When we were at the Auto China 2024 in Beijing back in April, it wasn’t just the new cars at the motor show we checked out. We were also able to try out other cars from other manufacturers.
One of those automakers is Geely, and they let us try out various models from the Monjaro crossover to the Galaxy E8 EV. But the model we drove that’s the most certain to land here is the facelifted Coolray. We took it for a quick spin, and here’s what we think of it.
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What’s new with the Geely Coolray?
But before we tell you how it drives now, let’s do a quick rundown of what’s been changed on the outside. The thing that pops out the most is the new front fascia. There are sharper headlights, a more prominent grille, and a much bigger center air intake. All those changes mean the bumper gets a radical new look, too.
You’ll also spot several design tweaks at the back. The full width tail lights are slimmer and feature a more dynamic pattern. The whole tailgate has been reshaped with the license plate holder moved lower down. Like the front, the rear bumper gets a more angular and bolder look, and yes, the four tailpipes still remain.
The rest of the body is unchanged, but there are new wheel options available.
What about the interior?
The dash of the 2025 Geely Coolray gets a major overhaul. Gone is the shroud for the instrument cluster. It’s been replaced by a panel that now houses the digital cluster and infotainment system. The dash fascia was also redesigned to accommodate these changes.
The tester we got came with a two-tone black and white interior with green highlights. It might be different depending on the variant and color.
Anything new under the hood?
This is the biggest change for the 2025 model year. Everyone knows that the current model uses a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbo that makes 177hp and 255Nm of torque. It’s been replaced by a Volvo-derived 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine. The extra cylinder bumps power up to 181hp and 290Nm of torque. It’s still paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
How does it drive?
We weren’t able to drive the new Coolray outside of a set testing area within its factory. But what we can tell you is that the extra torque makes its presence felt. There’s more pull at lower revs and makes this subcompact crossover feel even quicker.
As for handling, it feels largely identical to the current model. Steering feel is still good but the tires fitted to our tester were from a company we've never heard of. The result? Miles and miles of understeer and long periods of tire squeal. We hope Geely Philippines fits better tires than on the ones we had in our test car. It’s still hard to judge its handling, and a drive on local roads are in order.
As for the ride, it’s slightly more pliant than before. There’s still a hint of firmness, but the body stays more level on bumps. We’re curious how the new suspension tuning fares on Philippine roads, but it felt promising at the time.
When is it arriving in the Philippines?
So far, Geely Philippines has not released or shared any information about its upcoming models. But given that the Coolray is a popular model in the country, it’s safe to say that the new management would like to make its local debut as soon as possible.
UPDATE: The facelifted Geely Coolray made its Philippine debut in September 2024. Here’s what we know so far about the local model.
