Likely for Australia, the Chery Tiggo V will solve a dilemma for customers unable to choose between a ute and a family SUV.
Chery is due to formally present the production version of the T1TP concept – an SUV which can be converted into a ute – at the Beijing motor show tomorrow, under the Tiggo V badge.
A teaser image of the Tiggo V released by Chery points to styling closely related to the T1TP show car, which used a removable rear roof section and interior panels that allow for six different interior and exterior layouts.
Chery's media release calls the Tiggo V a "core global model," suggesting it may be in line for markets such as Australia, where SUVs and utes are popular.
The Chinese car maker claims the Tiggo V offers "generous cabin space and comfort for families", "advanced in-car technology and connectivity", "capability across a variety of road conditions" and "efficient powertrain performance".
The Tiggo V is expected to be built in a ute shape with a large tray-mounted canopy, plus bold front-end styling with 'CHERY' lettering, daytime running lights and split LED projector headlights.
It has black wheel arches, sills and roof, with the concept riding on alloy wheels with off-road tyres.
Unlike the body-on-frame chassis of Chery's upcoming KP31 plug-in hybrid dual-cab, the Tiggo V is expected to be built on a monocoque platform, known as 'T1X', shared with most of the brand's models.
With "an ingeniously designed quick-release structure", 600 litres of quoted cargo volume can be unlocked when the SUV turns into a ute, based on T1TP specifications, and is fitted with four tie-down points.
In the T1TP, if the canopy was left in 'Camper Mode', owners could fit camping accessories such as awnings, roof-top tents, and rear screens.
The Tiggo V is due to be revealed globally tomorrow, April 24, at the Beijing motor show. Come back to Drive tomorrow for full details.
