9 tech toys of the Geely Okavango

To be sure, there was much fanfare surrounding the Geely Okavango’s launch.

The third model of the China-headquartered automaker has been positioned a “game changer,” and its suite of features relative to its price point indeed gives teeth to that claim.

The seven-seater crossover multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) takes its rather curious-sounding moniker after an inland delta in Botswana, Africa – formed where the Okavango River “reaches a tectonic trough in the central part of the endorheic basin of the Kalahari.” Of note, this is end of the line for the water; it does not find an inlet into another body of water and simply evaporates or seeps into the soil. The Okavango Delta is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

Speaking of wonders, that’s exactly how Geely is describing its newest vehicle: one full of wonders.

SGAP President and CEO Mikihisa Takayama said, “The new Geely Okavango will be a game changer in the industry as it combines the best qualities of a multi-purpose vehicle and an SUV into one exciting seven-seater mid-size crossover. This promises to give you a luxurious, uncompromising, and wonderfully distinct ride.”

 

Among its standout features are tech toys that make the Okavango a truly modern vehicle blessed with conveniences and highlights typically found in more expensive automobiles. We take a look at some of them.

Electric boost

The Okavango is the only 48V EMS (electric motor synergy)-equipped seven-seater vehicle in the country today – promising more efficient performance with the aid of a mild hybrid system which works with its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine for a system output of 190hp and 300Nm. The power plant, jointly developed by Geely and Volvo, is mated to a seven-speed wet-type dual clutch transmission.

Omniscient vehicle

Geely’s new vehicle sees all. A 360-degree panoramic camera with “a best-in-class guidance system and dynamic auxiliary lines,” helps the driver navigate even the tightest of roads and turns. This feature is especially handy when parking – enabling pin-point accuracy.

Speed not

The Okavango warns the driver when he or she drives above a pre-set limit.

Safe air

During these days of the pandemic, one can never be too careful. The Geely Okavango is equipped with a CN95 cabin filter to help assure air quality within the vehicle.

Starting from a distance

It’s a bummer when you leave your vehicle under the sun and it gets incredible hot inside. How does boarding a cool vehicle sound? Well, cool, of course! Before you even board the Okavango, you can start its engine remotely using the key fob, which has a remote auto-start button.

Digital panel

Surely another segment-busting feature is the good-looking fully digital instrument cluster of the Okavango. It measures 12.3 inches and affords a legible look at the key information the driver needs to know such as speed, fuel, battery, and other driving information.

Big screen

A wide 10.25-inch high-definition infotainment panel gives easy-to-read information on anything from navigation, entertainment, and calls. Geely says that “controlling music for the family, listening to directions, and taking on calls is easier with just quick taps.”

Electronic shifting

With but a flick of the wrist, the driver can move through the gears of the Okavango.

Tailgate memory

One push of a button opens the tailgate automatically and – get this – to the angle that you want, for greater convenience.

The Geely Okavango comes in two variants with the following pricing: Comfort (P1.208 million) and Urban (P1.328) million. Geely Philippines presently has four dealerships (North EDSA, Quezon Avenue, Cagayan de Oro, and Imus Cavite), which it will grow to a network of 28 by the end of next year.

Photos by Ricky Ladia