Chery Tiggo 9 Survives 15° Small-Overlap Collision Test in China — Longshan Demo Showcases Full Airbag Deployment and Intact Cabin
As part of its Chery Ultimate Safety Exploration Tour, Chery staged a live 15-degree small-overlap collision between two TIGGO 9 SUVs at the Longshan Test Centre, demonstrating what the brand says is the model’s structural integrity and post-crash safety systems in front of more than 500 guests and media representatives.The on-site demonstration accelerated both TIGGO 9 vehicles to 50 km/h each before impact — a combined collision energy deliberately chosen to mirror real-world urban and suburban crashes and equivalent to a single vehicle striking a solid barrier at approximately 100 km/h.
The 15-degree small-overlap scenario is widely regarded as one of the most severe crash situations because the impact bypasses main front longitudinal beams and targets weaker structural areas, generating extreme compression, bending and torsional forces.
Key Outcomes from the Live Test
Reports from the live collision confirmed the passenger cabins of both TIGGO 9 vehicles remained completely intact, with no deformation in the A, B or C-pillars.
All front airbags — including knee airbags and side curtain airbags — deployed correctly and seatbelt pre-tensioners activated instantly, providing occupant protection.The fuel system held securely with no leakage and all four doors could be opened immediately after impact, allowing rescue personnel swift access.
Automatically activated hazard lights warned surrounding traffic, reducing the risk of secondary collisions.
Chery highlighted that the live demonstration wasn’t just about showing structural rigidity.
Xu Youzhong, Chief Engineer of Chery Automobile Co., Ltd, explained the broader intent: “From the collision angle, the front beams alone could not absorb all the impact. The test was therefore not just a measure of the vehicle’s structural strength, but a full evaluation of Chery’s ability to manage crash forces, coordinate restraint systems, and ensure post-collision safety and rescue functions.”
The on-site crash at Longshan capped a series of experiential safety demonstrations under Chery’s Ultimate Safety Exploration Tour. By combining standardized laboratory testing with extreme real-world challenges, Chery says it is building a multidimensional validation framework to reflect how vehicles behave under unpredictable conditions. The initiative reinforces the brand’s stated philosophy of “Safety, for Family,” where each development aims to protect lives.
Crash tests aren’t a thrill show — they’re for peace of mind. If the Tiggo 9 performs like this off the track, that’s something worth taking seriously (and maybe shouting about at the next family road trip).
