Small wonder-The new Chery Tiggo 2 Pro

The sub-P900,000 crossover SUV category is one of the most competitive segments in the auto industry.

- Manny N. De Los Reyes

Not only are there a lot of players, it is also a very price-sensitive category. Not only do you need to offer good looks and a lot of features, you need to offer them all at a compelling price. In other words, you need to be on your A game.

Chery is on its A game with the new heavily revised and updated Tiggo 2 Pro.

As facelifts go, the new P708,000 Tiggo 2 Pro's a rather extensive one. Many facelifts involve only a change in the grille and bumper plus perhaps a few changes or additional features inside the cabin.

But with the new Chery Tiggo 2 Pro, it involves changing the whole front end (grille, bumper, headlights, hood, front fenders). And unlike the usual facelift, the new Tiggo 2 Pro's rear end doesn't just get new taillights, it also gets a completely different tailgate, rear windshield, taillights, bumper, rear spoiler and third brake light.

But more importantly, it offers an interesting insight into this Chinese brand's manufacturing culture: that it's not always about adding a lot of features and undercutting the price of its competitors. It's also about continuously improving the product.