Chery South Africa has expanded the Tiggo 7 line-up with the introduction of the Distinction Dark Edition, a derivative that brings a darker styling theme, additional safety features and a new transmission to the family SUV.Chery's dark sideThe model is priced at R415 900 and builds on the standard Distinction specification with a series of visual and equipment changes, while retaining the five-seat layout and practical positioning of the existing range.

The Dark Edition is distinguished by its blacked-out exterior detailing, which includes a dark-finished grille, window surrounds and 18-inch alloy wheels. The treatment extends to the rear privacy glass, which reduces visibility into the luggage area and helps limit solar heat and ultraviolet light entering the cabin.

Chery has added Dark Edition to the Tiggo 7 range

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Inside, the darker theme continues with black faux-leather upholstery and matching trim accents, while the multifunction steering wheel, also trimmed in faux leather, offers four-way manual adjustment.

Under the bonnet, the Tiggo 7 Distinction Dark Edition uses Chery’s turbocharged 1,5-litre petrol engine, which produces 108 kW and 210 Nm of torque. The engine is now paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, replacing the continuously variable unit used in the previous Distinction model.

Drive is sent to the front wheels, with Eco, Normal and Sport modes allowing the driver to tailor the vehicle’s responses to different driving conditions. Fuel consumption is rated at 6,9 l/100 km on the WLTP cycle, and with a 51-litre tank, the model offers a calculated range of about 739 km.

One of the more significant upgrades is the inclusion of seven crash bags, including side curtain bags, up from the four offered in the earlier Distinction specification. This passive safety package is supported by a high-strength safety cage with hot-stamped steel elements. Further standard safety equipment includes tyre-pressure monitoring, an anti-theft alarm, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines.

The dashboard is dominated by a curved dual-screen display that combines a 12,3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12,3-inch central touchscreen. The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and intelligent voice commands, and audio is delivered through a six-speaker setup. Keyless entry, one-button start and dual-zone climate control are all included as standard. New to the Dark Edition is a power tailgate with smart-key operation, which improves access to the luggage compartment when loading bulky items.

The Chery Tiggo 7 Dark Edition now has 7 crash bags

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The Tiggo 7 Distinction Dark Edition retains the established dimensions of the Tiggo 7, measuring 4 553 mm in length, 1 862 mm in width and 1 686 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2 670 mm that contributes to a spacious interior and a practical footprint for everyday family use. Customers can choose from four exterior finishes: Khaki White, Carbon Black, Phantom Grey, and a Black and White two-tone option.

Verene Petersen, National Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa, said the Dark Edition gives the Tiggo 7 Distinction a stronger individual character while adding equipment that customers would appreciate in daily use. She added that the introduction of seven airbags and the six-speed dual-clutch transmission strengthens the overall offering without moving the vehicle away from its value-focused positioning.

The Tiggo 7 Distinction Dark Edition is sold with a 5-year or 150 000 km vehicle warranty and a 5-year or 75 000 km service plan. The first owner also receives Chery’s 10-year or 1-million kilometre engine warranty, with the remaining balance transferable to the second owner through the manufacturer’s Cherished preowned programme.

Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with

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