Geely launched the GX3 Pro in the country not too long ago, and the crossover — with its compact size and appealing price tag — does hark back to the brand’s offering when it relaunched in the Philippines, the Panda.
That said, can the Geely GX3 Pro considered to be the Panda of the new generation? Let’s find out today.
In this article, we check the similarities and differences between the two nameplates that came from this storied Chinese automotive marque.
The Geely Panda — when it was launched in 2011 — had a sticker price of not more than P500,000. Fast forward to 2023, the GX3 Pro comes with a sticker price that ranges from P698,000-P798,000 depending on the trim.
Looking at the abovementioned figures, the cost of the latter — which is a crossover — is just about the retail price of today's Japanese hatchbacks. On that note, both the Geely Panda and the GX3 Pro offer bang-for-the-buck value that you will probably have a hard time finding elsewhere. Both cars can potentially catch the eye of most salarymen who are looking to own a car.
Upon launch, the Geely Panda was seen as a city car that offered a decent engine for one that’s made by a Chinese brand. Under its hood was a 1.3-liter powerplant mated to a five-speed manual.
On the other hand, the Geely GX3 Pro is said to have one of the peppiest engines in the segment thanks to its 1.5-liter gasoline mill paired with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission. The engine fitted on the Geely GX3 Pro is the same power unit used in the Emgrand sedan.
Aside from the category that they belong (one being a hatchback and the other, a crossover), one of the noticeable differences between the two models is their overall design.
Looking at the Geely Panda, one can definitely say that its design language is less aggressive with eye-shaped headlamps, a grinning grille, and overall rounded proportions.
On the other hand, the Geely GX3 Pro was made with plenty of striking angles and an abundance of straight lines, which gives it a more fierce character.
Overall, today’s car buyers will definitely lean more towards the looks the Geely GX3 Pro offers — for obvious reasons.
Like the exterior of the Geely Panda, its interior also had that cute car vibe. Surviving photos from the internet archive reveal that it had a white-themed cabin, which might be a deal breaker for some OC car buyers.
Not only will it easily show dust and dirt but it does take away the sophistication one looks for in an automobile.
Compared to the Geely Panda, the GX3 Pro can be had with a rather posh black interior. Its amenities are also commendable thanks to its 3.5-inch multi-information display and eight-inch infotainment system.
While it had some similarities in terms of value proposition, the two had their distinct character that made viable options in their respective segments.
Photos from Ruben Manahan IV, Juan Paulo Papa, and Zigwheels
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Geely is 8th best-selling automotive brand in PH
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