and eco-friendly vehicles. Among the latest innovations are Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) — cars that combine traditional petrol engines with electric power to reduce fuel consumption, cut emissions, and give drivers greater flexibility in everyday use. Several PHEVs are currently locally assembled and available in Pakistan, including the powerful Tiggo 9 PHEV from Chery, the well-established MG HS PHEV, the capable Haval H6 PHEV, and emerging alternatives like the Dongfeng Forthing Friday (a range-extended hybrid).
This article explains why the Tiggo 9 PHEV stands out in the local market by comparing its performance, technology, range, comfort, safety, and value against its key rivals.
Can PHEVs be the Future in Pakistan!
Pakistan’s rising fuel costs, developing charging infrastructure, and evolving government policies on hybrid vehicles have made PHEVs increasingly attractive. PHEVs allow daily commuters to run on electric power for short city trips — reducing petrol costs — while retaining a petrol engine for long highway journeys. This removes “range anxiety” that pure electric cars still face due to limited charging stations. Because PHEVs are now assembled locally by several groups, buyers benefit from lower pricing, better after-sales support, and easier parts availability, compared with fully imported models.
Meet the Key Players
An overview of the main PHEVs currently assembled or launching in Pakistan:
1. Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV
- Flagship luxury PHEV from Chery Pakistan, locally assembled.
- Triple motor + 1.5 L turbo powertrain with high performance & range.
- Premium interior design and advanced technology.
2. MG HS PHEV
- One of the first locally assembled PHEVs in Pakistan.
- Focus on balance of fuel efficiency and city driving usability.
- Affordable entry point into hybrid SUV ownership.
3. Haval H6 PHEV
- A larger and more powerful hybrid SUV from GWM’s local assembly line.
- Emphasizes dynamic performance and comprehensive ADAS features.
4. Dongfeng Forthing Friday (Not a traditional PHEV but a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle)
- Uses a petrol generator to recharge the battery, delivering extended range while running fully on electric drive.
- A newer entrant, still building its service and parts support locally.
Market Trust & Local Investment
One important factor in choosing any vehicle is confidence in the brand and its support network in Pakistan. Local assembly plants and distributors play a major role in this:
- Chery Pakistan (Master Motors) has invested heavily in local assembly and dealer support, making PHEVs like Tiggo models more cost-effective and easier to maintain.
- MG Pakistan pioneered locally assembled PHEVs here and drew attention for making hybrid tech more affordable.
- Sazgar Engineering Works, in partnership with GWM, assembled the H6 PHEV and expanded it to AWD variants.
- Dongfeng’s Friday platform, though promising, is newer and its local service infrastructure is still forming.
In practical terms, local assembly often means shorter wait times, lower final prices (after taxes and duties), and better parts availability — important factors for long-term ownership.
Why Tiggo 9 PHEV Should Be Your Top Choice
With the basic comparison in mind, here are the key reasons the Tiggo 9 PHEV edges ahead of its competitors:
1. Best-in-Class Electric Range
The Tiggo 9’s claimed pure electric range (~145 km WLTP) is significantly higher than most rivals, including the MG HS and H6 PHEV. For many buyers, this means daily city driving without using petrol at all — reducing fuel costs and emissions.
This range is especially valuable in Pakistan where public charging stations are limited; users can rely on home charging and use fuel only for long trips.
2. Exceptional Combined Range for Road Trips
Tiggo 9 PHEV’s combined range — nearly 1,200 – 1,400 km — makes it ideal for not just city driving but also long road trips across the country without frequent refueling. This stretches far ahead of many competitors currently available locally.
3. Superior Power and Performance
With 610 hp and 920 Nm, Tiggo 9 PHEV is one of the most powerful hybrid SUVs in Pakistan’s lineup. This level of output gives drivers confident overtaking performance, robust highway cruising, and strong towing ability — all without compromising comfort.
4. Comprehensive Safety & Tech Suite
Safety remains paramount, and Tiggo 9 PHEV comes packed with advanced ADAS features, 10 airbags, 360-degree cameras, autonomous parking assist, and more — exceeding the basic ADAS packages found on some rivals.
Moreover, modern infotainment and connectivity options enhance daily usability, making it more enjoyable for both driver and passengers.
5. Luxury Comfort for Families
Unlike many five-seater ICE & PHEVs, Tiggo 9 PHEV is a true 7-seater, making it perfect for larger families, group travel, and weekend trips. Premium features such as massaging seats, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seating, and 14 Sony speakers premium audio place it at the top of its class in terms of comfort.
Is the Higher Price Worth It?
It’s true that the Tiggo 9 PHEV sits in a higher price bracket than some competitors like the MG HS PHEV. However, given its performance, range, features, safety, and practicality, it offers value that extends far beyond its price — especially for buyers who plan to use the SUV as a daily family vehicle and a long-range traveler.
In many ways, the extra investment translates to long-term savings: less petrol consumption, better safety, and fewer compromises on comfort and tech.
Conclusion
The plug-in hybrid market in Pakistan is finally becoming mature, with choices spanning affordable entries to premium offerings. Amid this transformation, the **Tiggo 9 PHEV emerges as a clear leader for those seeking a versatile, powerful, and future-ready SUV. Its strong electric range, long combined driving range, advanced technology, and family-oriented features make it the most complete PHEV on offer locally.
While models like MG HS PHEV and Haval H6 PHEV offer excellent value or strong performance in their own rights, the Tiggo 9 combines the best of all worlds — performance, comfort, technology, and practicality — making it an ideal choice for Pakistani customers who want more from their next SUV purchase.
A rough Comparison of Tiggo 9 vs local Rivals
(Specs summarized and averaged from multiple sources — official figures may vary by model and variant.)
This exclusive article has been published in Automark Magazine’s March-2026 printed and digital edition. Written by Aqeel Bashir