Cars.co.za report offers interesting insights
Cars.co.za recently launched Industry Report 2026 at its DealerCon summit, offers insight into the forces shaping South Africa’s vehicle market.
- Dealer News
- 22 September 2026
Chery South Africa showcased the latest addition to its Tiggo 7 range; the CSH Plug-in Hybrid’s efficiency on a road trip managed to squeeze 1 290km from a single tank of petrol.
The endurance test yielded impressive results, and by reaching 1 290km, it beats Chery’s official claim of 1 200km.
The Tiggo 7 PHEV integrates the fifth-generation ACTECO 1.5 TGDI dedicated hybrid engine with 115kW and 220Nm to a stepless Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), and a high-performance hybrid battery.
At the same time, the hybrid Tiggo 9 CSH – due to be released in South Africa later this month – achieved 1 374km on a single tank of fuel, exceeding its WLTC-estimated range of 1 050km. This sets a new benchmark for extended range among seven-seater family SUVs.
“These results reinforce our belief that hybrid technology can deliver more than just efficiency; it can redefine what South Africans expect from family vehicles,” says Verene Petersen, National Brand & Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa.
The combined power between the petrol engine and the hybrid system according to Chery is 265kW and 530Nm. For urban commuting, the hybrid battery offers over 90km of electric range, which is sufficient for most daily driving needs. When it’s time to recharge, the DC fast-charging capability recharges the battery from 30-80% in approximately 19 minutes — about the time needed for a coffee break.
Catering to the growing popularity of camping and outdoor lifestyles, the Tiggo 7 CSH boasts a 3.3kW vehicle-to-load capability, effectively eliminating the need for additional portable power stations. With most household appliances operating below 2.5kW, intelligent power management unlocks endless possibilities for outdoor living.
The Plug-in Hybrids are the most expensive models in the Tiggo 7 line-up consisting of three models and now joined by the Tiggo 7 CSH Plus (R619 900) and the Tiggo 7 CSH Ultra (R679 900).
For most of driving history, the sound of excitement has been orchestrated by the internal combustion engine (ICE).
Toyota is sharpening its focus on hydrogen as a practical route to cleaner heavy-duty transport, using IAA Transportation 2026 to showcase new fuel cell technology and partnerships with leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.
To mark World EV Day, Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) has launched the N3 EV Real-World Test. The initiative will turn everyday electric vehicle journeys between Johannesburg and Durban into a growing source of real-world data for South African motorists and fleet operators considering the switch to electric.