric range, impressive total range, and competitive pricing makes this SUV worth serious consideration for families ready to embrace hybrid technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to charge the battery at home?
A: Using a standard home charger, expect 6-8 hours for a full charge from empty.
Q: Can I drive in electric-only mode on highways?
A: Yes, the electric system works at speeds up to 120km/h, covering most highway driving.
Q: What happens if the battery runs flat?
A: The petrol engine automatically takes over, so you’ll never be stranded.
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