Chery Philippines recently released a teaser photo on its official Facebook page showcasing another electric vehicle set to join its local lineup at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show.

Based on the teaser photo, the upcoming vehicle could be a new variant of the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, thanks to the appearance of the number seven. It also comes with the tagline, “Revive your passion for the environment,” emphasizing the letters E and V, which point to the vehicle being an electric vehicle (EV).

While a fully electric vehicle might not be in the works, it could be a Plug-in hybrid or a hybrid version of the Tiggo 7 Pro. It is important to note that Chery released a “New Energy” version of the crossover back in 2022 with a PHEV variant.

Another theory is that it could be the 2022 facelifted version of the Tiggo 7 Pro entering the Philippine market with a new hybrid variant. We have compared the teaser photo to existing images of the 2022 facelifted version of the crossover and found them to be similar. 

Distinguished styling

Aside from its possible hybrid drivetrain, the 2023 Chery Tiggo 7 (Specs | News) Pro HEV also has revised exterior styling. It ditches the Sunshine Galaxy grille and instead has a waterfall-style grille.

Its headlights have also been reworked to resemble those on the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro (Specs | News). Lastly, it also sports a new set of alloy wheels to give it a more premium look. 

Hybrid possibilities

What's under the hood isn’t known yet. However, we assume it will be similar to what is found on the Tiggo 8 Pro. The 2023 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro HEV could come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged mill assisted by two electric motors and a 19.25 kWh battery pack. 

Based on specifications locally and abroad, the new HEV crossover could have a combined system output of 326 PS with 545 Nm of torque and is paired to a DHT or Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. 

Another possibility is that the 2023 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro could have a new mild-hybrid version. It could still get the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, but it will be paired with a 48V belt-starter generator (BSG) that replaces the regular alternator. 

With the new BSG, its total system output should rise to around 155 PS and 250 Nm of torque. The BSG should add around 10 PS and 40 Nm of extra pull for the crossover. As for its transmission options, it will likely still have a CVT. 

As far as competitors are concerned, it could go up against the 2023 Honda CR-V hybrid and the 2023 Ford Territory once they make their respective launches in the country. 

So, will it be the 2022 facelifted version of the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro HEV or will it be the 2023 version of the vehicle with a hybrid variant? We will just have to wait and see as MIAS is just around the corner.