A few days with the Chery TIGGO 8 Super Hybrid Summit proves family cars can still deliver space, tech and value without the high cost.
Author: Tedd Walmsley | Photography: Peter Austin
I’ve spent the last few days driving the new Chery TIGGO 8 Summit and, if I’m honest, it wasn’t a vehicle I knew a great deal about before collecting the keys.
That changed rather quickly.
Many of my readers know Bowker Motor Group through its long association with Porsche, BMW and MINI. Over the years, the group has built a reputation for representing quality brands and delivering excellent customer service. Their decision to bring Chery to Lancashire therefore caught my attention.
After a few days behind the wheel, I can see exactly why they’ve taken on the franchise.
The TIGGO 8 Summit is a large seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV that makes a strong first impression. It has real road presence without looking oversized. The styling is smart and contemporary, with clean lines, distinctive lighting and enough detail to make it stand out in a crowded market.
What surprised me most was what I found once inside.
The cabin feels far more premium than the price point might suggest. The materials are impressive, the seats are comfortable and the overall design has a quality feel throughout. Everything is logically positioned and easy to use. There is no sense of clutter or unnecessary complication.
The large digital displays are crisp and responsive, while the infotainment system quickly becomes second nature. Smartphone connectivity is seamless and there is plenty of technology on board, but it never feels overwhelming.
“It has real road presence without looking oversized.”
Of course, family SUVs have to perform in the real world, not just in a showroom.
Over the course of my test drive, I spent time with my grandchildren and that provided the perfect opportunity to see how the TIGGO 8 works as a genuine family vehicle.
Getting children in and out was straightforward thanks to the generous door openings and higher seating position. There was plenty of room in the rear seats and, importantly, plenty of room for all the things that seem to accompany children wherever they go.
Bags, coats, drinks, toys and the inevitable collection of items that appear during a family day out were swallowed up with ease.
The seven-seat layout adds another layer of versatility. Whether it’s transporting grandchildren, friends, visiting relatives or simply needing extra space for a weekend away, the TIGGO 8 adapts without fuss.
It feels like a vehicle that understands family life.
On the road
On the road, the TIGGO 8 Summit is equally impressive.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers the best of both worlds, with the Chery Super Hybrid System delivering a combined range of over 745 miles. Around town there is the smoothness and quietness associated with electric driving, with up to 56 miles of electric range, while longer journeys benefit from the reassurance of a petrol engine when required.
For many buyers, that combination makes a great deal of sense. The transition between power sources is smooth and unobtrusive. The result is a driving experience that feels refined and relaxed. Road noise is well controlled and motorway journeys are particularly comfortable.
I genuinely enjoyed driving it.
This is not a car that constantly reminds you how clever it is. Instead, it quietly gets on with the job. After a few hours behind the wheel, you begin to appreciate how easy it is to live with.
“It delivers space, comfort, technology, flexibility and efficiency in a package that feels exceptionally well rounded.”
Safety and technology
Safety is another area where the TIGGO 8 scores highly.
Families place safety at the top of their priorities and rightly so. Chery has equipped the Summit with an impressive array of driver assistance and safety systems that provide reassurance for both driver and passengers. Many of these features would once have been associated with far more expensive vehicles.
Then there is the question that many buyers are asking more than ever before: value.
This is where the TIGGO 8 Summit becomes particularly compelling.
The specification is extensive. The level of equipment included as standard is impressive and there is very little sense that you need to start adding expensive options to achieve the vehicle you really want.
When you compare the equipment, space, technology and overall quality with some of the more established competitors, the TIGGO 8 begins to make a very strong case for itself.
The warranty package only strengthens that position further, covering 7 years or 100,000 miles. Long-term peace of mind remains important for family buyers and Chery’s generous warranty coverage demonstrates real confidence in the product.
Final thoughts
By the end of my time with the TIGGO 8 Summit, I found myself reflecting on just how much vehicle is being offered for the money.
It delivers space, comfort, technology, flexibility and efficiency in a package that feels exceptionally well rounded.
More importantly, it feels honest.
Bowker’s decision to introduce Chery to Lancashire is a smart move. The brand brings something fresh to the market while offering the qualities most family buyers are looking for.
After several enjoyable days behind the wheel, I came away impressed.
If you’re searching for a family SUV that combines practicality, technology, safety and value, the Chery TIGGO 8 Summit deserves a place on your shortlist.
My advice is simple. Visit Bowker Preston Chery, take one for a test drive, explore the offers and see whether it surprises you as much as it surprised me.
