
Tiggo5 is the Chery Tiggo 5, an SUV model officially launched in Shanghai on November 28, 2013, positioned as 'a trustworthy family SUV.' It is also the first SUV developed by Chery using an international-standard forward system process. Additional information: The Tiggo series is Chery's fifth vehicle line, introduced on March 22, 2005, and was Chery's first SUV. Since its launch in 2005, the Chery Tiggo has been exported to over 80 countries, earning the trust and praise of more than 400,000 users worldwide. With its outstanding quality, it has become the sole official vehicle for several international events.

As someone who follows the development of domestic brands, I find the Tiggo 5 quite representative. It was a key compact SUV for Chery during its transformation period, positioned in the family market around 100,000 RMB. I remember when the first generation launched in 2013, there weren't many competitors in its class. Equipped with a 1.5T/2.0L engine paired with a CVT or manual transmission, its chassis was based on the M1X platform shared with Qoros, making it feel much more solid than older Chery models. I particularly like its 470L trunk, which can fit three large suitcases in real-world tests. After the facelift, it got a new front grille and a 10-inch central display. However, compared to the newer Tiggo 8, its rear legroom is slightly cramped, but it makes up for it with substantial terminal discounts. In the market, a 2016 model can be picked up for just over 40,000 RMB, making it very friendly for budget-conscious families.

The year I got my driver's license, my dad bought a used Tiggo 5 for practice, a 2014 2.0L manual transmission model. The mechanical hydraulic power steering was quite heavy, making parking a bit challenging for girls, but it was exceptionally stable on the highway. The clutch engagement point was clear, so beginners were less likely to stall. Once, I ran over a stone on a provincial road, and the underbody guard sparked, but miraculously, there was no oil leakage. Later models switched to EPS electric power steering, which made driving much easier. One thing to complain about is the halogen headlights, which were as dim as candles, so I spent 300 yuan to upgrade to . Maintenance costs were quite low, with minor services costing just 200 yuan at a local shop. However, the cabin air filter's location was poorly designed, hidden behind the glove box on the passenger side.

In our car club, an experienced master modified his Tiggo 5 into a camper van, with the highlight being a completely flat 1.8-meter space when the rear seats are folded down. He installed a 120Ah auxiliary , and the roof rack has been load-tested up to 80kg. The factory body anti-corrosion is well done, with no rust on the skirts after five years of use. It's recommended to apply undercoating right after purchasing the car, as the factory skid plate is made of plastic and can be replaced with a manganese steel one. The 1.5T engine may develop coolant leaks later on, but the master said replacing it with an aluminum alloy three-way connector can fix the issue permanently. The most surprising part is its torsion beam rear suspension, which handles rough roads even better than independent suspensions, though it may sway sideways when going over large potholes.


