Volkswagen’s rival brand launching ultra-budget motors – including the UK’s CHEAPEST seven-seater

A MAJOR Chinese car brand is launching its own ultra-budget brand – in direct competition to market leader Volkswagen.

The new models include the UK’s cheapest seven-seater car.

Chery, the largest exporter of cars from China for the past 22 years, entered the British market this summer.

Its own-branded Tiggo 7 is designed to take on the Volkswagen Tiguan with the petrol model costing £24,995, according to the company’s website.

The larger Tiggo 8 is the UK’s cheapest full-sized seven-seater.

It is also the first seven-seater from Chery to be sold in Britain, and starts from just over £28,500 for the petrol version.

The Tiggo 8 was presented at Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, with the first customers expected to take ownership of Chery vehicles by the end of September, reports Autocar.

Car specs

The hybrid vehicle combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 201bhp and 269lb ft of torque.

According to Chery, it can travel up to 765 miles on combined power sources, with 56 miles of EV range provided by an 18.4kWh battery.

The sophisticated interior is enhanced by chrome grilles and a rear that has a slight resemblance to the Kia Sportage.

The interior sports a dual screen, and standard specifications include a panoramic sunroof and adaptive cruise control.

Chery UK country director, Farrell Hsu, previously said: “Goodwood is one of the most prestigious stages in the automotive world – so there’s no better place to reveal Chery’s most versatile and refined hybrid SUV to a UK audience. 

“The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is a perfect expression of what Chery stands for: smart technology, generous space and electrified efficiency without compromise.

“It’s designed to make people happy, knowing they’ve made the smart choice for their next SUV.”

Other Chinese brands

Chery is not the only Chinese brand to launch in the UK.

Geely, which owns LEVC, Lotus, Polestar, and Volvo, will soon be launching here.

British showrooms will see the Geely EX5 later in the year.

And the brand will open its own standalone dealership network in the UK.

The model is an electric crossover designed to rival the Skoda Elroq, Kia EV3, and Renault Megane.

Geely said the EX5 has been assessed by Lotus Engineering to evaluate whether it requires retuning for European roads.

Meanwhile, Solihull‘s International Motors has started importing Xpeng’s new G6 car which could undercut the Tesla Model Y.

Chinese firm Xpeng’s new motor has been designed by the world-renowned JuanMa Lopez, who was responsible for leading the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder.