South African rugby player Edwill van der Merwe recently scored a try for the Springboks in their 42-38 defeat against Australia in Perth. The winger made his Test debut against Wales in 2024 and has built a reputation for his pace and finishing skills in the Springbok backline. Van der Merwe's performance in the match against Australia showcased his talent, as he crossed for the Boks' second try. Despite his team's loss, Van der Merwe's display was a highlight of the game.
Van der Merwe's path to Test rugby was not straightforward. He came through the South African domestic system and made his name with the Lions, where his pace and finishing quickly set him apart as one of the country's most exciting backline talents. His displays earned him a call-up to the national side, and he has continued to feature in the team's plans, competing for a starting berth in one of the most competitive backlines in world rugby.
Off the pitch, Van der Merwe has partnered with Chery South Africa, and the vehicle most closely linked to him is the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV, a plug-in hybrid SUV. The Tiggo 7 PHEV pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of up to 265kW. Its 18.3kWh battery offers up to 93km of pure electric driving range, making it well-suited for daily commutes.
The Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV has a range of up to 1,200km on a full tank and fully charged battery. The model also supports DC fast charging, with the battery going from 30% to 80% in roughly 19 minutes using a 40kW charger. The SUV stretches 4.553 metres in length, 1.862 metres in width and stands 1.696 metres tall, offering generous storage space and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
In South Africa, the standard variant of the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV is priced from R619,900, while the higher-specification Ultra trim comes in at R679,900. This positions the Tiggo 7 PHEV firmly in the premium SUV space. Van der Merwe's partnership with Chery reflects the lifestyle of a player steadily cementing his place at the highest level of the game, both on and off the field.
Van der Merwe's association with the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV highlights his growing profile as a rugby player. As he continues to feature in the Springboks' plans, his partnership with Chery South Africa demonstrates his appeal to major brands. The Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV is a vehicle that blends performance with everyday practicality, making it a suitable choice for a player like Van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe's career has been on the rise since his Test debut in 2024. He has become a key player in the Springboks' backline, known for his pace and finishing skills. His partnership with Chery South Africa is a testament to his growing status as a rugby star.
Key points
- Edwill van der Merwe partners with Chery South Africa for the Tiggo 7 PHEV.
- The Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV has a range of up to 1,200km on a full tank and fully charged battery.
- Van der Merwe made his Test debut for the Springboks against Wales in 2024.
