Europe vs China: Who REALLY makes the best PHEV?

As plug-in hybrid powertrains rise in popularity, and better electric range boosts their functionality, there are more and more surprisingly sensible, good-value options for anyone looking for efficient, modern family motoring.

Here, we pit one of the very newest against a strong established option.

The Chery Tiggo 9 is an awful lot of electrified SUV for not an awful lot of money. Coming in cheaper than the Skoda Kodiaq iV, it’s also larger; has a more powerful powertrain; and twin-motor four-wheel drive.

With more than 400-horsepower, it’s fully three seconds faster-accelerating from rest to 62mph than its European-made opponent; and, thanks to a larger drive battery, it’s also got greater claimed electric-only range and WLTP lab-test fuel efficiency.

Like several other Chinese brands, Chery is out to make a name for itself with cars like the Tiggo 9, which significantly outstrip segment norms in many ways; and, typically, also do it at a bargain price.

So might now be the time to consider a Chinese option for your practical everyday family car? Or would the reality of living with one be rather different than the superiority suggested by the spec sheet?

Matt Saunders puts both Skoda and Chery through a thorough real-world, real-roads, road test comparison to come with a definitive answer.

For more information, see our full reviews on both the Skoda Kodiaq iV and Chery Tiggo 9 at autocar.co.uk