TENET T4 – A review of the new crossover from the Kaluga plant

In recent years, the Russian automotive market has seen things happening that would have seemed unimaginable just five years ago. The plant that recently churned out Volkswagen Tiguans and Skoda Rapids is now producing crossovers bearing a logo most of us first heard of in 2025. The name— TENET. Model - T4The platform is incredibly familiar, as under the hood lies the well-tested Chery Tiggo 4, but with a few caveats that make this story interesting.

Let's figure out what this beast is, how it differs from "just Chinese", what's worth paying for, and where it's better to save nerves, money and time.

Where did TENET come from and what does Volkswagen have to do with it?

To understand what TENET is, we need to rewind a bit. In 2023, the German concern Volkswagen finally closed its operations in Russia and sold its Kaluga assets to Art-Finance, the company from which it later emerged. AGR-holdingThe site stood idle, the conveyor belt was silent, and the city of Kaluga, accustomed to the rhythm of automobile traffic, awaited news.

The news came in February 2025. New brand, acronym Take Every New Experience Together "Together to new achievements." It sounds, frankly, corporate, but the essence is simple: AGR in partnership with a Chinese company. Defetoo (which, to put it mildly, is closely linked to Chery) is launching mass production of crossovers on Russian soil. Not a large-unit assembly from a "construction kit," but full cycle — welding, painting, assembly.

Kaluga Plant – from Tiguan to T4

The Kaluga plant is a serious business. When Volkswagen operated there, the production lines were built to German standards: robotic welding, multi-stage body geometry inspection, and cataphoretic priming. The Germans' departure didn't mean this equipment disappeared. The assembly line was adapted, but the basic infrastructure remained.

By November 2025, the plant had already produced 30,000 TENET vehicles — a pretty healthy figure for a new brand. The lineup includes three crossovers: T4, T7 and T8, but the T4 is the most widely available and most affordable. I'll examine it in more detail.

How does the T4 differ from the "regular" Chery Tiggo 4?

The question everyone asks is: "Are you sure this isn't a Chery with a broken badge?" The answer is: visually, almost. The badges are, in fact, the main visual difference. But the devil, as usual, is in the details, which aren't visible in the photo.

Firstly, enhanced anti-corrosion treatment. The hood, front and rear fenders, all four doors - galvanized. True, the roof is not, and this is a point that the owners have already noted. Secondly, the additional anti-gravel and soundproofing Treatment designed for Russian roads (or rather, the lack thereof in some regions). Thirdly, the electronics and climate control systems are adapted to our cold temperatures: automatic heating, heated windshield, steering wheel, and seats—all of this works out of the box, even in the base model.

In my opinion, this is an honest approach: we take a proven platform, tweak it for specific conditions, and build it locally. It's not a revolution, but it's not a hack either.

What's under the hood and how does it drive?

Here, the TENET T4 offers a choice that doesn't overwhelm the mind but still provides the necessary flexibility. Two motors, three transmission types, two drive options. Let's break it down.

1.5 naturally aspirated engine (113 hp) – for those who prioritize fuel consumption over acceleration

Basic option - 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with 113 horsepowerPowered by AI-92 — and this is perhaps its main trump card for those who count every ruble at the gas station.

There are two boxes to choose from: 5-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT)A manual transmission is for those who prefer direct contact and low maintenance costs. A continuously variable transmission is for city driving and traffic jams, where the third pedal becomes a torture device for the left knee.

The performance, frankly, isn't stratospheric. This engine isn't about flooring the gas and overtaking a truck on a two-lane road. It's about smoothly getting from point A to point B with fuel consumption that won't break the bank. It's perfectly adequate for everyday city driving.

Turbo 1.5 (147 hp) - city temperament and all-wheel drive

For those who want something more lively, there is 1.5-liter turbo engine with 147 hp The difference with the naturally aspirated engine is immediately noticeable: traction appears earlier, overtaking is more confident, and you feel calmer on the highway.

With front-wheel drive, the turbo engine operates through 6-speed automatic transmission (AMT), and with all-wheel drive (4WD) - through 7-speed robotThe all-wheel drive version receives a set of preset modes: Sport, Eco, Snow, Off-road and 4×4According to owner reviews, the system performs confidently in snow—the car ploughs through and doesn't slip where front-wheel-drive competitors nervously flash their ESP lights.

I'd like to specifically highlight the engine's longevity. According to experts, the engine is designed with a significant safety margin. from 250,000 km, and some estimates speak of 300,000–450,000 km until the engine starts to noticeably consume oil. For a crossover in this price segment, this figure is more than pleasing.

Fuel consumption, dynamics and a couple of numbers for comparison

Dry numbers that will help you decide:

• Acceleration 0–100 km/h (turbo, 147 hp): 11.4 seconds
• Maximum speed: 165–185 km/h (depending on version)
• Fuel consumption (turbo, combined cycle): about 8.3 l/100 km
• City/highway consumption: approximately 10.8 / 6.8 l/100 km
• Fuel tank: 51 liters

For context, 11.4 seconds to 60 mph is on par with most similar cars in the sub-2.5 million ruble price range. Not fast, but not shameful either. Combined fuel consumption is around 8 liters—quite adequate for a compact crossover weighing nearly one and a half tons.

Interior, equipment, and price tag: is the Prime worth the extra cost?

The TENET T4 isn't one of those cases where the basic configuration feels like a "bare minimum" order. Even the entry-level versions offer a pleasantly surprising set of features. But there is a difference between the "Line" and "Prime" models, and it's not just about price.

Multimedia, cameras, and heaters—a set for Russian winters

In the higher trim levels, the T4 gets two 10.25-inch screens - digital instrument panel and multimedia system. Supported wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, There is Bluetooth Hands-free, voice control and USB ports.

But the main thing is what will really come in handy every day in our latitudes:

• Heated front seats — it's even in the database
• Heated steering wheel and windshield - again, standard
• Rear View Camera — from the first configuration
• 360° all-round visibility system — in older versions
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Cruise control

Six airbags, ESP, ABS, ISOFIX, ERA-GLONASS — a complete package for peace of mind. Electric parking brake with function AutoHold — convenient in traffic jams: release the pedal, the car stops, your leg rests.

In my opinion, the T4's feature set is more than adequate for its price segment. Many competitors offer significantly more modest options for the same price.

Prices and trim levels: from "Line" to "Prime 4WD"

Range of configurations: line, Active and Prime. Drive - front or all-wheel drive (only with turbo engine).

• TENET T4 1.5 MT (113 hp), front-wheel drive — from ~1 700 000 ₽
• TENET T4 1.5 CVT (113 hp), front-wheel drive — from ~1 900 000 ₽
• TENET T4 1.5T AMT (147 hp), front-wheel drive — from ~2 100 000 ₽
• TENET T4 1.5T 4WD (147 hp), all-wheel drive — from ~2 400 000 ₽

Maximum configuration Prime 1.5T 4WD can reach up to ~2 650 000 ₽ at dealers.

Where is the "golden mean"? I would take a closer look at this version. Active with CVT (if all-wheel drive is not needed) or to Active with turbo and front-wheel driveThese trim levels already include everything you need for a comfortable life, and the extra cost for the "Prime" is only justified if all-round visibility and a couple of additional options are critical to you.

If you are interested Buy TENET T4 You can do it without any worries, because the car has a warranty 3 years or 100,000 kmMarket standard, no more, no less.

Real impressions and whether it's worth buying right now

Any car looks perfect in a press release. But life isn't a press release. So, I've gathered real reviews from owners who've already put their first thousand kilometers on the T4.

Pros noted by owners

• Confident start in cold weather. The engine starts without a hitch, even in severely subzero temperatures. The heated seats, steering wheel, and windshield quickly reach operating temperature.
• All-wheel drive in winter. 4WD owners note that the car handles confidently on snow and slush. The "Snow" mode actually helps, not just a blinking icon on the screen.
• Spacious interior. For a compact crossover, there's plenty of room both front and back. The back row can accommodate two adults without the "Oh, my God, when are we going to get there" feeling.
• Informative digital panel. The 10.25-inch screen in front of your eyes displays everything clearly and without unnecessary fuss.
• Gasoline AI-92. It's a small thing, but on a yearly scale the savings are significant.

The downsides that advertising brochures don't mention

• Doors close with character. Several owners note that the doors require a significant amount of force to close. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's annoying when you're not used to it—it feels like you haven't closed them yet, and you have to slam them again.
• Soundproofing on a primer. On smooth pavement, it's tolerable. But as soon as you hit a bumpy dirt road, the cabin begins to remind you that underneath isn't a vacuum, but a harsh Russian road. Pebbles, joints, and ruts—all of it is clearly audible.
• Heavy trunk lid. It opens and closes with an effort that's, to put it mildly, uninspiring. An electric drive would be perfect here, but it's not there.
• Capricious autostart. There's some information that the engine may stall if you press the brake when starting the car automatically—there's no "soft start" feature. It's a minor issue, but an annoying one, especially on winter mornings when every second of warmth counts.
• Water drainage from side windows. In the rain, water does not drain perfectly from the side windows—drops stop being drained at speed and interfere with visibility through the mirrors.

My bottom line: who is TENET T4 suitable for?

TENET T4 is a car for those who are looking for A compact crossover with proven components, Russian assembly, and a reasonable price tagIt doesn't pretend to be premium or anything it isn't. It's a workhorse for the city and suburbs that gets the job done honestly.

Who is it suitable for:

• For a family that needs a first (or second) car with a full range of safety and comfort.
• For those who drive around the city and sometimes venture out of town - especially in the all-wheel drive version.
• For pragmatists who value the price-equipment ratio and don't chase after badges.

What to look for when purchasing:

• Listen to the sound insulation during a test drive—on a rough patch of road, not on a smooth interior route.
• Check the operation of the doors - if it irritates you during the test drive, it will be annoying in six months.
• If you need all-wheel drive, get it now. The price difference is significant, but you'll thank yourself in the winter.

Bottom line: TENET T4 is neither a revelation nor a breakthrough. It is a clear, Russian-assembled crossover Based on one of the most popular platforms in the world, adapted to our conditions and priced at a price that still looks competitive. And then, as with any car, the decision is yours. The key is not to rely on advertising, but rather on a test drive and a cool head.