Geely Starray EM-i Inspire review
Chinese car maker Geely is among the wave of newly arrived brands on the Australian market and has just released its second new model, the Geely Starray EM-i Super Hybrid.
Geely is one of China’s automotive heavyweights with a star-studded line-up of brands in its portfolio, including Volvo, Polestar, Lynk & Co, Zeekr, Lotus, Smart, and Proton Cars.
The Starray EM-i is a plug-in-hybrid powered medium SUV and is built on the same platform as Geely’s only other local model, the battery-electric EX5.
It’s available in a simple two-variant line-up, starting at $37,490 (MRLP) for the entry-level Complete, and rising to $39,990 (MRLP) for the better-equipped Inspire model.
Key extras that come with the Inspire include larger 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats with memory function for the driver’s seat, a 16-speaker premium sound system, head-up display, front parking sensors, wireless phone charger, power tailgate, and 256-colour ambient lighting.
Dubbed E-Motive Intelligence (hence EM-i), the powertrain combines a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder outputting 73kW/125Nm, with a 160kW/ 262Nm electric motor.
Combined power is 193kW, but Geely does not provide a combined torque figure.
The vehicle can drive on battery power alone, in hybrid mode with drive alternating between the electric motor and petrol engine, or in Power mode with the electric motor and petrol engine working together.
Exterior styling is sophisticated and contemporary looking, with a strong focus on aerodynamic efficiency resulting in a low drag coefficient, which contributes to combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 2.4L/100km.
EV-only range is a useful 83km, and the Starray EM-i boasts a combined range of up to 943km with its battery fully charged and its 51-litre fuel tank brimmed.
Charging is via either AC (6.6kW) or DC (30kW) outlets and the vehicle features V2L (vehicle-to-load) functionality of up to 6.6kW, so can be used to power electric tools and other appliances.
The cabin is nicely designed and well finished, with a large 15.4-inch touchscreen holding centre stage, complemented by a 10.2-inch digital cluster and a head-up display.
It’s also impressively roomy, with excellent head and legroom and 428 litres of boot space, expanding to 2,065 litres when the rear seats are folded.
Out on the highway, the Starray-EM-i is smooth and quiet. The engine can be heard kicking in when accelerating hard but it’s not overly intrusive.
Performance is brisk without being breathtaking, the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint achieved in 8.0-seconds.
The fully independent suspension is deceptively soft and comfortable at low speeds but loses its composure on lumpy, potholed roads. The steering is lifeless, being too lightly weighted and with minimal feel.
In the big scheme of things these are relatively small criticisms and it’s impossible to deny that the Starray EM-i represents excellent value for money, given its sharp pricing, spacious interior, generous list of standard features and impressive all-round performance.
Geely Starray EM-I Inspire specifications
- PRICE: $39,990 (MRLP)
- WARRANTY: Seven years, unlimited kilometres vehicle; eight years, unlimited kilometres battery.
- POWERTRAIN: 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder (73kW/125Nm); single electric motor (160kW/262Nm); planetary gear CVT; front-wheel drive; 18.4kWh lithium iron phosphate battery.
- ANCAP CRASH RATING: Not tested
- FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2.4L/100km (55.68g/km CO2)
- FOR: Attractive exterior and interior design; smooth, quiet and powerful; excellent fuel efficiency and touring range; well-priced; good performance.
- AGAINST: No spare wheel (run flat or inflator kit); intrusive driver assistance systems; underdone suspension; real-world fuel consumption closer to 6.5L/100km.
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