Chery Arrizo 8 2025 1.6TGDI Vehicle Profile: Best Value Compact Sedan with 197hp and Class-Leading Rear Space
1. Verdict: Three Highlights and Three Caveats
Three Highlights
1. A 1.6T engine that leads its class and approaches 2.0T output The Excellence Edition runs a 1.6TGDI engine producing 197hp and 290N·m, with a maximum net output of 136kW (186PS), paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Its output sits at the front of the pack among compact sedans in the RMB 100,000 bracket.
2. A 4.78m body with a 2.79m wheelbase, punching above its class on space The 4780mm length and 2790mm wheelbase come close to some midsize sedans, delivering rear legroom that is among the most generous in its price band. Family usability is a clear strength.
3. Lifetime vehicle warranty for long-term peace of mind The Arrizo 8 offers a lifetime vehicle warranty (exclusions per official terms). Against the usual 3-year or 100,000km coverage at this price, it adds clear long-term certainty.
Three Caveats
1. 6.5L WLTC consumption is the highest of the four Its WLTC combined figure of 6.5L/100km is the highest in this comparison, so daily fuel spending runs slightly above the Eado and Jetta VA7.
2. 60,000km maintenance costs are on the high side Over a 60,000km cycle, cumulative maintenance is estimated at around CNY 7,363, well above the Eado's CNY 1,792 and close to the Aeolus Yixuan's CNY 7,396. Long-term servicing costs deserve early consideration.
3. Active safety stays at the basics ABS, EBD, brake assist and stability control are standard, but blind spot assist, lane keep assist and lane centring are not offered on this trim, leaving a gap against the Eado's L2 specification.
2. Model Overview
1. Market position — The Arrizo 8 is Chery's mainstay in the compact sedan market and one of the largest and most highly positioned models in its sedan line-up. As a flagship domestic product in the RMB 100,000 sedan segment, it leans on Chery's long-standing engine expertise and focuses on a combination of generous space, strong performance and rich equipment, differentiating itself from joint-venture rivals at the same price.
2. Powertrain lineup and recommended trim — The 2025 model on sale offers 1.6TGDI and 2.0TGDI powertrains, with the 1.6TGDI DCT Excellence Edition being the best-balanced entry choice.
3. Exterior design — In design terms, the Arrizo 8 uses a fastback three-box shape with flowing lines, a full-width light bar and a large grille, giving it a younger, sportier character than the more conservative joint-venture alternatives. At 4780mm long and 1843mm wide it sits at the larger end of its class, visually approaching a midsize sedan.
4. Interior design — The interior is built around horizontal lines and a large central screen, with a 10.25-inch display plus a full digital cluster creating a tech-forward feel that contrasts sharply with the Jetta VA7's traditional layout.
5. Positioning and target buyers — In positioning, the Arrizo 8 targets families with a budget around RMB 100,000 who want both space and performance, while also appealing to younger buyers who value equipment. As the entry trim, the Excellence Edition keeps the core 1.6T high-output engine, making the price of entry relatively accessible.
You can explore the exterior and interior design of this model in the following video: https://youtu.be/zDVHKjlBxSQ
3. Basic Specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Arrizo 8 2025 1.6TGDI DCT Excellence Edition |
| Manufacturer | Chery Automobile |
| Class | Compact sedan |
| Powertrain type | Petrol |
| Engine | 1.6T turbocharged inline four (SQRF4J16C), 197hp |
| Max power | 145kW (197PS) / 5500rpm |
| Max net power | 136kW (186PS) |
| Max torque | 290N·m / 2000-4000rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed wet dual-clutch |
| WLTC combined fuel consumption | 6.5L/100km |
| Body dimensions | 4780 x 1843 x 1469mm |
| Wheelbase | 2790mm |
| Seating | 5 |
| Fuel tank | 55.0L |
| Top speed | 205km/h |
| Kerb weight | 1428kg |
| Gross weight | 1853kg |
| Minimum ground clearance | 120mm |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.5m |
Maintenance and manufacturer service
1. Warranty — The Arrizo 8 offers a lifetime vehicle warranty (exclusions per official terms), a policy rarely seen at this price point and a genuine plus for long-term owners.
2. Maintenance cost — Over a 60,000km cycle, cumulative maintenance is estimated at around CNY 7,363, mid-to-upper among the four cars compared here.
3. Service network — Chery's dealer network is extensive, so parts supply and repair access are well covered.
Incentive policies (source: IEA Global EV Policy Explorer)
| Country / Region | Policy direction for petrol and low-emission vehicles | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Purchase credits focused on electric vehicles | Conventional petrol compact sedans receive essentially no purchase subsidy |
| Germany | Purchase subsidies and tax benefits for electric vehicles | No direct purchase subsidy for petrol cars |
| France | Subsidies focused on battery-electric and low-emission vehicles | Not applicable to petrol cars |
| Thailand | Excise duty incentives for electric vehicles | Petrol cars are taxed by engine displacement |
4. Ownership Costs and Service
1. Warranty and maintenance — The Arrizo 8 carries a lifetime vehicle warranty (exclusions per official terms), a rare policy at this price and one with real value for long-term owners. Over a 60,000km cycle, cumulative maintenance is estimated at around CNY 7,363, above the Eado's CNY 1,792 and close to the Aeolus Yixuan's CNY 7,396, so long-term servicing costs should be factored in early.
2. Fuel cost — On fuel, the Arrizo 8 requires 92-octane petrol and has a WLTC combined figure of 6.5L/100km, the highest of the four cars compared. Assuming 20,000km a year, annual fuel spending is mid-to-upper among compact petrol sedans, depending on route and driving style.
3. Incentives and acquisition cost — On incentives, this is a petrol model, so most markets do not support it through purchase subsidies. Acquisition cost is driven mainly by limited-time manufacturer discounts, finance programmes and trade-in allowances.
5. Competitor Comparison
In the RMB 100,000 compact sedan market, the cars most often cross-shopped against the Arrizo 8 are the Eado, the Jetta VA7 and the Aeolus Yixuan. Each makes a different trade-off:
1. Output — The Arrizo 8's 1.6T produces 197hp and 290N·m with net output of 136kW (186PS), ahead of the Eado's 192hp and 310N·m (net 136kW/185PS), the Jetta VA7's 150hp and 250N·m, and the Yixuan's 125hp and 158N·m. The Arrizo 8 is the strongest overall performer of the four.
2. Transmission — The Arrizo 8, Eado and Yixuan all use wet dual-clutch units (7-speed for the first two, 6-speed for the Yixuan), while the Jetta VA7 uses a 7-speed dry dual-clutch. The structural difference affects long-term reliability and low-speed smoothness.
3. Space — The Arrizo 8 leads across the board with a 4780mm length, 1843mm width and 2790mm wheelbase. The Eado and Jetta VA7 are close on length but 25mm and 59mm shorter on wheelbase respectively, while the Yixuan trails at 4670mm and 2680mm. The Arrizo 8's rear-space advantage is the most obvious.
4. Fuel economy — The Jetta VA7 is lowest at 5.87L/100km WLTC, followed by the Yixuan at 6.24L and the Eado at 6.29L, while the Arrizo 8's 6.5L is the highest of the four, buying the strongest performance in return.
5. Equipment — The Arrizo 8 offers a 10.25-inch centre screen with a full digital cluster, smart remote key and lifetime warranty; the Eado adds a power panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, L2 driver assistance and a 14.6-inch display for the richest smart specification; the Jetta VA7 and Yixuan are comparatively basic, with the Yixuan lacking front side airbags and head curtains.
Specification Comparison Table (Part 1)
| Item | Arrizo 8 2025 1.6TGDI DCT Excellence | Eado 2026 4th Gen 1.5T DCT 500Bar Smart Enjoy | Jetta VA7 2026 1.4T Auto All-Round | Aeolus Yixuan 2025 1.5L Auto Excellence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Chery Automobile | Changan Automobile | FAW-Volkswagen Jetta | Dongfeng Passenger Vehicle |
| Class | Compact sedan | Compact sedan | Compact sedan | Compact sedan |
| Energy type | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| Dimensions L x W x H | 4780 x 1843 x 1469mm | 4785 x 1840 x 1450mm | 4773 x 1789 x 1469mm | 4670 x 1812 x 1490mm |
| Body style | 4-door 5-seat sedan | 4-door 5-seat sedan | 4-door 5-seat sedan | 4-door 5-seat sedan |
| Top speed | 205km/h | 210km/h | 200km/h | 180km/h |
| 0-100km/h | — | 8s | 9.2s | — |
| NEDC combined | — | — | — | 5.93L/100km |
| WLTC combined | 6.5L/100km | 6.29L/100km | 5.87L/100km | 6.24L/100km |
| Vehicle warranty | 3 years / 100,000km | 3 years / 100,000km | 3 years / 100,000km | 3 years / 100,000km |
| Extended coverage | Lifetime vehicle warranty (exclusions per official terms) | — | 10 years unlimited mileage (exclusions per official terms) | — |
| 60,000km maintenance estimate | CNY 7,363 | CNY 1,792 | — | CNY 7,396 |
| Length | 4780mm | 4785mm | 4773mm | 4670mm |
| Width | 1843mm | 1840mm | 1789mm | 1812mm |
| Height | 1469mm | 1450mm | 1469mm | 1490mm |
| Wheelbase | 2790mm | 2765mm | 2731mm | 2680mm |
| Front track | 1590mm | 1575mm | 1543mm | 1553mm |
| Rear track | 1580mm | 1585mm | 1546mm | 1553mm |
| Ground clearance | 120mm | 122mm | 113mm | 120mm |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Door type | Conventional | Conventional | Conventional | Conventional |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Kerb weight | 1428kg | 1350kg | 1361kg | 1232kg |
| Gross weight | 1853kg | 1750kg | 1830kg | 1631kg |
| Fuel tank | 55.0L | 51.0L | 51.0L | 50.0L |
| Boot volume | — | 520-1250L | 553L | 454L |
| Turning radius | 5.5m | 5.68m | 5.5m | 5.75m |
| Drag coefficient | — | 0.27 | — | — |
| Engine code | SQRF4J16C | JL473ZQD | DLE | DFMC15DR |
| Displacement | 1598mL / 1.6L | 1494mL / 1.5L | 1395mL / 1.4L | 1496mL / 1.5L |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged | Turbocharged | Naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder layout | L4 | L4 | L4 | L4 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Compression ratio | 9.9 | — | — | 12 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC | DOHC | DOHC | DOHC |
| Max horsepower | 197PS | 192PS | 150PS | 125PS |
| Max power | 145kW | 141kW | 110kW | 92kW |
| Max net power | 136kW (186PS) | 136kW (185PS) | 110kW (150PS) | 86kW (117PS) |
| Max power rpm | 5500rpm | 5500rpm | 5000-6000rpm | 6000rpm |
| Max torque | 290N·m | 310N·m | 250N·m | 158N·m |
| Max torque rpm | 2000-4000rpm | 1500-4000rpm | 1750-3000rpm | 4500rpm |
| Engine technology | — | 500Bar ultra-high-pressure direct injection | — | — |
| Fuel grade | 92 octane | 92 octane | 92 octane | 92 octane |
| Fuel delivery | Direct injection | Direct injection | Direct injection | Direct injection |
| Cylinder head | Aluminium | Aluminium | Aluminium | Aluminium |
| Cylinder block | Aluminium | Aluminium | Aluminium | Aluminium |
| Emissions standard | China VI | China VI | China VIb | China VIb |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT | 7-speed DCT | 7-speed DCT | 6-speed DCT |
| Gears | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| Transmission type | Wet dual-clutch (DCT) | Wet dual-clutch (DCT) | Dry dual-clutch (DCT) | Wet dual-clutch (DCT) |
| Drive | Front-engine FWD | Front-engine FWD | Front-engine FWD | Front-engine FWD |
| Front suspension | MacPherson independent | MacPherson independent | MacPherson independent | MacPherson independent |
| Rear suspension | Multi-link independent | Multi-link independent | Trailing arm non-independent | Torsion beam non-independent |
| Steering | Electric assist | Electric assist | Electric assist | Electric assist |
| Body structure | Unibody | Unibody | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front brakes | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc |
| Rear brakes | Solid disc | Solid disc | Solid disc | Solid disc |
| Parking brake | Electronic | Electronic | Electronic | Electronic |
| Front tyres | 225/45 R18 | 225/45 R18 | 205/55 R17 | 205/55 R16 |
| Rear tyres | 225/45 R18 | 225/45 R18 | 205/55 R17 | 205/55 R16 |
| Spare tyre | Space-saver | Space-saver | Space-saver | Space-saver |
Specification Comparison Table (Part 2)
| Item | Arrizo 8 2025 1.6TGDI DCT Excellence | Eado 2026 4th Gen 1.5T DCT 500Bar Smart Enjoy | Jetta VA7 2026 1.4T Auto All-Round | Aeolus Yixuan 2025 1.5L Auto Excellence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| EBD | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Brake assist | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Traction control | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Forward collision warning | — | Standard | — | — |
| Rear cross traffic alert | — | Standard | — | — |
| Rear collision warning | — | Standard | — | — |
| DOW door open warning | — | Standard | — | — |
| Autonomous braking | — | Standard | — | — |
| Blind spot assist | — | Standard | — | — |
| Lane keep assist | — | Standard | — | — |
| Lane centring | — | Standard | — | — |
| Driver airbag | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Passenger airbag | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Front side airbags | Standard | Standard | Standard | — |
| Front / rear head curtains | Standard | Standard | Standard | — |
| Front knee airbag | — | — | — | — |
| Seatbelt reminder | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Tyre pressure monitor | Warning | Display | Warning | Warning |
| ISOFIX child seat mounts | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Camera system | Rear camera | 360-degree + transparent view | Rear camera | Rear camera |
| Cruise control | Fixed speed | Fixed / adaptive / full-speed adaptive | Fixed speed | Fixed speed |
| Assist level | — | L2 | — | — |
| Auto hold | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Hill start assist | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Hill descent control | — | Standard | — | — |
| Start-stop | Standard | — | Standard | — |
| Drive modes | Sport / ECO / Comfort | Sport / ECO / Comfort | — | ECO / Comfort |
| Sunroof | — | Power panoramic | — | — |
| Steering wheel material | Leather | Leather | Leather | — |
| Steering wheel adjustment | Tilt and reach / multifunction | Tilt and reach / multifunction | Tilt and reach / multifunction | Tilt and reach / multifunction |
| Gear selector | Electronic lever | Electronic lever | Mechanical lever | Mechanical lever |
| Digital cluster | Full LCD 10.25-inch | Full LCD 10.25-inch | Full LCD | 12.3-inch |
| Centre screen | 10.25-inch | 14.6-inch (LCD, 1920x1080) | 10.1-inch | 13-inch |
| Smart remote key | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Keyless entry | Driver side | Front row | Front row | Driver side |
| Keyless start | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Remote vehicle movement | — | Standard | — | — |
| Wireless charging | — | Standard (front row 50W) | — | — |
| Built-in ETC | Optional (CNY 500) | — | — | — |
| Navigation | Standard | Standard | — | Standard |
| Roadside assistance | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Phone mirroring | CarPlay / HUAWEI HiCar | CarPlay / HUAWEI HiCar / CarLink | Factory system | Factory system |
| Connected services | Standard | Standard | — | Standard |
| 4G/5G | 4G | 4G | — | 4G |
| OTA updates | Standard | Standard | — | Standard |
| Voice control | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Wake-word free voice | — | Standard | — | Standard |
| Voice zone recognition | Single zone | Dual zone | — | Dual zone |
| Continuous voice recognition | — | Standard | — | Standard |
| Voice wake word | — | Hello Changan | — | Hello Aeolus |
| Wi-Fi hotspot | Standard | Standard | — | — |
| Seat material | Leatherette | Leatherette | Leatherette | Leatherette |
| Power seat adjustment | Driver | Driver | — | Driver |
| Driver seat adjustment | Slide / recline / height | Slide / recline / height | Slide / recline / height | Slide / recline / height |
| Driver seat local adjustment | Headrest | — | Headrest | — |
| Armrests | Front / rear | Front / rear | Front / — | Front / — |
| Rear seat fold | Whole bench | 40:60 | 40:60 | — |
| USB / Type-C ports | 2 front / 1 rear | 1 front / 1 rear | 2 front | 1 front / 1 rear |
| USB / Type-C max charging | — | Front 15W | — | — |
| Speakers | 6 | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| Low beam | LED | LED | LED | LED |
Summary — The Arrizo 8 1.6TGDI Excellence Edition's core appeal is the combination of above-class space, class-leading output and a lifetime warranty. It suits family buyers who rank rear space and engine response first and can accept slightly higher fuel and maintenance costs. If smart driver assistance and consumption matter more, the Eado's fourth generation leads on L2 assistance and a 6.29L WLTC figure. If running costs are the priority, the Jetta VA7's 5.87L WLTC figure and 10-year unlimited mileage warranty are the easier proposition. The Yixuan is the cheapest and most basic choice of the four. The deciding factor is the order in which a buyer ranks space, power, fuel economy and equipment.
6. Real-World Test Notes
Strengths
1. Strong 1.6T output — The 1.6TGDI engine produces 197hp and 290N·m, holding peak torque across a broad 2000-4000rpm band, giving ample reserve for city overtaking and highway merging (source: automotive media reviews and owner feedback).
2. Above-class space — The combination of a 4780mm length, 1843mm width and 2790mm wheelbase brings rear legroom close to some midsize sedans, and the boot handles family travel needs comfortably (source: automotive media reviews).
3. Lifetime warranty adds long-term certainty — A lifetime vehicle warranty is rare at this price and a genuine plus for long-term owners, also lending some support to residual values (source: official policy).
Areas to improve
1. Highest WLTC consumption of the four — At 6.5L/100km, its WLTC figure exceeds the Eado's 6.29L, the Yixuan's 6.24L and the Jetta VA7's 5.87L, meaning slightly higher daily fuel spending (source: official specifications).
2. 60,000km maintenance costs are high — Over a 60,000km cycle, cumulative maintenance is estimated at around CNY 7,363, well above the Eado's CNY 1,792 and worth budgeting for in advance (source: ownership cost data).
3. No L2 driver assistance on this trim — The Excellence Edition offers only fixed-speed cruise and a rear camera, missing blind spot assist, lane keep assist and full-speed adaptive cruise, a clear gap against the Eado at a similar price (source: specification comparison).
Test scenarios
1. City combined consumption — In mixed city and expressway conditions the 1.6T returns around 7 to 8L/100km, rising further in congestion (source: automotive media measurements).
2. Highway cruise consumption — At a steady highway cruise consumption drops to between 5.5 and 6L/100km, close to the WLTC combined figure (source: media test drives and owner measurements).
7. Owner Feedback
Positive 1: Responsive power Summary: Owners consistently praise the 1.6T output, saying it pulls away briskly and overtakes with confidence.
- "The 1.6T is more than enough day to day. It pulls away briskly and highway overtaking is effortless."
- "Throttle response is quick and the gearbox shifts eagerly. It feels punchier than joint-venture cars at the same price."
Positive 2: Generous space Summary: Rear legroom and boot capacity are the most frequently praised strengths.
- "The rear space really is huge. You can cross your legs back there, and it is comfortable for the whole family."
- "The body size is close to a midsize car, and three adults fit in the back without feeling squeezed."
Positive 3: Strong value on equipment Summary: Equipment breadth for the price draws frequent praise.
- "For just over 100,000 yuan you get this much equipment, a full digital cluster and a big screen. The value is genuinely high."
- "The lifetime warranty is a big plus. It gives you peace of mind."
Negative 1: High fuel consumption Summary: City consumption is the most commonly raised shortcoming.
- "In the city it uses seven to eight litres, a bit more than the official figure suggests."
- "In traffic it can go above eight litres, so daily commuting is not cheap."
Negative 2: Occasional low-speed transmission hesitation Summary: Dual-clutch smoothness when following traffic slowly is a frequent complaint.
- "At low speed following traffic it is occasionally a bit jerky. You get used to it."
- "When the engine is cold the hesitation at low speed is more noticeable."
8. References
- Global Petrol Prices (2025). World Average Electricity Prices, USD / kWh. Retrieved from https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/electricity_prices/
- IEA. Global EV Policy Explorer. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-tools/global-ev-policy-explorer
- Chery Automobile. Arrizo 8 model page and specifications. Retrieved from https://www.chery.cn/
- Autohome. Arrizo 8 2025 1.6TGDI ownership cost breakdown. Retrieved from https://www.autohome.com.cn/
- Yiche. Arrizo 8 1.6TGDI test drive report. Retrieved from https://car.yiche.com/
