Chery Arrizo 8 Isn’t Alone: The Five Alternatives Now Available at AED 79,900

Abu Dhabi: Chery’s new Arrizo 8 enters a busy part of the market. It uses a plug-in hybrid setup, pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with an electric motor to produce a stated 154 hp and 310 Nm of torque. It isn’t the only option for sedan buyers, however. The segment offers everything from familiar petrol-powered models to more powerful performance alternatives and other hybrids. 

From the affordable Toyota Corolla to the more powerful MG 7 and electrified BYD Seal 7, here's how they compare with the Arrizo 8.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The Toyota Corolla is the closest price alternative
• The Hyundai Elantra brings a modern design and two engine options
• The MG 7 focuses heavily on performance and fastback styling
• The Kia K5 offers a larger and more feature-rich sedan package
• The BYD Seal 7 adds plug-in hybrid power and longer-range flexibility
• The Chery Arrizo 8 remains the lowest-priced PHEV in this group at AED 79,900

Toyota Corolla – The Closest Price Alternative

The Corolla starts at AED 76,900, making it one of the closest alternatives to the Arrizo 8 on price. It offers a choice of two conventional petrol engines: a 1.6-litre unit producing 121 hp and a larger 2.0-litre version with 168 hp. Both send power to the front wheels through a CVT automatic. 

The exterior has a lower and wider design than its predecessors, and the cabin features an 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay and cruise control. Safety equipment includes dual front and side airbags, plus Toyota Safety Sense.

Category	Toyota Corolla
Engine	1.6L / 2.0L petrol
Power	Up to 143 hp
Transmission	MultiDrive 7S
Dimensions	4,620 × 1,775 × 1,460 mm*
Cabin	5 seats • Fabric seats • Manual AC
Infotainment	7-inch display • Bluetooth • 6 speakers
Safety	ABS • EBD • VSC • TPWS • Dual airbags
Key Features	Cruise control • Smart keyless entry • Rear camera*
Price	AED 76,900 onwards

Hyundai Elantra – The Style-Focused Alternative

Hyundai’s Elantra makes its case on design. The car has a bold shape, which Hyundai calls its 'Parametric Dynamics' theme. It's defined by an elongated bonnet and a sleek, fastback-style roofline. It’s a distinctive look. Engine options in the UAE include a 1.5-litre petrol engine making 113 hp and 144 Nm, and a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine with 157 hp and 191 Nm, while a hybrid is also available.

Inside, the cabin continues the modern theme with up-to-date infotainment and convenience features. It presents a strong visual contrast to the more executive style of the Arrizo 8.

Category	Hyundai Elantra
Engine	1.5 MPI
Power	115 PS
Transmission	IVT
Dimensions	4,710 × 1,825 × 1,430 mm
Wheelbase	2,720 mm
Cabin	Rear AC duct • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Infotainment	8-inch audio • Apple CarPlay • Android Auto • DAB+
Safety	2 airbags • ABS • ESP • ISOFIX • TPMS • AutoHold
Key Features	Wireless charger • Keyless entry • Front & rear parking sensors
Price	AED 81,900 - 112,035

MG 7 – The Performance-Focused Alternative

The MG 7 offers a clear reason to spend more. It starts from AED 100,000, and for that extra cost, it delivers a significant jump in performance. Two turbocharged petrol engines are available. The 1.5-litre turbo produces 185 hp and 300 Nm, while the range-topping 2.0-litre turbo makes 261 hp and 405 Nm of torque. 

Its fastback design is another key differentiator, with sharp LED headlights, up to 19-inch wheels, and an integrated rear spoiler. The interior is also technology-focused, with a modern infotainment system and various driver assistance systems. It’s a completely different proposition from the efficiency-led Arrizo 8.

Category	MG 7
Engine	1.5T / 2.0T turbo petrol
Power	185 hp / 261 hp
Torque	300 Nm / 405 Nm
Transmission	7DCT / 9AT
Dimensions	4,884 × 1,889 × 1,447 mm
Wheelbase	2,778 mm
Cabin	Leather seats on selected trims • Dual-zone AC • Rear AC vents
Infotainment	12.3-inch touchscreen • Apple CarPlay • Android Auto • Up to 9-speaker Bose system
Safety	ABS • EBD • ESP • Airbags • TPMS • ADAS on higher trims
Key Features	Panoramic sunroof • Wireless charging • 360° camera
Price	AED 95,445 - 117,000

Kia K5 – The Bigger, More Feature-Focused Sedan

For those prioritising space, comfort, and technology, the Kia K5 is an option. It’s a larger car, starting from AED 106,995. It comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Inside, equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, a 12.3-inch panoramic display, a Bose sound system, and wireless charging. The safety package is also extensive, with six airbags and a suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). 

Category	Kia K5
Engine	2.5L GDi petrol
Power	191 hp
Torque	25.1 kg.m
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Dimensions	4,905 × 1,860 × 1,445 mm
Wheelbase	2,850 mm
Cabin	Power driver seat • Rear AC vents • Ventilated front seats on selected trims
Infotainment	12.3-inch Smart Audio • Apple CarPlay • Android Auto • 12.3-inch navigation on selected trims
Safety	Up to 6 airbags • ABS • ESC • TPMS • Parking sensors • LKA • Blind Spot Collision Avoidance
Key Features	Panoramic sunroof • Bose 12-speaker system • Head-up display
Price	AED 102,900

BYD Seal 7 – The Plug-In Hybrid Alternative

The most direct powertrain comparison comes from the BYD Seal 7. It’s also a plug-in hybrid sedan, but it operates at a higher price point, starting from AED 135,900. For the extra money, it offers more power and a much longer range. It’s for the buyer committed to a plug-in hybrid but seeking greater performance and range than the Arrizo 8 provides.

Category	BYD Seal 7
Powertrain	1.5T plug-in hybrid
Power	Up to 270 hp
0–100 km/h	7.9 seconds
Combined Range	Up to 840 km
Dimensions	4,980 × 1,890 × 1,495 mm
Wheelbase	2,900 mm
Cabin	Electric front seats • Seat ventilation on selected trims • Dual-zone AC • Rear AC vents
Infotainment	12.8-inch / 15.6-inch rotating display • Apple CarPlay • Android Auto • Up to 12-speaker Dynaudio
Safety	Up to 13 airbags • ACC • AEB • FCW • LCC • BSD • RCTA • LDW
Key Features	50W wireless charging • 465L boot • 17.6 kWh battery
Price	AED 114,900 - 134,900

So, Which Chery Arrizo 8 Alternative Makes the Most Sense

The Toyota Corolla is the logical choice for a buyer who wants to stay close to the Arrizo 8’s price but prefers a conventional, proven petrol powertrain. For those who place a higher value on exterior styling and cabin design for daily use, the Hyundai Elantra is a compelling alternative. Moreover, the Kia K5 caters to buyers wanting a larger, more comfortable sedan packed with comfort features like ventilated seats and a broad ADAS package. For those specifically wanting a PHEV with more performance, the BYD Seal 7’s 840 km range and 270 hp output justify its higher price.

However, the MG 7 presents the strongest overall alternative. It offers a major jump in performance, with up to 261 hp, matched with a distinctive fastback design and a tech-rich cabin. It asks for more money, but it delivers a very different driving experience. Ultimately, the Chery Arrizo 8’s position is clear. It remains the price-led entry into plug-in hybrid ownership in this group, while the alternatives provide distinct reasons to either save money with a traditional petrol engine or stretch the budget for more style, power, comfort, or electric range.

Also Read: UAE New Car Sales, First Half 2026: Market Recovery Takes Shape