Chery’s arrival into the UK market has been marked by an extraordinary milestone, with the all-new Tiggo 8 crowned Carwow’s Car of the Year 2026 – securing the top spot against long-established European and Asian rivals in the family SUV segment.
In a standout review, Mat Watson, Carwow’s Car Review Expert, described the Tiggo 8 as:
“Almost too good to be true”
The Tiggo 8’s triumph represents a remarkable achievement for Chery, with Carwow praising the model’s blend of space, quality, and value — particularly for families seeking a modern, seven-seat SUV without premium pricing.
Among the highlights is its cabin design, which Carwow describes as setting a new benchmark for quality at its price point.
The infotainment system also drew attention for its clarity and responsiveness, with load times compared to leading consumer tablets.
Customers can choose between petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains, though the latter drew particular praise thanks to its usable electric range, low running costs, and noteworthy price advantage.
Matt Watson also said,
“Chery’s debut to the UK market could hardly be more impressive. The Tiggo 8 is one of those cars that seems almost too good to be true – it’s a premium-feeling SUV with loads of space for seven occupants, a cutting-edge hybrid system, all the luxury kit you could want… yet it costs about the same as a European hatchback. If a Chinese car was ever going to conquer the market, it should be this one – it’s unbeatable value and feels like so much more than a budget family bus.”
Chery’s victory in Carwow’s top award underscores a significant shift in the UK market, with emerging brands now capable of challenging – and beating – established manufacturers on quality, technology, and overall ownership value.
Bowker Motor Group looks ahead to the launch of its new partnership with Chery Automobile in early 2026, with a brand-new dealership at Preston Docklands set to open soon.
Bringing Chery’s award-winning models – including the Tiggo 8 – to the region marks an exciting milestone for the Group and for customers seeking innovative, family-focused SUVs with outstanding value.
To register your interest in this exciting new brand, complete the enquiry form on this page. For more information on the Chery brand, please click here.
