Five things to love about the Chery Tiggo 5X Pro Hybrid
Mathematics has a way with things as it involves numbers, problem-solving and quantifying. In driving a new car, however, one just has to open the senses and just feel or observe–what feels right or off about the seats, acceleration, steering wheel, so on and so forth. In our recent media drive organized by Chery Auto Philippines, we get to do both.
Here, the select motoring journalists were able to drive behind the wheels of Chery’s new hybrid models: The Tiggo 7 Pro and the Tiggo 5X Pro. For this whole day of fun and activities, we were able to drive the latter. And at the end of it all, we were just left with blissful memories of one satisfied drive. For this, this writer lists down the five things that make the Chery Tiggo 5X Pro Hybrid such an adorable drive. No pun intended.
1) New nifty exteriors
First off, the media drive started at the Chinese carmaker’s dealership along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Parked right in front of the dealership were several units of the cars to be test driven. There, one could already see this top-tier Tiggo 5X Pro’s obviously upgraded exterior compared to its predecessor. In actually seeing it out on the road, it’s a lot different compared to when it was on stage during its launch at the City of Dreams in Parañaque several weeks back. Without the glitz and glamor, we got to see the vehicle for what it really was.
At the onset, this stunner dons the Sunshine Galaxy grille it adapted from its bigger brother, Tiggo 7 Pro. This is then paired with LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights. Added “pogi” points is its new red chrome strip just beneath the grille. This sportier profile is further amplified by sleek lines and sloping edges on its sides all the way to its rear. This panache is capped by stylish 18-inch alloys wrapped in 215/55 tires.
2) High-grade interiors
Since I wasn’t the designated driver, this time around, I was able to first relish the vehicle’s cabin. For a change, I was seated on the second row of the crossover, enjoying the leatherette seats and cool air conditioning from the rear vents while listening to good old classic rock music. This was being played from a fellow colleague’s phone which was connected via Android Auto and controlled from the vehicle’s 10.25-inch touchscreen display.
There, while sitting comfortably at the backseat, I was also able to enjoy the minimalist design layout of the interiors. Mostly, it was lathered by dark gray hues, which were complemented by red strips and accents, not to mention ambient lighting, that were light and pleasing to the eyes. The whole amalgamation of it just exuded a youthful and vibrant feel, perfectly fitting its target market.
Added creature comforts included wireless phone charger, USB charging ports at the front and rear, a power sunroof, and electronic parking brake, just to name a few.
3) Remarkable performance
From the metro, it took about two hours to get to our lunch destination in Telabastagan, Pampanga. After that hearty meal at My Lola Nor’s Restaurant, it was then my turn to drive the Tiggo 5X Pro Hybrid. I decided to switch the drive mode to “Sport” just to see how squeezing this 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine felt like. Take note, being a mild hybrid, this is assisted by a 48V belt-starter generator, churning out 155hp and 230N-m of torque.
I’ve driven one of its bigger brothers, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro more than a year ago, and I must say, I was likewise impressed by this smaller crossover. Just like the 8, its acceleration and transmission were smooth and seamless from the get-go. It’s planted, had minimal body roll and power-to-weight ratio was just on-point. NVH levels–too-were superlative.
However, like any Chinese car, braking was a bit on the soft side.
4) Superb warranty and aftersales service
Aside from the adorable vehicles the company is offering, one can laud its superb warranty and aftersales service. Ever since its debut under United Asia Automotive Group, Inc., the brand, after years of negative stigma, had a second lease on life. This is partly–or perhaps, mostly credited to its impressive package of warranties, which include a 10-year or 1,000,000-km engine warranty, a five-year or 150,000-km general vehicle warranty, free three-year preventive maintenance service and a three-year roadside assistance. And nuff’ said, owners and potential customers of the Chery Tiggo 5X Pro Hybrid also get to benefit from this.
5) Amazing price point
Although this Chery Tiggo 5X Pro model is tagged more than its predecessor, it’s still competitively priced compared to other contenders like the Geely Coolray or the MG ZS T.
At P1,140,000 for this hybrid variant and P940,000 for the lower variant, the vehicle just fits right for any young budget-conscious buyer.
Numbers, problem-solving and more computations
Our drive further took us up North to a panoramic view and placid atmosphere of the rural areas in Pampanga.
On average, I probably squeezed in a laudable 14-16 kilometers per liter fuel-rating during my short stint in driving despite being on Sport mode.
Then, as this fellow colleague again took the reins, I was back to my “throne” at the backseat, reminiscing–or shall we say, calculating as we headed back to the metro.
To cap off, truly delighted by this vehicle, I can’t help but say that the Chery Tiggo 5X Pro Hybrid is the perfect solution for buyers looking for the long haul. Long haul, meaning one gets a bang-for-the-buck vehicle while keeping emissions at bay for years to come. And taking into consideration all the related numbers I’ve stated earlier and years of probable ownership, just calculate it. What do you get? Right, exactly.
