2020 Geely Coolray Review - Buyer’s Guide

Officially launched last September 2019, the 2020 Geely Coolray is Geely’s second attempt at entering the Philippine auto industry. With a new partnership with Sojitz G Auto Phillippines (SGAP) as the official local distributor of Geely cars in the Philippines, Geely found a strong partner to market its portfolio starting with the Coolray.

The Geely Coolray took over four years to develop and is built on Geely’s global B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA). BMA boasts of high flexibility to accommodate the latest advancements in technology, connectivity, and powertrain. It wants to put the “fun back” into driving by appealing to young consumers who value technology and convenience for their everyday drive. Guy Burgoyne, Head of Geely Design Shanghai, stated that the Coolray is a vehicle designed “for a new generation of younger consumers that want sports orientated dynamic vehicles, we wanted to make something different from the norm and with a focus on making premium a standard option.” 

2020 Geely Coolray Exterior

On the outside, the 2020 Coolray looks every bit of a sporty European compact SUV. Since Geely Holdings have acquired Volvo, the Swedish automaker’s design influence is channeled on the Coolray. Case in point is the chiseled front fenders that make the crossover look wider than it really is.

On the bonnet, there are creases and a subtle budge to make it more defined. The trapezoidal front grille is accentuated by a wrap-around red lining which matches the red brake calipers. On either side of the grille are full LED headlights with boomerang-esque shaped daytime running lights. The lower end of the bumper has a massive air dam with a front splitter for aerodynamics to complete the sporty look. At the rear are quad tailpipes and faux carbon-fiber accents to give it a youthful vibe. The massive rear spoiler rounds up the SUV look. The Coolray rides on a set of 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels.

2020 Geely Coolray Interior

Inside the cabin, there are design touches that highlight Volvo’s influence on the design. There are brushed-aluminum trims on the AC vents, grab handles, and gear selector matched with burgundy and black leather for the upholstery.

The dashboard looks very modern with a wide LED instrument cluster, multi-function steering wheel, and a center-mounted 10.25-inch console that’s within eye level of the main instrument panel to reduce eye strain. However, it does not come compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so that is a bit of a downer. But the console does come with the QDLink Android App mirroring system so that’s a saving grace.

Though the Geely Coolray measures 4,330 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,609mm tall, the cabin does not feel cramped at all. There’s the sunroof that makes the space wider than it is. And the second-row legroom does not feel cramped at all. Cargo space is no problem as well. The split-fold rear seats tumble down so you can reconfigure cargo and seating as needed.

2020 Geely Coolray Engine Specifications

Under the hood, the 2020 Geely Coolray is powered by a 1.5L Turbo Direct Injection engine that delivers 175 hp of maximum output and 255 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to an automatic wet dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox (7DCT). The Transmission is developed in Geely’s China Euro Vehicle Technology Centre in Gothenburg, Sweden and is an industry leader marking 97 percent transmission efficiency.

The 7DCT allows the Coolray to go from zero to 100kmph in just under eight seconds while having a combined city and highway driving fuel consumption of 6.1 liters for every 100 km. Paddle shifters are placed in the steering column just in case you want manual control. However, some drivers complain that there is a slight delay on the car’s response when doing either a downshift or an upshift.

Another feature that adds ‘cool’ to the Coolray is the three driving modes that modify the engine, steering, and suspension to be more responsive on your drive. The Eco mode is for efficient driving which restrains acceleration and will come in handy for city driving. The Sport mode gives more power for climbing steep terrain or conquering rough roads but expects it to chug in more fuel. The normal mode is the balance between the two and is adequate enough for both city and highway driving. The instrument cluster changes color so you get reminded of what mode you have selected. Yellow for Normal, blue for Eco, and red for Sport mode.

2020 Geely Coolray Safety Features 

Because the Coolray is made for tech-savvy users in mind, it comes with the latest driving technology not just for driver’s convenience but also for added safety. For instance, the fully automated park assist (APA) with a 360-degree camera lets you parallel park or park in a lot with just a push of a button. However, the accuracy of the APA is limited when its dark or when the lighting is dim.

Besides the standard top-down view on the camera system, there are other 3D view options and wide-angle views that activate when you signal to turn, to assist when merging, and stays active at speed of up to 30 kmph. There is also the blind spot detection to ensure that there is no vehicle or obstruction when changing lanes or opening doors; automatic lighting and wipers; six airbags; ISOFIX anchors for child seats which is a must for family cars; ICC Intelligent Cruise Control; and EPB Electronic Parking Brake and Auto hold.

2020 Geely Coolray Price

Here is a look at 2020 Geely Coolray price list:

• Geely Coolray 1.5 Comfort Turbo priced at Php 978,000
• Geely Coolray 1.5 Premium Turbo priced at Php 1.088 million
• Geely Coolray 1.5 Sport Turbo priced at Php 1.198 million

Each Geely Coolray also comes with standard 150,000 km or five- year warranty, whichever comes first.

Final words

The 2020 Geely Coolray crossover may be made in China but is definitely European by design. Though other compact SUVs will match Coolray’s performance, specs, and refinement, it surely could not match the Coolray’s price tag. And with the tech and features that Coolray has, it will appeal to Filipinos— with our penchant for SUVs and all. But more than that, some Pinoys put more premium to what the car has to offer than the name brand it holds. And those looking for value for money, the 2020 Geely Coolray—a China-made, European designed crossover— is a great choice. 

Also read: Geely Coolray - Top features we love