The Geely Coolray looks like a mix between an SUV and a boy-racer hatchback. It’s keenly priced and comes with a peppy turbo engine. We sampled the newcomer at the local launch to see if it can make a dent in the Jolion/Tiggo/Omoda sales segment.
The Geely Coolray marks the latest addition to Geely‘s expanding South African portfolio. Following the initial impact made by the all-electric E2 hatchback, the Chinese manufacturer is expanding its local dealer network and targeting the compact crossover market. We drove the new Coolray on its local media launch route from Stellenbosch to Greyton to evaluate its credentials against established segment rivals.
Read more: Geely Coolray vs Toyota Corolla Cross – how do they differ?
What is a Geely Coolray?
Measuring 4 380 mm long, 1 795 mm wide and 1 609 mm tall atop a 2 600 mm wheelbase, the Coolray sits squarely in the compact crossover class. It competes against established Chinese offerings like the Haval Jolion Pro and Omoda C5, as well as mainstream Japanese alternatives.
Powering the range is a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine delivering 128 kW at 5 500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. On paper, these figures put the Coolray ahead of its main Chinese competitors in terms of outright output.
How does the Geely Coolray drive?
Out on the open road to Greyton, the 1.5-litre turbocharged unit felt peppy. With a claimed 0-100 kph sprint time of 7.6 seconds and strong in-gear acceleration, merging onto the freeway and overtaking at highway speeds was effortless.
However, despite aggressive styling cues like the large rear wing and diffuser on the top-spec Vertex derivative, the chassis does not match the boy-racer aesthetic. It is less engaging through corners than a genuine hot hatch or performance crossover, lacking the sharper steering feedback and body control required for spirited driving.
The ride quality is acceptable. While it lacks the ultimate suspension compliance found in Japanese competitors over uneven tarmac, the damping is a notch above most Chinese rivals. Refinement is generally fair, although wind whistle from both the driver and passenger side windows was noticeable at 120 kph freeway cruising speeds.
Fuel economy has traditionally been a bugbear with modern non-hybrid Chinese cars, but the Coolray appears to be reasonably efficient. Geely claims 6.5 L/100 km in mixed use, and during our mostly freeway drive to Greyton and back, we returned 8.1 L/100 km. Some competitors have been known to venture over 10.0 L/100 km, so it seems to be one of the more frugal Chinese crossovers.
What is the Geely Coolray like inside?
Step inside, and the cabin lacks the distinctive personality suggested by the exterior design. Without a logo on the steering wheel, it would be difficult to distinguish this layout from contemporary offerings by GWM, BYD, Chery or any other Chinese brand. The small 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and large 14.6-inch central infotainment display mirror current industry trends, while the wireless charging-bay design appears heavily inspired by that of the Omoda C5.
That said, material selection and fitment are upmarket. Geely has used vegan leather across the seats and dashboard inserts, paired with a neat red-and-black colour combination.
Tech coverage is strong across the range, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 540-degree panoramic camera system on mid- and upper-tier models, and Level 1 ADAS safety features on the Vertex.
Find all the specs of the Geely Coolray here
Rear legroom is good and the full-length panoramic sunroof fitted to the top derivative lets in plenty of light. Device charging is catered for by 2 USB ports in the front, although rear passengers share a single USB-A port. Boot capacity is rated at 330 litres, expanding to 1 054 litres via a 60/40 split rear seat arrangement. While smaller than the space offered by key rivals, the luggage bay remains usable for daily requirements.
How much does the Geely Coolray cost in South Africa?
Pricing includes Geely Care+, which provides a 5-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty, 5-year/150 000 km engine warranty, 5-year/50 000 km service plan and 5-year unlimited roadside assistance.
| Geely Coolray 1.5TD Nova | R369 900 |
| Geely Coolray 1.5TD Vanguard | R399 900 |
| Geely Coolray 1.5TD Vertex | R429 900 |
Summary
The Geely Coolray brings strong performance, high specification levels and neat cabin assembly to the lower end of the crossover spectrum. However, its aggressive exterior styling overpromises on dynamic handling and its raised crossover silhouette contrasts with the current market trend toward traditional SUV shapes.
Yet, supported by a competitive price point, a comprehensive warranty and an expanding local dealer infrastructure, the Coolray presents a credible alternative to the established players in its segment.
Ashley Oldfield
Ashley has been riding or driving some sort of motorised vehicle since his 4th birthday when he got a Yamaha PW50. Equipped with years of racing experience, Ashley took up journalism and became a writer for some of South Africa’s best motoring magazines and online publications. He is SA’s first (and only) GT Academy winner having raced professionally overseas. He now serves as the Content Manager at Cars.co.za, putting his wealth of racing and driving experience to good use.
