China’s big gun exporter sees Tiggo 4 working for Kiwis.

CHERY’S second tilt at breaking into the new car market will steer clear of clashing with two satellite brands already here.

The bid starts in July with the Tiggo 4, a 108kW/210Nm 1.5-litre petrol compact sports utility in Urban (pictured) and Ultimate trims that conceivably sites as a alternate to the similarly-sized Mitsubishi ASX, which also aims at budget-minded buyers.

Chery is one of China’s biggest car brands and the most active as an exporter - but it’s global ambitions are multi-pronged and led by two makes it created just a couple of years ago, Omoda and Jaecoo.

They are already here but with a New Zealand distributor; Chery, on the other hand, is a factory operation, spanning this country and Australia.

The Tiggo 4 isn’t replicated by Omoda or Jaecoo, but a clash seem inevitable as other incoming models hinted at are comparable.

Chery says it will prioritise product with a Super Hybrid self-involved petrol-electric drivetrain that has become important to Jaecoo, with the latest J7 sports utility about to release with it. It also has product using the same drivetrains and platforms represented by Omoda.

Chery has still to say how much the Tiggo 4 will cost, a spokesman today saying “we are still in the process of finalising price, but will reveal it closer to the vehicle’s launch.”

In Australia where it has availed for six months, the type sells as a value proposition, with the Urban holding a drive away price of just under $27,000 ($A25k).

The car has seven airbags and driver assistance features. Dual 10.25-inch LCD displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and ‘Hello Chery’ intelligent voice command feature. The Ultimate has a 360 degree reversing camera, artificial leather seats, colour-selectable ambient lighting, and a 15W wireless phone charger.

“We’re excited to bring the Tiggo 4 to New Zealand – a smart, stylish SUV that has already proven its value in Australia,” said Lucas Harris, who identifies as chief operating officer for Chery in NZ and Australia.

“Withmodern features, outstanding ownership benefits and an unbeatable value proposition, the Tiggo 4 will hit the mark for Kiwi families and first-time SUV buyers alike.”

Chery will have 10 national outlets, all but one i the North Island.

This is the second time around for Chery. It was directly active in NZ between 2011-2014 and specialised in two low-priced vehicles, the J3 hatchback and J11 small sports utility. Those cars were imported and distributed by Ateco Automotive.

The venture ended badly with poor sales and discontent about quality and support of the J3 and J11 models that it no longer builds.

Chery’s new operation has said the quality of product has improved massively since those days, but has also move to point out the Tiggo 4 is backed by a seven year unlimited kilometre warranty, seven year capped price servicing and up to seven years of roadside assistance.

When asked in April about how Chery will cope with any potential residual negative sentiments about its brand, a spokesman said: “This will be a very different Chery from what New Zealanders have previously experienced and being a factory-backed effort demonstrates how serious the brand is about this market.”