Geely launches all-new Coolray SUV in South Africa – Pricing and features

Chinese auto giant Geely has unveiled its newest SUV – the Coolray – in South Africa.

While its recently introduced models have been new energy vehicles (NEVs), its latest offering is fitted with an internal combustion engine (ICE).

The Coolray arrives in three derivatives – the Nova, Vanguard, and Vertex – with prices starting from R369,900.

Head of Product & Strategy at Geely Auto South Africa, Jateen Daya, noted that the SUV has proven itself globally as one of Geely’s most important products.

“South African motorists can now experience a vehicle that offers the performance, refinement and technology expected from a premium product, while remaining accessible and highly competitive within its segment,” he said.

Jacqueline Kruger, Head of Marketing at Geely Auto South Africa, added that the Coolray represents another important step in Geely’s growth journey locally.

“As we continue to expand our presence in South Africa, products such as the Coolray play a vital role in introducing more customers to the Geely brand and everything it stands for,” she said.

“With its bold design, impressive specification, advanced technology and strong value proposition, we are confident that the Coolray will resonate strongly with South African consumers and make a significant impact in the compact SUV segment.”

Powertrain and performance

All three derivatives are fitted with a turbocharged four-cylinder 1.5-litre direct-injection petrol engine, which produces 128kW and 290Nm.

This power is sent to the front wheels via its seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, which allows for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 7.6 seconds.

Despite the SUV’s focus on performance, the Coolray maintains a frugal average fuel consumption, using only 6.5l/100km.

Drivers have a choice of four selectable driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport and Adaptive – that allow for the vehicle’s responses to be tailored to individual driver preference and road conditions.

Features

In terms of styling, the Coolray has been designed with sharply sculpted body surfaces and a muscular shoulder line, as well as a two-tone roof available on Vanguard and Vertex models.

Its front fascia features a vertical-slat grille framed by aerodynamic fins and sleek LED headlamps, while at the rear, the SUV hosts twin-pod LED taillamps, a sculpted bumper design and diffuser-inspired lower styling.

Exclusive to the flagship Vertex derivative is a motorsport-inspired rear wing positioned high above the rear glass and featuring integrated side fins and prominent “S” badging.

The Coolray measures 4,380mm in length and is 1,795 mm wide, housing a 2,600mm wheelbase and offering 161mm of ground clearance.

This size accommodates five occupants while maintaining 330 litres of luggage capacity, which expands to 1,054 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The entry-level Nova features alloy wheels and LED lighting, which are upgraded to 18-inch gloss-black alloy wheels for the Vanguard and Vertex guises.

Inside, motorists can expect to find a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that serves as the central hub for connectivity, entertainment and vehicle information, complemented by an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster.

The entire range features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, multiple USB ports, and intuitive operating systems.

On higher trim levels, buyers will be able to enjoy additional comforts, including ambient lighting, perforated leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a six-speaker audio system, a 540-degree camera system and additional airbags.

At the top of the range, the flagship Vertex adds a panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, wireless charging, and distinctive motorsport-inspired styling elements.

Standard safety features include ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control, Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring and ISOFIX child-seat anchor points.

Higher trim levels introduce passive safety systems and advanced driver assistance technologies, including six airbags, while the flagship Vertex offers a Level 1 ADAS package.

This includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent High Beam Control and Traffic Jam Assist.

Pricing

Prices for the recently-launched Geely Coolray line-up in South Africa are as follows:

• Geely Coolray 1.5TD 7DCT Nova – R369,900
• Geely Coolray 1.5TD 7DCT Vanguard – R399,900
• Geely Coolray 1.5TD 7DCT Vertex – R429,900

These prices include a 5-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, a 5-year/150,000km engine warranty, a 5-year/50,000km service plan, and 5-year unlimited roadside assistance.

Geely Coolray