May 8, 2023

2024 Geely Coolray Gets More Torque, Launch Control


At last year’s Manila International Auto Show, Sojitz G Auto Philippines, Geely’s exclusive Philippine distributor, had the distinction of being the very first market in the world to receive the refreshed Coolray compact crossover.

That version, which is currently available in Geely showrooms nationwide, features refreshed styling along with a new welcome light sequence and larger infotainment screen. But while all that was happening, Geely also gave the crossover a more comprehensive update for its home market of China at roughly the same time. And now, that substantially updated version has finally made its way to its first foreign market: Chile.



Riding on the same basic platform and body as the current Coolray, the new model gets a substantially updated front-end. The face is now sharper with slimmer headlights, a Lexus-like spindle grille, hood with vents, and numerous red pinstripe accents. At the back, it gets new angular LED taillights joined by a full-width lightbar. The tailgate’s also been changed with the number plate changing positions, while Geely’s made sure to make the rear spoiler look more aggressive while further accentuating the rear diffuser and quad tailpipes.

Inside, the updated Coolray retains its sporty black and red color motif, but supplements that with added tech courtesy of a free-standing 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Amenities include rain-sensing wipers, a wireless device charger, a 540-degree panoramic vision camera, blind spot detection, and an automated parking assistant. Sadly, there’s still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but it does get a Mirror Link feature.

The lack of any credible smartphone connectivity notwithstanding, the new Coolray does manage to add a new cylinder to its engine. The turbocharged NordThor 1.5 4-cylinder develops 174 horsepower—slightly lower than the current model’s 177 horsepower output. However, it manages to counter that with a slight torque bump to 290 Nm (from 255 Nm) at 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. Moreover, it now comes with an idle start/stop feature and, get this, Launch Control. When activated, Geely says it’s good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.6 seconds—slightly faster than the current model’s 7.9-second sprint. The transmission remains a 7-speed wet-type dual clutch. Launch Control is also fairly unique in the crossover segment and something you often see in supercars like the Porsche 911 or Nissan GT-R.



For its debut market of Chile, the new Coolray comes in three variants: the GL Comfort, GK Exclusive, and the GF Sport. The prices there start at 16.490 million Chilean Pesos (P 1.142 million), an increase of 2.5 million Chilean Pesos (P 173,285) over the current Coolray. 

With Geely now starting to export the Coolray to global markets, it’s just going to be a matter of time before the Philippines will get this refreshed model. Expect a local debut perhaps as early as this year, perhaps alongside or a bit after the GX3 Pro sub-compact SUV which was previewed at the Manila International Auto Show.

6 comments:

  1. launch control seems unnecessary

    ReplyDelete
  2. Agree. Launch control seems like a gimmick which just adds to the cost. And for what, only a 0.3 second gain from the previous without one? Heh.
    I expect a price bump but still hope they price this competitively. Around the 1.35-1.4m mark for the TOTL perhaps?
    Or else people will just flock to the bigger and "reputable" Ford Territory.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Some potential buyers were turn off by it not having apple carplay and android auto. I think all china cars here in ph have at least apple carplay. Matigas ang ulo or its pride?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oddly enough, the newer GAC models don't have them (Empow, Emkoo, GS8). The GS4 does, however.

      It's not matigas ng ulo. It's licensing cost.

      Owners though have managed to root the system and install it on their own.

      Delete
    2. Is warranty on electronics void if you install an apple carplay/andorid auto aftermarket?

      Delete
  4. We have Android Auto and Apple Car Play now on all Geely models. Warranty doesn't come off since it's not rooted. It's Side-loaded only :) Just like you Install the app on your phone, its as easy as that.

    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.