It may seem like a small change to some, but the addition of a dual-clutch automatic gearbox option to the Chery Tiggo 4 line-up has transformed the car from “merely” a tech-laden B-segment compact SUV with reasonable driveability, to a competent urbanite with slick-shifting appeal.
As one of the first “new generation” Chinese compact SUVs to make their way to South Africa in the last few years, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro range forms the backbone of the Chery model offering in this country. Although a competent daily driver with loads of tech onboard, automatic versions of the Tiggo 4 Pro range have, until now, only been available with an uninspiring CVT gearbox.
Now, Chery has further expanded the appeal of the Tiggo 4 Pro with the introduction of a slick-shifting dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with additional technology and interior updates.
AT THE HEART OF THE DRIVE
For reasons which will be evident to some, the choice of gearbox for any car is an equally, if not more critical component than the engine in terms of the car’s driving feel. A good car with a reasonable engine can be elevated by the right gearbox, while, conversely, a poor gearbox can kneecap even the most advanced engines.
Chery seems to have taken to heart calls from existing customers to beef up their transmission game, says Mark Ma, Assistant General Manager of Chery South Africa: “The new model is a perfect example of how we respond to the current or potential customer feedback (done by our research team). With the introduction of the DCT, we will target performance and efficiency, integrated with interior and new technology updates”.
However, an engaging driving experience is not the only benefit of a dual-clutch automatic in certain applications, as a DCT ‘box can also offer a fuel-saving benefit.
One of their key focus points was to improve the Tiggo Pro range’s fuel consumption optimisation, a process they conducted in China and South Africa. According to the company, the new transmission saved close to half a litre of fuel per 100 km during their durability testing, while real-world testing delivered a saving of as much as 1.6 l/100 km. Dependent, of course, on your driving style.
Putting fuel consumption aside, one must appreciate the transformation the new dual-clutch has made to the Tiggo 4 Pro’s overall appeal. During our test of primarily urban driving environments, the new DCT-equipped Tiggo 4 Pro proved nimble at pull-away and exceedingly smooth during highway drives. While there is a slightly noticeable delay from a standstill under hard acceleration, this is a (minor) issue that Chery will easily resolve with an equally minor gearbox mapping adjustment.
ADDING MORE VALUE
Chery also used the introduction of the new transmission to add more interior and technology updates.
There is a new centre console layout (shared with the larger Tiggo 7 Pro), with additional storage space and an integrated 15W wireless charging pad on the range-topping Elite model. There is also a new touchscreen air-conditioning screen with controls for both air-conditioning zones.
Buyers of the Elite SE version of the Tiggo 4 Pro with DCT will be further surprised to find a new high-resolution infotainment screen with offline navigation, a radio data system (RDS) equipped radio, and wireless connectivity for Android and Apple devices.
LAST WORD
Perhaps the best news following the introduction of the DCT-driven Tiggo 4 Pro is that Chery will also offer the option of a DCT across its model ranges. This includes the 7-speed DCT in the Tiggo Pro 7 Max and the Tiggo Pro 8 Max models. If there are still potential buyers who may doubt Chery’s commitment to consistently improving their products, this latest move will surely put those doubts to rest.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © CHERY AUTO SOUTH AFRICA
