June 29, 2020

Review: 2020 Geely Coolray Sport


If there’s a vehicle that’ll single-handedly overturn the compact crossover pecking order, it’s this: the 2020 Geely Coolray. The name is nonsensical, but the car it’s attached to is most certainly not. It doesn’t carry the same gravitas as the more established brands in the market, but its impressive specs and performance are enough to make it a topic of conversation.

For one, there’s the way it looks. With the exception of the body cladding on the lower part of its body, the sharp, angular style actually passes more for a racy hatchback than a family-oriented crossover. The timelessness of the design is up for debate, but for the here and now, it fares better than most of the soap bar designs seen from other makes.



If there’s one criticism that can be hurled its way, it’s over styled. Geely says they’re targeting millennials and young buyers with the Coolray, but they didn’t have to add every single design trend to make it noticeable. With its two-tone color scheme, carbon fiber accents, extended WRC-style rear spoiler, and quad tailpipes—there are too many things going on, and most of them detract from the neatly styled body. There’s a derogatory Filipino term for it: “Trying hard.”

While the exterior connects to the buyer based on his sense of style—is he the loud Supreme, Off-White sort or does he prefer something more subdued—one thing’s for certain: the interior passes even the most stringent standards. With almost the entire dashboard covered in simulated aluminum trim, there’s a genuine danger of looking chintzy. Thankfully, this never happens. In the Coolray, their concept car-like centerpiece shows the level of detail Geely’s taken. Metal applique aside, the black and red interior combination does wonders in creating a high-class feel without looking contrived.



The high set center console, small diameter steering wheel, and heavily bolstered seats create a sporty vibe, but more importantly, there’s no shortage of space. Front or back, there’s enough room to fit full-grown adults. The cargo hold though is, admittedly, on the small side and the button to open the hatch is hard to come by.

For its price point, the Coolray’s well-loaded with tech. It’s got a digital gauge cluster, a 10.25-inch floating multimedia system (sorry, no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto), passive keyless entry, and even a panoramic sunroof. Oh, and for those who aren’t too confident of their parking skills, hands and feet-free automated parking.



Sadly, the Coolray still loses out in one important aspect: driver comfort. While the ingredients for a truly ergonomic experience are present—a tilt/telescopic steering wheel and a 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, things just don’t gel well together. The best driving position I could muster is a compromised one with the pelvis and hips angled awkwardly to the right. This shouldn’t be a problem for short drives (or those with stocky builds), but for anyone with a compromised back (I’ve got a slipped disc), long drives are unbearable.

For those with perfectly aligned spines though, the Coolray stands as one of the segment’s best because it manages to get the driving part right. Credit Geely’s global team and/or a genuine Volvo connection with this platform, but this is one solid feeling crossover. With close to 7,000 kilometers already clocked in, it’s absolutely free of any rattles.



Running through the city, the suspension is always refined and supple, absorbing even the worst of haphazardly repaired concrete joints. As some speed’s added, the body initially feels floaty, only to regain its composure with progressive grace. This may look like a crossover, but it can also be made to hustle down a set of twists. Even more important, it doesn’t lose sight of what it is: it’s a family-oriented vehicle. For that, it’s comfortable to be in and at ease with itself.

World class as the platform is, the Coolray has also inherited Volvo’s penchant for making things easier for the driver. Automated parking aside, it has blind spot detection which helps in spotting wayward cyclists. Moreover, Geely’s made an ingenious use of its 360-degree camera. Not only does it activate during parking situations, but engaging the right turn signal automatically switches the right camera on—projecting either the front curb or rear curb (speed dependent). It’s similar to Honda’s Lane Watch, only way more cleverly done.



Seemingly built for safety, it still knows how to have fun, and a big part of that is because of its engine. With 177 horses under the hood, the Coolray can reach the 100 km/h mark in less than 8 seconds. Admittedly, it’s not the best sounding engine out there, but thanks to the copious amounts of insulation, unwanted NVH is kept in check. Hints of unevenness would enter the cabin during full throttle applications, but these are uncommon. Fuel economy reaches double digits too—10.98 km/L, though this figure was done with traffic still light (average speed: 26 km/h).

The accompanying 7-speed dual clutch is also mighty refined. Audible gear shifting in stop-and-go traffic aside, there’s no jerkiness. There are paddle shifters here too, but they’re largely superfluous because the gearbox knows exactly what it’s doing. Ditto the selectable driving modes—“Eco” neuters the performance too much, and “Sport” makes the throttle response too rowdy. It’s best to keep things in “Comfort.”



Overall, the Coolray is like the latest Huawei phone—it doesn’t carry the same street cred as those from Apple or Samsung, but it can sure as hell blow the best of them out of the water. Now, buying a P 40,000 Chinese-branded smartphone for its impressive camera is very different from buying a P 1.198-million crossover, but putting brand prejudices and even its impressive list of toys aside, it actually ranks with the best of them.

It doesn’t score perfect just yet, but it can get pretty close at times. Sure, there will be those who won’t be caught dead driving what could be a nickname for their private parts, but its ridiculous name aside, this is a crossover that anyone in the market should consider.



2020 Geely Coolray Sport
Ownership 2020 Geely Coolray Sport 1.5 Turbo
Year Introduced 2019
Vehicle Classification Compact Crossover
Warranty 5 years / 150,000 kilometers
The Basic
Body Type 5-door SUV
Seating 5
Engine / Drive F/F
Under the Hood
Displacement (liters) 1.5
Aspiration Turbocharged
Fuel Delivery Direct Injection
Layout / # of Cylinders I3
BHP @ rpm 177 @ 5,500
Nm @ rpm 255 @ 1,500-4,000
Fuel / Min. Octane Gasoline / 92~
Transmission 7 DCT
Cruise Control Yes
Fuel Economy @ Ave. Speed 10.98 km/L @ 26 km/h
Dimensions and Weights
Length (mm) 4,330
Width (mm) 1,795
Height (mm) 1,609
Wheelbase (mm) 2,600
Curb Weight (kg) 1,355
Suspension and Tires
Front Suspension Independent, MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Torsion Beam Axle
Front Brakes Vented Disc
Rear Brakes Disc
Tires Continental UltraContact UC 6 215/55 18 V (f & r)
Wheels Alloy
Safety Features
Airbags 6
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Yes, with EBD
Traction / Stability Control Yes
Parking Sensors Yes, Front & Rear, w/ 360 Camera
Front Seatbelts 3-pt ELR with pre-tensioner x 2
Rear Seatbelts 3-pt ELR x 3
ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor Yes
Other Safety Features Tire Pressure Monitoring
Hill Start Assist
Hill Descent Control
Blind Spot Detection
Automated Park Assist
Exterior Features
Headlights LED
Fog Lamps Yes, Rear
Auto Lights Yes
Rain-sensing Wipers No
Interior Features
Steering Wheel Adjust Tilt/Telescopic
Steering Wheel Material Leather
Seating Adjustment (driver) Electric, 6-way
Seating Adjustment (front passenger) Manual, 4-way
Seating Surface Leather
Folding Rear Seat Yes, 60/40
On-Board Computer Yes
Convenience Features
Power Steering Yes
Power Door Locks Yes
Power Windows Yes
Power Mirrors Yes, with Fold
Proximity Key Yes
Climate Control Yes
Audio System Stereo
USB
Bluetooth
Smart Phone Mirroring
# of Speakers 6
Steering Controls Yes

20 comments:

  1. It's not a Huawei, its a Xiaomi (not expensive at all)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Warranty is 5 years or 150,000kms, whichever comes first.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Fuel efficiency is not very good. Montero AT can do 12.6km/l at 22 kph.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Fuel efficiency is not very good. Montero AT can do 12.6km/l at 22 kph.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for the thorough review we're buying one🙂

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Our geely coolray sport will be 1 year old this coming july 2021. I drove alot of vehicles but nothing compares to our dear, Geely Coolray Sport.

      Delete
  6. For its price, features and 5 year warranty, this is how confident Geely are, playing now with the big boys, it is like huawei specs with xiaomi price.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Just take note, that this is just a 3 cylinder with Dual Clutch transmission. Engine vibration is much higher compared to 4 cylinders.

    ReplyDelete
  8. There's is nothing to complain (yet) on Coolray's performance.
    Bought the car a month ago and my daughter is loving it!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yung mga nag comment na bumili. Baka pwede after maybe 3 to 5 years, balik kayo dito. Want to see how well it holds up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sige sir, antay ka lang.

      Delete
    2. Ayaw mo pang bumili? baka maubosan ka hehe

      Delete
  10. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Is the Cruise Control Adaptive or not?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Test driven today, all I can say is `Stress Free.` I can drive it the whole day.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi uly can this car run on 91 octane or just 95 octane as asked in casa ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Geely recommends 92 octane actually for the Coolray...since most of our gas is either 91 or 95, go with 95. Having said that, you shouldn't have any problems going down with 91...the ECU should be able to compensate but you might experience loss of power and even fuel economy.

      Delete
  14. This is just the writer's opinion. Follow your heart. Buy coolray as your dream car. It's one of the best cars ever made.

    ReplyDelete

Feel free to comment or share your views. Comments that are derogatory and/or spam will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to moderate and/or remove comments.