- Chery South Africa has secured two semi-finalist spots in the 2026 South African Car of the Year competition with the Tiggo 7 CSH and flagship Tiggo 9.
- Both models showcase Chery’s advanced CSH plug-in hybrid technology, offering strong performance, exceptional efficiency, and practical electrification suited to South African driving conditions.
- The recognition underscores growing local confidence in electrified mobility and highlights Chery’s leadership in delivering powerful, future-ready hybrid solutions across multiple price points.
Chery South Africa has earned two coveted places among the semi-finalists in the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition, with the Tiggo 9 and Tiggo 7 CSH both selected. The dual recognition comes at a pivotal moment for the brand as its advanced CSH (Chery Super Hybrid) plug-in hybrid technology continues to gain momentum among South African motorists seeking performance, efficiency, and practical electrification.
The strong showing reinforces the growing consumer confidence in vehicles that strike a balance between real-world usability and reduced emissions. It also highlights the steady progress of Chery’s electrification strategy, which positions plug-in hybrids as a core component of its transition toward more sustainable mobility.
Leading the charge is the Tiggo 7 CSH, one of the most attainable plug-in hybrid SUVs in South Africa, retailing at R619,900. It offers an impressive 93 km all-electric range and a combined range of up to 1,200 km, enabling daily commuting on electric power while reserving the engine for extended journeys. This translates into exceptional fuel efficiency, with a claimed consumption of 4.9 L/100 km. Its robust 265 kW and 530 N.m powertrain further elevates the Tiggo 7 as one of the most versatile and capable plug-in hybrids currently available on the local market.
Joining it in the semi-finalist lineup is the premium Tiggo 9, the flagship of Chery’s SUV portfolio. Also available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Vanguard AWD variant delivers a remarkable 455 kW and 920 N.m, making it the most powerful SUV available in South Africa for under R1 million. The range starts at R689,900 for the Pinnacle 2.0-litre model, underscoring Chery’s commitment to offering premium technology and performance across a broad spectrum of price points.
Chery’s CSH technology is specifically engineered to meet the unique driving conditions of markets such as South Africa, where long-distance travel and rising fuel costs require vehicles that deliver performance without compromising efficiency or practicality.
“We see this recognition as clear evidence that our electrified strategy is moving in the right direction. More people are exploring electrified options, but they still want dependable long-distance capability,” said Verene Petersen, National Marketing & Communications Manager at Chery South Africa.
“That is exactly where our plug-in hybrids prove their value as a practical, future-ready choice. As South Africa moves toward a more sustainable transport landscape, plug-in hybrids serve as an essential bridge. They empower drivers to embrace electric mobility, even with irregular charging access and diverse travel needs. The strong performance of our two semi-finalists demonstrates just how naturally electrification can integrate into everyday life in South Africa.”
