You’d think that with all the choices available, people will have had enough with the oversaturated crossover segment. And yet when a new one comes along, it's all that everyone can talk about (in the automotive industry, at least). Case in point: when Geely announced that it was introducing the Coolray to the Philippine market, it was surrounded by a lot of buzz, both positive and negative.
"It's the sportiest crossover I've ever seen!"
"It's made in China!"
"PHP 1.2 million?! Are you kidding me?!"
This is Geely’s second stab at the local market, having tried and failed with its first endeavor. Needless to say, a lot is riding on the Coolray’s success. So does the Chinese crossover have what it takes to compete in the crowded segment? Find out in this 2020 Geely Coolray Buyer's Guide.
The new Coolray measures 4,330 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,609 high, and possesses a 2,600-mm wheelbase and 196-mm ground clearance. It relies on a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gas engine to deliver its power to the front wheels, topping at 175 hp and 255 Nm. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the car manages to reach 0-100 kph in 7.9 seconds. MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear comprise the car's suspension system, while braking power is handled by four discs.
The placement of the creases and dimples make it obvious that the Coolray is an Asian-made car, but it does come with plenty of European and American style elements--the blacked-out pillars are reminiscent of British marque MINI, while the front looks like it was lifted straight from the Chevrolet playbook. Despite the obvious nods, the design elements look cohesive.
Coming in three different trims (from highest to lowest: Sport Turbo, Premium Turbo, and Comfort Turbo), the all-new Coolray comes with projector-type headlamps, halogen for the two low-spec variants and full LED for the top-spec. A Piano Black roof with panoramic sunroof and carbon-fiber front spoiler and rear diffuser further enhance the Sport variant. Both the Sport and Premium come with 18-inch wheels, while the entry-level Comfort trim is fitted with the 17-inch variety.
If you're on the fence with the Geely Coolray's derivative exterior, then the ultra-sporty and luxurious three-tone cabin are sure to have you sold. A black color motif with silver and maroon (top trim only) accents convey the crossover's sporty nature effectively, and a hexagonal-centric theme pervades on the dash and side panels, giving the entire cabin a sleek and futuristic feel. Leather seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and paddle shifters add to the Coolray's comfort and convenience.
With a 2,600-mm wheelbase, the Coolray is plenty comfortable for both front and rear occupants, which is a joy to behold considering most crossovers consider the rear cabin size a drawback, although the sloping roof doesn't do the headroom any favor. Likewise, the tall center console does make things feel a little cramped up front, fortunately, the padded top makes for an excellent elbow rest.
Apart from the standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist, the Coolray is also equipped with advanced safety features such as Electronic Stability and Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, and Cruise Control. There's also Geely's G-Pilot system that helps to drive with ease. Other nifty safety additions include the Auto Parking Assistant which lets you do parallel and perpendicular parking with a touch of a button, and four exterior cameras to give the driver a 360-degree view of the car.
As mentioned, the Coolray is available in three different trims. Here’s the breakdown for pricing:
With cool features and hot looks, the 2020 Coolray gives Geely a solid contender in the hotly-contested B-segment.
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