Behind this Velar-mimicking face of this new Chery Tiggo 7 Sport is essentially a Jaecoo J7.
While Chery recently announced it is to grow from locally-assembling Land Rovers to actually supplying electrified platforms as the basis for some of its future models, it appears though that the Sino-Anglo collaboration is not to just be a one-way street. Such is as the Chinese automaker is soon to launch its Tiggo 7 Sport, and this particular SUV sure sports a face that looks very much like the British marque’s Velar.
With a wide moustache-like mesh grille that is flanked by slim horizontal daytime running light strips beneath a clamshell hood, those who aren’t paying all that much attention would really think that what they’re looking at could possibly be the new model from the Range Rover family. It would be remissed to mention too however that while there is a passing resemblance to this most premium lineup of British off-roaders, this face also from head-on does admitted look a bit like the Kia Carnival…
Now it is worth highlighting that contrary to its name, the Tiggo 7 Sport is not to be the sportier sibling of the current Pro model offered over here. Instead, this particular SUV is actually an alternate version of the Chery’s existing Tansuo 06 it currently sells in China, which is probably better known to Malaysians as the Jaecoo J7.
This shared DNA between the Tiggo 7 Sport and Tansuo 06/Jaecoo J7 should be made quite clear when looking the back of these SUVs, as both (or all 3) cars essentially share exactly the same rear end design. The two (or three) SUVs are to be identical within as well, featuring a floating portrait-style central infotainment screen on a straight-edged minimalist dashboard.
The reason as to why Chery has reskinned (at least the front of) its Tansuo 6 into the Tiggo 7 Sport is apparently because the former is meant to target those who prefer a more outdoor image, while the latter is aimed more towards urban users. The Tansuo 6 in China currently comes with what is most kindly described as a brawny frontal aesthetic, as it features a huge black-plastic rectangular grille with a giant “CHERY” inscription going right across it.
Chinese media are currently reporting the Tiggo 7 Sport will be officially launched over in its domestic market next month, with it featuring the same all-wheel drive 1.6-litre turbocharged four-pot and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission powertrain pairing as currently featured in the existing Tansuo 06 (as well as Jaecoo J7 in Malaysia). Interestingly enough here too, it has since also been made known that this Velar-mimicking face on the Tiggo 7 Sport is actually already to be an option in China on the Chery Tansuo 6.
It currently remains unknown as to whether Jaecoo Malaysia will be offering this new optional facelift kit as part of its slate of adventuring accessories it has previously hinted at launching over here soon. What should nevertheless be quite crystal however is that even with this new visage (and contrary to what some of its local dealers have been telling prospective customers), the new J7 does not actually have any Land Rover DNA in it whatsoever.
