CHERY TIGGO 7 PRO FROM $29,990

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is a five-seat, mid-sized SUV targeting big names such as the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan X-Trail, although newer value-focused propositions such as the GWM Haval H6 and MG HS are also in its sights.

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Priced from $29,990 for the front-drive SE, the Tiggo 7's main attraction is a standard equipment list that beats more expensive players, although its range no longer offers all-wheel drive.

There's 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, faux leather trim, six-way powered driver seat, and dual curved 12.3-inch screens incorporating wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

You can select between three very different layouts that change the look markedly, although in any mode there's the occasional frustration; adjust the air flow, for example, and the AC display temporarily takes over the screen.

We also had Apple CarPlay fail to activate sometimes, forcing a dive into the menus to reconnect it manually. Digital radio is missing, too.

The SE+ ($33,990) adds hated front seats with a powered front passenger sear, power-folding exterior mirrors, powered tailgate, wireless phone charging, 360-degree camera and a panoramic sunroof with powered sunshade.

The SE+ also offers a black painted exterior roof option not available on the entry-level SE.

The front seats have fixed headrests for a sporty look and back it up with support in the right places.

Those in the rear get great headroom and foot space, so even adults will have little to whinge about. There are air vents and a single USB-C for gadgets.