A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
T1 i-DM
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Model Introduced Year
2026
2026
Generation
Current local listing
Current South Africa Tiggo 8 PHEV range
Facelift History
Not listed by current South African source page.
Current South Africa version listed by official source
Facelift Launched Since
2026
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Gross Combined Mass Kg
3948 kg
-
Model Year
Current
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
SUV
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
2048 kg
1907 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Length
4705 mm
4725 mm
Width
1967 mm
1860 mm
Height
1843 mm
1705 mm
Wheelbase
2800 mm
2710 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
190 mm
170 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
190 mm
190 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
60 l
Boot/Cargo Space
574 l
494 l
Kerb Weight
2048 kg
1907 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2348 kg
2430 kg
Payload Capacity
300 kg
523 kg
Towing Capacity
1600 kg
1500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
3 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
5.6 m
Front Headroom
1030 mm
1020 mm
Rear Headroom
1010 mm
985 mm
Front Legroom
1050 mm
1055 mm
Rear Legroom
930 mm
945 mm
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Front Track Width
1690 mm
Not Available
Rear Track Width
1700 mm
Not Available
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut suspension
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-link independent suspension
Multi-link
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson strut suspension
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-link independent suspension
Multi-link
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Automatic
Power Windows
Not Available
Standard
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Standard
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
50W
Standard
Sunroof
Yes
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Standard
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
1455 l
1930 l
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Automatic
Engine Warranty
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
1.1
-
Rear Seat Split
60/40
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Roof Load
300kg static / 100kg dynamic
-
Towbar
Yes
-
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Engine
1.5TD hybrid-dedicated engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Plug-in Hybrid
Engine Code
SQRH4J15
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Plug-in Hybrid
Plug-in Hybrid
Hybrid System
Plug-in Hybrid
Plug-in Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1499 cc
1500 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Petrol injection
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
72 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
92 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
100 kW @ 5200 rpm
150 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
220 Nm @ 2500 rpm
230 Nm
Combined Power
250 kW
Not Officially Disclosed
Combined Torque
530 Nm
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Motors
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
Not Officially Disclosed
FWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
180 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Eco, Normal, Sport
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
125 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
265 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
18.4 kWh
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
100 km
90 km (WLTP)
AC Charging Power
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Power
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
AC Charging Time
180 min (30-100%)
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Time
27 min (30-80%)
Not Officially Disclosed
Regenerative Braking
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Gearbox
Automatic
1 DHT
Drivetrain Layout
2WD
FWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
Not Applicable
Hybrid DHT
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Automatic clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Not Applicable
Electric
Drivetrain
2WD
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Standard
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
1 DHT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
2WD
FWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
Not Applicable
Hybrid DHT
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Claimed Mileage
90.9 km/l
19.2 km/l
City Mileage
74.5 km/l
16.3 km/l
Highway Mileage
105.5 km/l
21.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
60 l
Emission Standard
VI B
Euro VIb
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Standard
Real-world Mileage
90.9 km/l
19.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Plug-in hybrid AC/DC
Charging Type
Not Applicable
AC/DC
Fuel Tank Litres
70
60
Combined Driving Range
1200
1200
Electric Consumption
21
Not Available
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Available
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
1200 km
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Airbags
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
Multiple airbags
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard
AEB
Yes
Standard
BA
Not Available
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
Standard
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Standard
Side Airbags
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Standard
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Standard
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Standard
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Seat Material
Black synthetic leather with orange stitching
Leatherette / leather
Seat Adjustment
Driver 6-way electric with ventilation, lumbar support and memory; passenger 4-way electric with ventilation and leg rest
-
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Standard
Ventilated Seats
Front seats
Standard
Ambient Lighting
Multi
Standard
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rear AC Vents
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Driver 6-way electric with ventilation, lumbar support and memory; passenger 4-way electric with ventilation and leg rest
Power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Driver 6-way electric with ventilation, lumbar support and memory; passenger 4-way electric with ventilation and leg rest
Power
Seat Trim
Black synthetic leather with orange stitching
Leatherette / leather
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Infotainment System
15.6-inch
Touchscreen infotainment
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Wireless
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
9 Sony speakers
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch
Standard
USB Ports
Not Available
Front and rear USB where listed
Infotainment Screen
15.6-inch
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Touchscreen
15.6-inch
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
LED Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Standard
Fog Lamps
Yes
Standard
Roof Rails
Yes
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
See OEM source page for colour availability.
White, black, grey, silver, blue, green and other official Chery market colours by model.
Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Headlight Type
Yes
Standard
Headlights
Yes
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Standard
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Underbody Protection
Metal guard plate for front compartment
-
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
190 mm
205 mm
Ground Clearance Min
190 mm
170 mm
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Tyre Size
235/60 R19
235/50 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc brake
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc brake
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
19
235/50 R19
Brake Type Front
Ventilated disc brake
-
Brake Type Rear
Solid disc brake
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electronic parking brake
Towing Unbraked Kg
750 kg
-
Wheel Material
Alloy
-
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Battery Warranty
8-year/160,000 km battery warranty
-
Service Plan
7-year/75,000 km service plan
5 Year / 75 000 km
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
CO2 Emissions
25 g/km
30 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Plug-in Hybrid
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Hybrid
Petrol
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Basic Warranty
7-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty
7 Year / 200 000 km
Warranty
7-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty
7 Year / 200 000 km
Spec
T1 i-DM
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
flagship or capability-focused
Price Zar
689900 ZAR
729900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship
flagship or capability-focused
Starting Price
689900
729900
Starting Price Zar
689900
729900
In depth: how these cars differ
This T1 i-DM and Tiggo 8 PHEV comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: T1 i-DM 41 vs Tiggo 8 PHEV 56.
Efficiency index: T1 i-DM 98 vs Tiggo 8 PHEV 81.
Safety-equipment index: T1 i-DM 93 vs Tiggo 8 PHEV 94.
Practicality index: T1 i-DM 66 vs Tiggo 8 PHEV 70.
Ownership-cover index: T1 i-DM not separately scored vs Tiggo 8 PHEV not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Specification Evidence Index
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Tiggo 8 PHEV leads by 2 points
T1 i-DM and Tiggo 8 PHEV are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Tiggo 8 PHEV
Performance
56/100
Efficiency
81/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
70/100
T1 i-DM
Performance
41/100
Efficiency
98/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
66/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexChery Tiggo 8 PHEV
leads the specification evidence index with 74 pts
vs 72 pts for T1 i-DM
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Tiggo 8 PHEV leads. However, T1 i-DM may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South African models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Compare
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