Chery Tengo

If we say that the design was signed by Pininfarina, things become clearer. Tengo, which is available in sedan and hatchback body forms, came to our test in the former version. The Chinese manufacturer’s effort to launch a „European“ car is obvious. In any case, it contributes to the fact that Tengo is is available in the „hatchback“ version as well.

What can’t be disputed is that Tengo is by far the most beautiful Chery’s model. However, the identity is not yet fully built, but it is in a good position to win its customers, when they are convinced in some other qualities.

Target Audience
It is very important for each manufacturer to find its piece of the market „pie“. Since the cards have been dealt to a large extent, the main advantage of a novice is always low price. However, the low price must go along with the appropriate quality if you don’t want your efforts to go in vain.

Chery Tengo is primarily intended for young families, and the owners who seek sporting expression will not be ashamed of this car either. Space offer is quite good, and the advantage offered by the Tengo is a fairly generous luggage compartment.

Interior
The improvement is evident. First, we tested Chery Ego, then Tiggo, and finally the Tengo. There is an evident improvement in the quality of the interior, especially considering fabric and stitches, but a lot that can still be subjected to criticism.

The finish barely exceeds a passing score, and if Chery wants to be competitive, those flaws must be corrected. The gaps between edges are unequal, the plastic is of poor quality, and there is the “famous” unwanted reflection in the windscreen which is a common omission of less experienced manufacturers.

One sits pretty correctly in the Tengo, though the position is high, but the most serious complaint is related to the fact that the seat is not adjustable in height in Standard trim, which is simply unbelievable for a model that has to fight for its place in the market. However, the steering wheel is height adjustable, but you will not find it especially helpful. It seems that the passenger position, of course, considering its “class”, is much better resolved. The Rear bench is quite good, and it will satisfy the transportation needs of two adult persons.

The Dashboard design does not follow the exterior design in any sense, and the intention to “save” some costs is quite obvious. The composition of details on the center console, instrumentation cluster, and the very dashboard is disharmonious, but that is another segment that the Chinese manufacturer may address in the future, and we have no doubts that it will be much improved.

Drivetrain
The Chery Tengo is powered by ACTECO 1.6 engine, a product of the house. The engine has 120 hp and maximum torque of 147 Nm at 4500 rpm. It is matched with a five-speed manual transmission that has surprisingly long gear ratios, which is a virtue in any case. Besides contributing to better fuel economy, it reduces the noise level, so you will drive on the freeway quite comfortably, with 3000 rpm in fifth gear and around the speed limit. It is clear that “the potential” is rather high. The quiet ride surprises in a positive way, and if the side mirrors were better solved from the point of view of aerodynamics (they look like not belonging to the Tengo), the absence of noise would be even more pronounced.

The Chery Tengo reaches 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds (no need for third gear because the car can reach 60 km/h in first gear). Maximum speed is 180 km/h. Average fuel consumption can be reduced to less than 8 liters per 100 km if you drive the Tengo without any unnecessary pressure on the accelerator.

Comfort and Driving Performance
Although the manufacturer underlines the “quality” of the chassis in terms of comfort and driving characteristics, there is much room for improvement as well. There is lack of feedback on the steering wheel, and the chassis does not inspire confidence in some more extreme driving conditions. To be honest, this car is not designed for “racing”, but is a targeted compromise between the necessary practical features related to the needs of urban families and satisfactory performance on the highway, of course, in accordance with the class of the vehicle. The suspension does its job, although the Tengo is not a special “fan” of bumps and holes. Brakes are well-measured, not aggressive, but when they are required a stronger action, their response is very good. So, considering this domain, the Chery Tengo is more comfortable than dynamic car.

There are no objections on the Standard trim, but it is a bit strange that the car has all four power windows, rear parking sensors, fog lights, but not the height adjustable driver’s seat. At the same time, Chinese have worked on the passive safety as is evidenced by the massive A and B pillars, which have brought Tengo 5 stars rating in C-NCAP test.

Conclusion
Every flaw costs dearly in the fierce European competition. Chery Tengo has them, but on the other hand, it has virtues as well. It is quite logical that the Chinese manufacturer will try to exclude faults and emphasized virtues. It is certain that we will not wait long for it, but that does not mean that Chery’s fight for a place under the sun will not be difficult.

Chery Tengo surely has the hardest task of all members of the Chinese manufacturer’s portfolio. Except that the competition in this segment is the sharpest, the buyers are demanding and quite “spoiled”. Except that they should work on the finish quality, the Chinese have to convince consumers that they offer a particularly reliable car with low starting price and low maintenance costs. Of course, it takes some time, and one should not doubt Chinese’s persistence and diligence. For starters, you need 10.490 euros…