The Geely Coolray has been launched in South Africa, offering a new crossover option for consumers. The vehicle is available in three trims: the entry-level Nova, mid-tier Vanguard, and high-end Vertex. Geely Auto, a Chinese conglomerate, owns multiple nameplates, including Swedish Volvo and Proton. The Coolray is essentially the reincarnated Proton X50, but at a lower price point.
The Coolray measures 4,380mm in length and has 161mm ground clearance. It features a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 128kW and 290Nm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The vehicle offers driving modes of Eco, Comfort, and Adaptive, and is rated with a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.6 seconds and a 200km/h top speed.
The interior of the Coolray features 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. The vehicle has a wheelbase of 2,600mm and accommodates five occupants, with a 330-liter boot that expands to 1,054 liters with the rear seats folded.
The Coolray's suspension features MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, which provides a smooth ride and good handling. The electric power steering wheel responses are relatively communicative, and the vehicle has good grip and body control. The Coolray is rated with a combined fuel consumption average of 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
Safety features of the Coolray include ABS, EBD, ESC, traction control, hill hold control, hill descent control, tire pressure monitoring, and six airbags on the Vanguard and Vertex models. The Vanguard and Vertex models also come standard with a 540-degree panoramic camera system. The vehicle is offered in a range of colors, including White, Grey, Silver, Green, and Red.
The Coolray comes standard with a five-year/150,000km warranty, five-year/150,000km engine warranty, and five-year/50,000km service plan. Prices for the vehicle are as follows: Coolray 1.5TD 7DCT Nova - R369,900; Coolray 1.5TD 7DCT Vanguard - R399,900; Coolray 1.5TD 7DCT Vertex - R429,900.
The launch of the Geely Coolray in South Africa marks a new offering in the crossover market, which is currently dominated by models such as the Omoda C5, Haval Jolion Pro, and Volkswagen T-Cross. According to Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), the company has ceased importing Protons to South Africa following poor sales. With its competitive pricing and features, the Coolray is expected to be a strong contender in the market.
Key points
- The Geely Coolray is priced from R369,900 and offers a range of features, including a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen display and a 540-degree panoramic camera system.
- The vehicle is available in three trims: the entry-level Nova, mid-tier Vanguard, and high-end Vertex.
- The Coolray comes standard with a five-year/150,000km warranty, five-year/150,000km engine warranty, and five-year/50,000km service plan.
