My Unlikely Favorite: Chery Tiggo 4 New
Hello there!
I've been driving the Chery Tiggo 4 new for over three months now, and I'm still getting used to its features. This is essentially a restyled version of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, and we swapped our Renault Duster for it. Let me tell you, it's been a game-changer. But I'll try to keep the comparisons to a minimum and focus on the Tiggo's pros and cons.
Chinese cars used to have a bad rep, but that's no longer the case. China has come a long way in car manufacturing, and many of our roads are now filled with Chinese vehicles like the Chery Tiggo 7, Changan, Exeed, Geely, and others. In my opinion, Chinese cars make up at least 50% of the vehicles on the road near Novosibirsk.
We switched to the Tiggo because we were tired of constantly fixing our Duster and wanted a brand-new car from the dealership. The Tiggo was the most budget-friendly option that fit our budget.
So, let's talk about the positives...
First and foremost, the Tiggo's exterior design is stunning. It's both sleek and ergonomic, and we chose a rare 'Technological Grey' color that's really eye-catching. People in our village even compliment us on the color, and I'm impressed by the quality of the paint job. We recently took the car on a trip and got it scratched by branches, but after washing it, we were pleasantly surprised to find that there were no micro-scratches left. Our friends who drive a Lada Vesta complained about similar scratches on their car, which has a glossy finish.
The Tiggo's fuel efficiency is decent, although not as good as the Duster's. However, the car has a high ground clearance, so you can drive on rough terrain and dirt roads without a problem.
The interior is nicely done, with leather seats and a clean design. The rear seats even have a foldable armrest with a cup holder. One of the standout features of this car is the massive dashboard display, which is fully touchscreen. It shows you everything you need to know about the car, including speed, and even lets you choose your driving mode: eco, sport, or a mid-range option that I'm not even sure what to call it. There's also a smaller dashboard display in the middle, where you can adjust the air conditioning.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the transmission is a 'robot' rather than an automatic. As someone who doesn't get too caught up in technical specs, I couldn't tell the difference. The gearshift is super easy to use - you don't even need to apply much force, and it feels almost like a toy.
The steering wheel is just as easy to turn - I can even move it with just one finger, which is a big plus for me since I have a joint condition that makes my hands weak. The steering wheel has a radio controls, volume adjuster, and even a heated function - which will come in handy during the winter months.
The car starts and stops with a button, which took some getting used to at first.
Overall, for a budget-friendly car, our Chery Tiggo 4 new is surprisingly comfortable. I didn't even feel any strain on my back after driving for 6 hours straight - and the seats are actually designed to keep your spine in check. The middle console has a convenient armrest, cup holders for your coffee, and even a special spot for your glasses (which always seem to be flying around in the car). The glove compartment is pretty standard, so I won't go into too much detail there.
I have to say, I'm really impressed with how this car handles...
Despite its small engine, this thing is a rocket ship – it accelerates quickly and brakes sharply. Of course, it's still new, so we'll see how it holds up over time. On the highway, it's super responsive and easy to pass other cars. It's a bit stiff on rough roads, but that's to be expected. I have to say, I was a bit surprised by how comfortable the ride is on uneven terrain – it's much better than I expected.
One of the features I love is the backup camera – it's a total game-changer. I can back up without having to crane my neck, which is a huge plus. And the sensors up front are great for avoiding obstacles – they'll even alert you with a beep if you're getting too close.
This car is also super helpful for forgetful people like me – it's always reminding me to check the trunk, close the doors, and even wear my seatbelt. It's like having a personal assistant built right in. I've been really impressed with how easy it is to use and how much it's helped me stay on top of things.
The verdict:
my husband is still on the fence about this car – he's a bit of a car enthusiast and prefers the manual transmission. He says it's too simple for his tastes, and he misses the old Chery Duster. But for me, this car is a total winner – it's perfect for someone who values comfort and ease of use. I'd highly recommend the Chery Tiggo 4 new to anyone looking for a reliable and feature-packed vehicle.