Chery Arrizo 8

Model Overview

The Chery Arrizo 8 is a flagship compact sedan launched in 2022 under Chery Automobile's Arrizo family, serving as the inaugural mass-production model built on Chery's 4.0 technical platform. As a benchmark offering in the domestic brand A+ segment sedan market, the Arrizo 8 has received continuous updates since its launch, evolving into multiple model-year iterations including the 2025 and 2026 versions as of 2026. The 2025 Chery Arrizo 8 is offered in seven trim variants across two powertrain options—1.6T and 2.0T—with prices ranging from RM99,900 to RM148,900. In terms of dimensions, the Arrizo 8 measures 4,780 mm in length, 1,843 mm in width, and 1,469 mm in height, with a 2,790 mm wheelbase that punches well into entry-level B-segment (mid-size) territory among compact saloons. Positioned in the RM100,000 to RM150,000 sporty family sedan market with a "high-performance family saloon" product identity, its core rivals include the Geely Xingrui, Changan UNI-V, Honda Civic, and Lynk & Co 03.

Design Language

The Arrizo 8 adopts an "Audi-esque" design language, offering two distinct front grille treatments depending on the variant: 1.6T models feature an octagonal smoked honeycomb front grille, while high-spec 2.0T variants receive a hexagonal sporty grille flanked by sharp air curtains and a trapezoidal lower air intake, exuding a visual presence akin to German luxury marques. The headlamp assemblies feature integrated LED high-and-low beams, with LED daytime running lights fitted as standard across the range. Along the flanks, a full-length shoulder line merges with a sleek fastback silhouette, leading to full-width LED taillights with an intricate array pattern, whilst range-topping 2.0T variants sport functional quad exhaust tailpipes to accentuate their sporty intent.

The cabin features an asymmetrical wraparound cockpit architecture, with the 2025 model year coming standard with the automotive-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, cutting system boot-up time to roughly two seconds. High-spec models run on the Lion 6.0 operating system, delivering voice command response times of around 0.8 seconds alongside full-domain connectivity and real-time over-the-air navigation updates. Display configurations vary by grade, ranging from a 10.25-inch floating digital instrument cluster paired with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen to a flagship 15.6-inch 2.5K resolution centre display on selected top-tier variants. The interior is trimmed in soft-touch slush-moulded plastics, woodgrain inserts, and contrast leather stitching, complemented by 64-colour ambient lighting, the C-PURE cabin air quality system (with PM2.5 filtration), and an available 12-speaker Sony premium audio system.

Powertrain and Performance

The Arrizo 8 line-up is powered exclusively by Chery's Kunpeng powertrain family, offering two highly efficient turbocharged engines. The 1.6TGDI unit—a "China Heart" Top 10 Engines award recipient—produces 145 kW (197 PS) and 290 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), delivering a WLTC combined fuel consumption of approximately 6.5 L/100 km, highway cruising figures as low as 5.3 L/100 km, and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 8.24 seconds. The 2.0TGDI Kunpeng Power unit develops 187 kW (254 PS) and 390 Nm of peak torque, mated to Chery's in-house Fuzhen 8-speed automatic (8AT) gearbox (early batches utilized a 7DCT) to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in roughly 6.5 seconds (official material claims up to 6.8 seconds), returning a WLTC combined economy of 6.8 L/100 km—a performance envelope on par with high-output 2.0T offerings from mainstream joint-venture marques. The entire engine range runs on RON 92 petrol, effectively reducing long-term running costs. High-spec 2.0T models also offer an optional Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission for enhanced shifting refinement and mechanical dependability.

Chassis and Handling

Under the skin, the Arrizo 8 is equipped with an all-round independent suspension setup comprising front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link layout, comprehensively tuned by Germany's Benteler in collaboration with the Chery-Jaguar Land Rover engineering team. The chassis setup adheres to a "supple yet firmly supportive" philosophy: effectively soaking up road imperfections in urban driving while providing stable body roll control and firm mid-to-late cornering support at high speeds, striking a commendable balance between daily ride comfort and athletic handling. Sharing engineering principles with Jaguar Land Rover, the hydraulic suspension bushings work with front and rear aluminium alloy steering knuckles to reduce road vibrations by 44%, suppress speed bump impacts by 49%, and improve damping efficiency by around 32%. Braking is managed by an Integrated Power Brake (IPB) system with response times 20% to 30% quicker than conventional setups, yielding a tested 100-0 km/h braking distance of approximately 36 metres. Steering is handled by an electric power steering (EPS) rack, wrapped in 225/45 R18 tyres. The car utilizes a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with selectable drive modes including Sport and Eco. Highlighting its chassis capabilities, the Arrizo 8 clinched both the China Cup Overall Championship and the TCS Category Championship at the 2026 CTCC China Touring Car Championship Shanghai leg, validating its road-going performance engineering on the track.

Cockpit and Equipment

The Arrizo 8's smart cockpit has seen continuous enhancements across different model years. The 2025 and earlier models feature a dual 12.3-inch floating curved screen running the Lion 5.0 OS, supporting HMI 5.0, an AI emotional interactive assistant, AR navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Huawei HiCar smartphone connectivity. The 2026 model receives a revised cockpit layout: selected high-spec variants gain a 10.25-inch floating instrument display alongside a 15.6-inch 2.5K centre touchscreen (other variants retain a standalone 12.3-inch touchscreen), powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset across the range for seamless responsiveness. The system supports an extensive suite of connected apps, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, intelligent voice controls (managing climate control, power windows, navigation, and more), as well as smartphone remote vehicle telematics. For creature comforts, the front seats come standard with ventilation, heating, electric lumbar adjustment, and 3D Mesh ergonomic cushioning; other notable additions include a 50W cooled wireless charging pad, a powered boot lid, and a 540° transparent chassis display (360° surround-view camera with a 180° underbody view). Acoustic refinement is bolstered by front double-glazed acoustic glass alongside an available 12-speaker Sony audio system, achieving library-like cabin quietness.

Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

Safety-wise, the Arrizo 8 is engineered to meet global five-star crash test standards, incorporating a high-strength cage body structure where high-strength steel accounts for 80% of the architecture, complemented by 1,500 MPa thermoformed ultra-high-strength steel in critical load-bearing areas. In terms of passive protection, six airbags (dual front, front side, and full-length side curtain airbags) come standard, while higher grades add rear side airbags and a driver's knee airbag to total 10 airbags, providing comprehensive all-round occupant cushioning against multi-angle impacts.

On the active safety front, the Arrizo 8 is fitted with a Level 2.5 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) integrating around 15 intelligent driving functions. Key features include full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (operating from 0-150 km/h), Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Centring Assist, Lane Change Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Collision Warning. The 540° HD camera system (with 180° underbody transparency) significantly aids in navigating tight urban alleys and narrow parking spots. Furthermore, the car is equipped with an Air Quality System (AQS) paired with a CN95-grade cabin filter, which automatically detects outside air pollutants and switches to air recirculation mode.

Market Performance and Verdict

Since its market introduction, the Arrizo 8 has demonstrated resilient and steady sales growth. Official registration figures show the car consistently ranking among the top five best-selling domestic Chinese brand sedans, with average monthly sales hovering between 12,000 and 15,000 units, placing it roughly 10th in the broader compact sedan segment (including joint-venture offerings). In July 2025, monthly sales of the Arrizo 8 family reached 13,110 units, marking seven consecutive months of surpassing the 10,000-unit milestone. Across full-year 2025, despite broader market headwinds, the Arrizo 8 recorded positive year-on-year sales growth, highlighted by a 78.6% year-on-year surge in May. In terms of retail pricing, the Arrizo 8 retails between RM89,900 and RM146,900, with core volume variants achieving on-the-road prices of RM100,000 to RM130,000 following showroom cash rebates of RM5,000 to RM10,000, while maintaining solid resale value compared to segment competitors. Owner feedback has been largely positive regarding the generous rear legroom afforded by the 2,790 mm wheelbase, the brisk sub-7-second century sprint of the 2.0T powertrain, the robust passive safety credentials with 80% high-strength steel and 10 airbags, as well as its superior equipment-to-price ratio against joint-venture rivals in the same price bracket. Criticisms, however, note that the 2.0T's real-world WLTC fuel consumption of 7-8 L/100 km falls short of similarly priced hybrid models; while the dual-screen cabin layout offers strong technological flair, some design homogeneity leaves room for heightened luxury appeal; and isolated user complaints have pointed to steering rack noises and occasional infotainment lag. On balance, backed by its Kunpeng powertrain combinations, four-wheel independent suspension, Level 2.5 ADAS suite, and five-star safety architecture, the Chery Arrizo 8 presents a compelling "Performance + Space + Safety" proposition in the RM100,000 to RM150,000 A+ segment sporty sedan market—making it an attractive choice for young car buyers with a budget between RM100,000 and RM130,000 who demand driving dynamics without compromising everyday family practicalities.