Chery is turning heads in the global SUV arena, not only with innovation in hybrid powertrains but also with a no-compromise approach to safety. The latest proof? A pair of brutal, real-world crash simulations that put the range-topping Tiggo 9 CSH through some of the most punishing safety tests ever conducted by the brand.
Pitting two full-sized hybrid SUVs against each other in a direct, high-energy collision and subjecting the Tiggo 9 CSH to a high-speed rollover trial, Chery has delivered compelling physical evidence that its flagship model is engineered to withstand—and protect—under the most extreme conditions.
Pushing Passive Safety to Its Limits
In the first of two headline tests, two Tiggo 9 CSH models were driven into each other at 56 km/h, replicating a full-frontal moving collision scenario far more punishing than traditional fixed-barrier crash tests. The kinetic energy generated in this dynamic collision far exceeds standard benchmarks, but the Tiggo 9 CSH’s advanced engineering absorbed the impact with surgical precision.
As designed, the front cabins crumpled to dissipate energy, while key components such as the A- and B-pillars remained uncompromised. All ten airbags—including far-side and knee airbags—deployed instantly, cushioning the dummies inside and preserving critical survival space. The door locks, hazard lights, and emergency systems engaged without delay. Impressively, the fuel and hybrid battery systems suffered no deformation or leakage.
“With Chery Super Hybrid, we’re not just building performance-driven vehicles. We’re engineering safety into every layer of the design,” said Verene Petersen, National Marketing Manager for Chery South Africa. “These extreme tests are our way of proving that Chery safety isn’t just claimed, it’s demonstrated.”
Surviving a Violent Spiral Rollover
The second test saw the Tiggo 9 CSH propelled onto an inclined ramp at 68 km/h, causing a 180-degree spiral rollover followed by a drop of over 1.1 metres—simulating an extreme real-world crash scenario involving both rotation and descent.
Once again, the SUV’s reinforced structure held strong. The A-, B-, and C-pillars withstood the impact, while the “cage-style energy-absorbing space capsule” helped preserve interior integrity. The airbag and seatbelt systems worked in perfect synchrony, while the battery instantly cut off, preventing the risk of short-circuiting or fire. No deformation, no thermal incidents—just proof of readiness for the worst-case scenario.
Rethinking Safety from the Ground Up
Built from 85% high-strength steel—21% of which is hot-formed at 1300 MPa—the Tiggo 9 CSH is a fortress in motion. The B-pillars benefit from TRB (Tailor Rolled Blanks) technology, ensuring submarine-level structural resistance. During collisions, energy is dispersed along two horizontal and three vertical channels, while six additional side-impact buffers work in tandem to minimise cabin intrusion.
Add to this a 2,060 mm side-curtain airbag system with six-second pressure-holding technology, and it’s clear Chery has prioritised both immediate and sustained passenger protection.
On the active safety side, the Tiggo 9 CSH is equipped with an extensive suite of driver-assistance systems, including Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP). And to protect the electrified powertrain, the hybrid battery features IP68 water resistance, a 590 MPa underbody shield, and 24/7 real-time health monitoring.
The Future of Safety-First Hybrid Mobility
The Tiggo 9 CSH’s extreme trials form part of Chery’s wider Global Safety Verification Programme. Under the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) banner, the brand is embarking on a global campaign of “Mission Impossible” tests designed to challenge vehicles under extreme natural and structural conditions—including sand dune flips, upstream river fording, and ice-mountain traversals.
In one such feat, a Tiggo 8 CSH endured a dramatic “vehicle stack” test where seven SUVs were placed vertically on top of one another, exerting nearly 11.5 tons of force on the bottom vehicle. After 72 hours, there was no measurable deformation.
Engineering Confidence with Chery Super Hybrid
Behind these safety milestones lies the Chery Super Hybrid platform—a culmination of three decades of engineering excellence. At its heart is a fifth-generation dedicated hybrid engine achieving an industry-leading thermal efficiency of 44.5%. This is paired with a stepless electric hybrid transmission (DHT), a high-performance battery pack, and a Guardian Battery Safety Protection System.
Together, these systems offer high efficiency, exceptional reliability, and—crucially—benchmark safety, all without compromising the environmental promise of hybrid mobility.
In a world where crash tests often play out behind closed doors, Chery is taking a bold, transparent approach—putting its flagship Tiggo 9 CSH SUV through the ultimate safety gauntlet to prove it can deliver more than just performance and efficiency. It can deliver peace of mind.
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