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ZASports2 days ago

Geely Coolray SUV lands in SA with affordable price tag - but why does it look so familiar?

The Geely Coolray SUV has been introduced to the South African market with an affordable price tag. The article notes that the Coolray resembles Proton's X50 SUV, as Geely owns Proton, a Malaysian carmaker that re-entered the South African market in 2022. The Coolray offers three variants with prices lower than the Proton X50. It features a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and includes various technological and comfort features across its different trims.

Jason Woosey | Published 1 hour ago

If you think you might have seen the new Geely Coolray before, don’t blame the generic look of SUVs these days - your eyes are not deceiving you.

The Geely Coolray is the vehicle that Proton’s X50 is closely based on, given that the Chinese auto giant owns the Malaysian carmaker that returned to our shores in 2022. Proton now faces an uncertain future in South Africa, after CMH recently terminated its distribution agreement.

The Coolray also lands at a lower price than the Proton version, with three derivatives announced for the local market this week:

Coolray 1.5TD 7DCT Nova – R369 900

Coolray 1.5TD 7DCT Vanguard – R399 900

Coolray 1.5TD 7DCT Vertex – R429 900

For the record, Proton’s X50 is currently listed at R449,900 in entry-level form.

Cool name or not, the Coolray is powered by the familiar 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine, which produces 128kW and 290Nm, pairing up with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that drives the front wheels only.

Drivers can choose from four selectable driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Adaptive.

So what do you get for your moolah?

The Nova kicks things off with a 14.6-inch infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, keyless entry, multi-function steering wheel, alloy wheels and dual front airbags.

The Vanguard gains perforated leather upholstery, with power adjustment for the driver’s seat, as well as ambient lighting, a 540-degree camera system, a six-speaker audio system, 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels and the addition of side and curtain airbags.

The Vertex flagship model features a panoramic roof, electric tailgate, wireless charging, motorsport-inspired exterior design package and a comprehensive suite of driver assist features.

"The Coolray represents another important step in Geely's growth journey locally,” says Geely Auto SA’s marketing head, Jacqueline Kruger.

“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."

The Geely Coolray is sold with a five-year or 150,000km warranty and a five-year or 50,000km service plan.

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IOL (Independent Online)IndependentCenter2 days ago
Geely Coolray SUV lands in SA with affordable price tag - but why does it look so familiar?

The Geely Coolray SUV has been introduced to the South African market with an affordable price tag. The article notes that the Coolray resembles Proton's X50 SUV, as Geely owns Proton, a Malaysian carmaker that re-entered the South African market in 2022. The Coolray offers three variants with prices lower than the Proton X50. It features a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and includes various technological and comfort features across its different trims.

Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the introduction of the Geely Coolray SUV in South Africa, comparing it to the Proton X50 and detailing its specifications and pricing. There is no evident ideological framing, biased language, or selective sourcing that would indicate a political lean.