- The Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV has been named Eco Warrior of the Year at the 2025 TopGear South Africa Magazine Awards after achieving nearly 1,300 km on a single tank during real-world testing.
- The plug-in hybrid SUV delivers a combined 265 kW and 530 N.m, offers up to 93 km of all-electric driving, and achieves fuel consumption as low as 4.9 L/100 km with fast charging capability.
- It also boasts a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and has been selected as a finalist in the 2026 South African Car of the Year competition.
Chery South Africa has announced that the Tiggo 7 PHEV has been named Eco Warrior of the Year at the 2025 TopGear South Africa Magazine Awards, hosted in partnership with WesBank.
Firmly established as one of the most respected motoring events on the local automotive calendar, the TopGear South Africa Magazine Awards recognise the vehicles, people and innovations that have stood out over the past year.
The Tiggo 7 plug-in hybrid claimed the top EV title after delivering an exceptional real-world efficiency performance during TopGear South Africa’s testing. According to the publication, the plug-in hybrid SUV achieved almost 1,300 km on a single tank, exceeding the manufacturer’s claim, and making it the most efficient vehicle TopGear SA has ever tested. Additionally, it is the current leader of the magazine’s 1-Tank Challenge.
“This award is a powerful endorsement of what the Tiggo 7 Plug-in Hybrid represents,” commented Tony Liu, CEO of Chery South Africa. “It delivers the kind of real-world efficiency and driving range that South Africans need, while still offering the performance, technology, and safety expected from a modern SUV. Recognition from TopGear South Africa is especially meaningful because it reflects what the Tiggo 7 PHEV is capable of in regular daily driving.”
Award-winning efficiency and powerful hybrid performance
The Tiggo 7 PHEV combines everyday practicality with a sophisticated and powerful plug-in hybrid setup. Motivation comes from a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine which, thanks to the addition of an electric motor, produces a combined 265 kW and 530 N.m of torque.
Its 18.3 kWh battery enables up to 93 km of all-electric driving, while the total combined range extends to 1,200 km, helping drivers reduce fuel costs without sacrificing long-distance ability. Fuel consumption as low as 4.9L/100 km reinforces the Tiggo 7 PHEV’s position as one of the most efficient SUVs in its segment.
Charging is also convenient, with a full recharge requiring as little as 45 minutes to an hour when plugged into a DC fast charger, or 4 to 8 hours via AC charging.
Safety leadership backed by Euro NCAP
Beyond efficiency, Chery has engineered the Tiggo 7 CSH to be one of the safest family SUVs in its class. The Tiggo 7 platform has achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, confirming its structural integrity and occupant protection in one of the world’s most demanding independent crash-test programmes.
As standard, the Tiggo 7 CSH receives eight airbags, advanced driver-assistance technologies, and a high-strength body structure which incorporates around 60% high-strength steel, with key load-bearing areas reinforced using 1,500 MPa hot-formed steel.
For the plug-in hybrid variant, additional peace of mind comes from the IP68-rated LFP battery pack, which is protected by a high-strength steel underplate, supported by continuous monitoring and rapid power isolation capability in the event of a collision.
Finalist in the prestigious 2026 South African Car of the Year competition
Further strengthening its growing reputation, the Tiggo 7 CSH has also been named a finalist in the 2026 South African Car of the Year (SA COTY) competition, sponsored by Old Mutual Insure. One of 18 finalists, the Tiggo 7 will be put through a series of tests and evaluations before the jury crowns a winner.
