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In a market where hybrid SUVs routinely command premium prices, the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid has arrived to shake things up. Starting at just $29,990 drive-away for the Urban variant, it claims the title of Australia's most affordable hybrid SUV – undercutting established rivals by thousands of dollars. The range-topping Ultimate we tested comes in at $34,990, still $7,000 less than a base-model Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid.

But aggressive pricing means nothing if the product doesn't deliver. After a week behind the wheel, the Tiggo 4 Hybrid proves it's not just about being cheap – it's about redefining what value looks like in the hybrid SUV segment. With a seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, seven years of capped-price servicing, and seven years of roadside assist, Chery is clearly confident in its product.

Exterior Design

The recent facelift has transformed the Tiggo 4 into a genuinely handsome compact SUV. The controversial rear end of the pre-facelift model has been completely redesigned, featuring new LED tail lights that create a sophisticated light signature. Up front, the diamond-pattern grille gives the Tiggo 4 real presence, flanked by bright LED headlights with sequential indicators.

Interestingly, while the Tiggo 4 Hybrid looks nearly identical to its petrol sibling, it's not quite the same car under the skin. To accommodate the hybrid system's battery pack and electric motor, Chery has subtly altered the platform dimensions. The wheelbase is 6mm shorter at 2,604mm, while the overall length stretches 23mm longer to 4,330mm. These changes are imperceptible to the eye but were necessary engineering compromises to package the hybrid components without sacrificing interior space. The width (1,830mm) and height (1,655mm) remain unchanged, maintaining the Tiggo 4's practical SUV proportions.

Our test car wore the optional Lunar Silver paint – a color-shifting pearlescent finish that makes the Tiggo 4 look far more expensive than its price tag suggests. The Ultimate variant adds red brake calipers visible through the 17-inch alloy wheels – though the efficiency-focused tyres mean they're more for show than performance. Small details elevate the overall design: the floating roof effect created by black pillars, functional roof rails, and a subtle rear spoiler all contribute to a modern appearance that wouldn't look out of place at twice the price.

Interior

Step inside and prepare to recalibrate your expectations. Both variants feature dual 10.25-inch displays – one serving as the digital instrument cluster, the other handling infotainment duties. The interface is intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the range. The Ultimate adds a wireless phone charger, finally delivering the cable-free experience the wireless connectivity promises.

Material quality impresses throughout. Soft-touch plastics dominate the dashboard and door cards, while Chery's decision to use mechanical switches instead of cheaper membrane buttons pays dividends.

Every click and rotation feels substantial, from the volume knob to the steering wheel controls. The Ultimate's synthetic leather seats offer power adjustment with four-way lumbar support for the driver, plus heating for both front occupants.

Storage is abundant, with a massive center console box, reasonable door pockets, and a soft-closing glovebox. The Ultimate adds ambient lighting that creates a premium atmosphere at night, while the dual-zone climate control (operated via a dedicated touch panel) ensures both front occupants stay comfortable. The sound system – a 6-speaker setup in the Ultimate, 4-speaker in the Urban – delivers clear, crisp audio that belies the budget price point.

Rear Seats

Despite its compact footprint, the Tiggo 4 Hybrid offers surprising rear-seat space. With the front seats adjusted for a 5'11" driver, rear passengers enjoy generous legroom and excellent headroom. The flat floor means the middle passenger doesn't have to straddle a transmission tunnel, though they'll need to share the single rear air vent with their fellow passengers.

The seats themselves are well-shaped and comfortable, with a fold-down armrest incorporating two cupholders. ISOFIX points and top-tether anchors accommodate child seats, while the Ultimate's panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light. Door pockets provide storage, though they're on the smaller side, and a USB-A charging port keeps devices powered.

Practicality

The hybrid system's battery packaging does impact cargo capacity. Boot space measures 370 litres (VDA), down from 470 litres in the regular petrol Tiggo 4. A small raised section in the boot floor houses the 12-volt battery, slightly compromising the load area's flatness. However, the 60:40 split-folding rear seats expand capacity to 1,215 litres when dropped.

The Ultimate variant includes a space-saver spare wheel (wearing Linglong rubber), while the Urban makes do with a tyre repair kit. Front and rear parking sensors are standard, with the Ultimate adding a 360-degree camera system that makes threading through tight spaces effortless. The powered tailgate would be nice, but at this price point, its absence is forgivable.

What's Under the Bonnet

The Tiggo 4 Hybrid's party trick is its sophisticated powertrain. A 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 71kW and 120Nm works in concert with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor generating 150kW and 310Nm. Power flows through a single-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) to the front wheels.

This isn't a mild hybrid with a token electric motor – it's a proper hybrid system capable of pure electric driving at urban speeds. The result is impressive efficiency: 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle, with real-world urban consumption dropping to around 4.6L/100km. Highway cruising sees consumption rise slightly to 5.5L/100km, still exceptional for an SUV.

Performance surprises too. The 0-100km/h sprint takes just 8.16 seconds – 25% quicker than the regular turbo petrol Tiggo 4. That's warm hatch territory from a fuel-sipping family SUV, though the Sailun E-Range tyres struggle to deploy all that instant torque on wet surfaces.

How Does it Drive

First impressions are overwhelmingly positive when you fire up the Tiggo 4 Hybrid. The system defaults to EV mode at low speeds, creating an almost eerily quiet urban driving experience that feels premium.

The electric motor provides instant torque from standstill, making city driving effortless. Traffic light getaways are smooth and responsive, with no lag or hesitation as you'd find in a turbocharged petrol engine.

The transition between electric and petrol power is generally seamless at moderate throttle inputs. You'll notice the petrol engine firing up on the instrument cluster before you hear it, testament to the sound insulation.

Switch to Sport mode and the character changes dramatically. The system keeps the petrol engine running more frequently, prioritizing performance over efficiency.

Floor the throttle and the DHT transmission's characteristics become apparent. The engine revs high and stays there while the electric motor does the heavy lifting, creating that disconnect between sound and acceleration typical of planetary gear hybrid systems.

It's not unpleasant, just different from a conventional automatic. Think of it like a CVT but with more sophisticated power delivery and better response.

The steering is light and easy around town, perfect for parking maneuvers. It weights up predictably at highway speeds, though it never delivers much feedback about what the front wheels are doing.

The soft suspension setup prioritizes comfort over handling prowess. Speed bumps and potholes are dispatched with minimal fuss, making the Tiggo 4 an excellent urban companion.

Push harder through corners and body roll becomes noticeable. The Sailun E-Range tyres prioritize efficiency over grip, squealing in protest well before the chassis reaches its limits.

Wet weather exposes the tyre limitations further. Wheelspin is common when pulling away enthusiastically, the traction control working overtime to keep things in check.

But criticizing the Tiggo 4 Hybrid for its dynamic limitations misses the point. This is comfortable family transport that happens to be remarkably efficient, not a sporty SUV pretending to be eco-friendly.

The comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems works well in practice. Adaptive cruise control maintains smooth following distances, while the lane-keeping assistance requires a specific approach.

The trick with the lane-centering system is to hold the wheel lightly and let it do its thing. Fight against it and you'll trigger disconnection warnings; work with it and the system tracks beautifully down the highway.

At highway speeds, the Tiggo 4 Hybrid settles into a refined cruise. Wind and road noise are well suppressed, though the petrol engine makes itself known during overtaking maneuvers.

The regenerative braking is subtle, lacking the aggressive one-pedal driving modes of some rivals. The brake pedal feel is consistent though, with no obvious transition between regenerative and friction braking.

Overall refinement impresses for the price point. Yes, the DHT can be noisy under acceleration, but in everyday driving, the Tiggo 4 Hybrid delivers the quiet, smooth experience buyers expect from a hybrid.

Final Thoughts

The Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid succeeds because it understands its mission perfectly. This isn't trying to be a premium SUV at a budget price – it's honest family transport that happens to offer exceptional value. Yes, the DHT transmission can be noisy under acceleration. Yes, the boot is smaller than the regular Tiggo 4. Yes, those tyres prioritize efficiency over grip.

But consider what you're getting for your money: genuine hybrid efficiency that halves fuel consumption compared to the regular turbo petrol model, surprising performance that embarrasses more expensive rivals, and a level of standard equipment that would have been flagship-only just years ago. The Urban variant at $29,990 already includes everything most buyers need, while the Ultimate at $34,990 adds enough luxuries to satisfy those wanting a more premium experience.

In a world where a base Corolla Cross hybrid costs $7,000 more, the Tiggo 4 Hybrid makes a compelling case. It's not perfect, but at this price point, it doesn't need to be. What it needs to be is reliable, efficient, practical, and pleasant to live with – and it delivers on all counts. For young families, urban commuters, or anyone looking to minimize running costs without sacrificing practicality, the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid isn't just Australia's most affordable hybrid SUV – it might be the smartest choice in the segment.