FIRST DRIVE | Geely Coolray is a fun and accomplished crossover alternative
Geely Auto is a Chinese conglomerate that owns many nameplates, including Swedish Volvo and Proton.
Observers will notice the new Geely Coolray is the reincarnated Proton X50 at far lower prices. Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) has ceased importing Protons to South Africa after poor sales.
With its new Geely badge, the more affordable new crossover measures 4,380mm in length with 161mm ground clearance, squaring off against the Omoda C5, Haval Jolion Pro and Volkswagen T-Cross as popular choices in the niche.
Geely’s quest is to blend performance and functionality at that family-minded price point, styled with aggression through wild bumper design with gaping breathing apparatus and menacing DRLs. The rear bumpers also have a diffuser-inspired design.
Amenities are plentiful and the crossover comes across as well-built and solid. Picture: Geely SA Tailgate spoilers add to the belligerence, while the flagship Vertex amplifies the motorsport look with a larger rear wing integrated with side fins and “S” lettering.
All the racing addenda wraps a functional cabin measuring 2,600mm in wheelbase and accommodates five occupants, supported by a 330l boot expanding to 1,054l with the rear seats folded.
Premium decoration meets with good build quality inside the newcomer. It has a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen display, 8.8-inch digital driver’s instrument cluster, electric seats, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof and an electric tailgate and more.
The Coolray line-up is powered by a 1.5l turbocharged petrol engine producing 128kW and 290Nm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
It offers driving modes of Eco, Comfort, and Adaptive, and is rated with performance of a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.6 seconds and a 200km/h top speed.
Geely made a good choice with this motor for its new-breed crossover. The motor is docile and smooth one moment, then furious the moment you mash the throttle pedal into the carpet, releasing a torrent of power irrespective of the chosen gear.
The high-end Vertex looks the sportiest with larger wings but all models share the same engine. Picture: Geely SA The suspension with MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear also accounted itself well on the roads, feeling well damped and absorbing road imperfections when driven in a laid-back manner.
The electric power steering wheel responses are relatively communicative when the Coolray is driven with verve, and it has good grip and body control to warrant the fun driving aspect. It is rated with a combined fuel consumption average of 6.5l/100km.
Safety-wise, the Vanguard and Vertex models come standard with a 540º panoramic camera system, and standard safety features across the range include ABS, EBD, ESC, traction control, hill hold control, hill descent control, tyre pressure monitoring and six airbags on the Vangaurd and Vertex models.
The first drive verdict is that it’s a fun and accomplished crossover alternative that also lends itself to being driven off tarmac, and it is priced to compete.
