TessDrive editor in chief Aries Espinosa, who also fronts his up-and-coming rock band The Pub Forties, goes on board Chery’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle model in the Philippines, the Chery Tiggo8 Pro PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), to get to his band’s first post-pandemic gig.
Of course, as an advocate of the plant-based, sustainable, and compassionate lifestyle, Aries brought with him goodies that were meatless, dairy- and cruelty-free. These are the kinds of sustenance that provide energy and life to any activity and gathering without sacrificing the life of another sentient being.
The Chery Tiggo8 Pro PHEV fits into this sustainable lifestyle as it harnesses the power and efficiency of renewable energy—electricity—to supplement the internal combustion engine. The 7-seater SUV has two motors, a 1.5-liter TCI gasoline engine (rated Euro V emission standard) and a 55/70 Kw Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor mated to a DHT (Hybrid Special Transmission), which generates a combined power of 320 hp and maximum torque of 545 Nm. The Chery Tiggo8 Pro PHEV features two driving modes, sport and eco. Using only the electric motor, the Tiggo8 Pro PHEV has a range of about 80 to 95 km, and charging time using the supplied charging cable takes about 3 hours.
Aries also made good use of the Tiggo8 Pro PHEV’s Sony 8-speaker 12.3-inch LCD touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple Carplay and Android Connectivity via QDLink to review the band’s set. The SUV also offers wireless mobile charging, and has two front and one rear USB ports. He also found his perfect driving position with the electric 6-way power seats in full comfort, with the help of the dual auto climate control.
The Tiggo8 Pro PHEV cocoons all its occupants in safety, with 6 airbags (driver and passenger, plus 4 side airbags), anti-lock brake system, electronic stability program, brake assist and brake override systems, hill assist and descent controls, traction control system, cruise control, reverse radar, and tire pressure monitoring system, to name a few.
The Chery Tiggo8 Pro PHEV price starts at P2,400,000.
The Pub Forties is composed of its frontman Aries, bassist Yugel Losorata, James Casas Jr on drums and percussions, and Vincent Borromeo on guitars.
Follow Chery Auto Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, and @cheryautophilippines on Twitter to know more about the Tiggo8 Pro PHEV and other models in its lineup.
Check out The Pub Forties’ original Pinoy music on Spotify, YouTube and on Facebook.