Chery's Tiggo 7 CSH Takes Home People's Choice Honours at 2026 SA Car of the Year

South African motorists have spoken, and their pick for the year goes to a plug-in hybrid. The Chery Tiggo 7 CSH has been named winner of the Motor Enthusiast People’s Choice Award at the 2026 Old Mutual Insure Car of the Year, an accolade decided entirely by public vote and one that underscores just how far Chery has come in the local market over a relatively short space of time.

The award forms part of the South African Car of the Year programme, now marking its 40th anniversary as one of the country’s longest-running and most respected motoring institutions. Unlike the judged categories, the Motor Enthusiast People’s Choice Award reflects the unfiltered opinion of everyday drivers, which makes the win particularly significant for a brand still establishing itself in a competitive segment.

It wasn’t a solitary win for the wider Chery Group either. OMODA C7 claimed the Family category, while Jetour T2 had a standout night, taking both the Adventure Utility category and the overall South African Car of the Year title.

The plug-in hybrid SUV has built a loyal following thanks to a combination of design, efficiency and everyday usability. On the numbers alone, the case is compelling: up to 93 km of pure electric range for daily commuting, a combined range stretching to 1,200 km, and fuel consumption rated at just 4.9L/100 km.

Verene Petersen, National Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa, said the recognition carries extra weight precisely because it comes from ordinary buyers rather than an awards panel. “The Tiggo 7 CSH has resonated strongly with customers… it gives customers the efficiency they want without asking them to compromise on comfort, safety or value,” she said, describing the award as recognition of that balance and of the trust South Africans have placed in the brand.

The win lands against the backdrop of a broader growth story. Four years since re-entering the South African market, Chery has worked its way into a consistent top-10 sales position, backed by a dealer network that has expanded to 150 outlets nationwide.

That momentum is set to be reinforced by a significant local investment. Chery South Africa has confirmed it will take over a manufacturing facility in Rosslyn, Pretoria, at the end of June, shifting the brand’s local status from importer to manufacturer. The site will undergo recommissioning and retrofitting, with local production targeted for the second half of 2027.

Charlie Zhang, Vice President of Chery Auto and Executive Vice President of Chery International, framed the move as a long-term commitment: “This investment is a vote of confidence in South Africa and a direct result of the unwavering support from our customers and dealer network over the past four years.”

Chery isn’t slowing its product rollout either. Next quarter brings the all-new Chery Q, a premium compact EV built on a dedicated electric platform. Early specifications point to a 90 kW motor, a 42.7 kWh battery and up to 400 km of range on the NEDC cycle, packaged into a compact 4,195 mm body with a 2,700 mm wheelbase. Practical touches include a 70-litre frunk and fast charging from 30 to 80% in roughly half an hour, alongside AI-driven infotainment and driver assistance features.

Before the year is out, the Tiggo V will also join the lineup, built around a “one vehicle for all scenarios” concept that blends SUV, MPV and lifestyle vehicle roles. Flexible seating and a focus on everyday practicality position it as a family-oriented addition to the range.

Between the public’s vote of confidence and a steadily expanding footprint, Chery’s trajectory in South Africa shows little sign of slowing down.