The Geely GX3 Pro is one of the Chinese carmaker’s latest offerings here in the Philippines. The compact crossover was launched in the country in the latter part of 2023 and was touted as one of the most powerful nameplates in its class, offering would-be owners a “unique driving experience.”

So, does the Geely GX3 Pro make a compelling option for those looking to buy a crossover? Here’s what we’ve found out after spending some time behind the wheel of the nameplate’s range-topping Comfort variant.

Exterior: Mixed reception

Having used the Geely GX3 Pro Comfort for a week, we were able to get mixed reactions from onlookers about its exterior design.

Others liked the suave mustache-like trim on its lower front grille and even pointed out that its wheels bore some similarities to the Rota WTC. On the other hand, some called it cute and loved its pint-sized dimensions as well as its compact grille.

The Geely GX3 Pro Comfort wears a front fascia similar to that of the Emgrand sedan. The grille features vertical slots decorated with the brand’s emblem at the center. Flanking the latticework are projector halogen headlamps with automatic headlight control. Below it is the crossover’s lower front bumper with larger vertical vents. To each of its sides are LED daytime running lamps.

Its side profile has several things going for it, including power-folding side mirrors (with repeaters and defrost features) and side skirts — both of which sport a carbon fiber design. Here, one can also find the aforementioned wheels that measure 16 inches in diameter. They are shod in 205/60 tires.

Also notable are its blacked-out wheel arches, door claddings, and pillars. It also has a pair of satin silver roof rails and a bantam-sized sunroof.

The rear of the Geely GX3 Pro Comfort gets a small spoiler with an integrated third brake lamp, a decent-sized rear glass, halogen taillamps, badging in chrome, as well as a rear bumper with reflectors, a diffuser, and a design that mimics the vehicle’s front end.

Interior: User-friendly

What we loved about the Geely GX3 Pro Comfort’s interior is that it is user-friendly. The controls are simple and straightforward while the information shown on the screens is easy to understand. That said, we feel like it would be a great option for new drivers and those wanting to buy their first vehicle.

In addition, it offers some decent interior appointments like bolstered seats wrapped in PVC material, a leather-wrapped multi-functional steering wheel with a flat bottom, an instrument cluster with analog and digital gauges, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

I also liked that there are quick button controls for the air conditioning unit, positioned alongside the crossover’s push start button. It even has a manual hand brake, which may give some drivers peace of mind knowing that they have felt a physical response when activating the parking brake.

Nevertheless, I have a few gripes with the Geely GX3 Pro Comfort starting with how one can operate the available drive modes. To begin with, it’s only accessible through the menu on the infotainment system, so the driver will have to momentarily shift his or her focus into twiddling with the screen to select which mode best suits the driving condition. On that note, having dedicated buttons on the center console would have made changing drive modes easier.

Speaking of center consoles, the one fitted on the Geely GX3 Pro Comfort is not illuminated. So are the buttons for the window controls mounted on the driver’s door panel.

Further, the infotainment system does not have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but is equipped with Carbit, which can mirror one’s smartphone but cannot direct the audio to the Geely GX3 Pro Comfort’s six-speaker sound system.

There’s a tray for one’s smartphone, but lacks wireless charging technology. Also, the second-row seats do not have a pull-down armrest.

Engine: Reliable, promising

The Geely GX3 Pro is slapped with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a manual mode with eight-speed Triptronic technology. The same powerplant is shared by the Emgrand.

On paper, it produces some 102 horsepower with 142 Newton-meters of torque.

Considering how light — 1,215 kilograms — and compact — 4,005 millimeters (mm) long, 1,760 mm wide, 1,575 mm tall — the Geely GX3 Pro is, the 1.5-liter mill can deliver enough power to propel the crossover.

In Comfort mode, which is the default mode, the driver may feel some sort of delay when stepping on the pedal. Nevertheless, one can feel the “oomph” after the crossover gets some momentum. Sport mode, on the other hand, makes the engine feel more responsive. As a result, the drive feels more spirited although engine noise becomes more apparent. Finally, Eco mode works to offer a fuel-efficient drive but takes away the peppiness of the engine.

I personally prefer Comfort mode since it offers the best of both worlds.

Stopping power comes from ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. This ensures ample braking power at various types of speeds.

The Geely GX3 Pro Comfort is supported by MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam setup at the back. Little body roll can be felt and the crossover may feel somewhat stiff when carrying the weight of just the driver.

Handling is pretty decent and the crossover can drive steadily even at higher speeds. Tackling turns and bends is also not a problem despite the vehicle having 185 mm of ground clearance.

Safety: Surprisingly comprehensive

Geely packed the GX3 Pro Comfort with a robust list of safety features.

For its price, the crossover sports safety technologies like traction and stability control, hill-start assist, hill descent control, cruise control, and a low tire pressure warning system. In addition, it offers some standard features such as airbags and seatbelts, an anti-lock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, a rear camera, as well as parking sensors.

Pricing and variants

The Geely GX3 Pro is offered in two variants with the Comfort model being the top-of-the-line trim. The other is the S grade that uses a five-speed manual gearbox and is stripped of other features.

• GX3 Pro S: P778,000
• GX3 Pro Comfort: P878,000

Final thoughts

The Geely GX3 Pro Comfort does make for a compelling case for an affordable crossover. For under P900,000 you are getting a 1.5-liter engine paired with a CVT with manual mode. It also offers a handful of safety features, plus several other appointments that can make it a good daily driver.

It competes with the likes of the Toyota Raize and Kia Stonic.

Photos from Juan Paulo Papa

Also read:

Above average: Toyota Raize G

BYD Atto 3: from the metro to the mountains

Staying cool: Geely Coolray Sport