Chinese automakers have gone from "another Chinese copycat" to "damn, that's already pretty good!" The Geely StarRay is here and European rivals can start shaking. Why? Because it looks like a Cadillac, drives like a Volvo and costs like a... used Skoda Kodiaq. And yes, we will soon know if the European throne of SUVs will shake to its foundations.
First, let's get one thing straight: Geely StarRay it's not some exotic Chinese adventure. No, this is serious SUV, which draws inspiration from the best that the automotive world has to offer. Design lines? You will immediately think of the latest models Cadillac. But hey, nothing wrong with that! StarRay is the first Chinese SUV that is visually really, really, really likeable.
Why is Geely so advanced in design? Because they don't play by the old rules. In recent years, they have lured a whole bunch of European brands under their wing. Volvo, Lotus, Polestar, Smart – all of which are now part of the great Chinese automotive octopus. And they didn't just buy brands, they bought brains too. They hired top designers from Europe and gave them free rein. The result? StarRay looks like it just arrived from Stockholm, not “Shanghai”.
Dimensions: between Skoda Kodiaq and Ford Kuga
With length 4670 mm the StarRay is right in the middle of the SUV game. Skoda Kodiaq (4697 mm) and Ford Kuga (4629 mm) are its direct rivals. There is more than enough space, because the Chinese do not skimp here. Luggage space? Gromozanskih 650 liters. Back bench? You can probably hold a small concert there. Yes, there is so much space that you will wonder if the Chinese are planning to expand their family to six children.
Engine: 1.5-liter turbo for now, 2.0-liter on the horizon
Currently StarRay drives 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 128 kW (174 hp), associated with 7-speed DCT automatic transmission. This means acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and top speed around 180 km/h. If you're used to more muscular SUVs, you might want to wait for the z version to arrive 2.0-liter engine and 218 hp and four-wheel drive, which should arrive next year.
@janmacarol A Chinese SUV that looks like a Cadillac, drives like a Volvo and costs like a used Skoda! 😱 Price? Only €32,990! ✅ 1.5 turbo, 174 HP ✅ 0-100 km/h 7.9 seconds ⚡ ✅ 650 liters of trunk 📦 Geely bought Volvo, Lotus and Polestar, Smart and employs the best European designers! 🎨 European SUVs, shake! 🔥 #GeelyStarRay #SUV #AvtoNews #Chinese SUV #CarCurrent #geely #starray #suv ♬ original sound – jan.macarol.vrabec
Interior: modern, with some classic flaws
The interior is the right mix of boldness and functionality. The test model had an interesting blue exterior paint, while the interior was in complementary tones. StarRay is one of the few SUVs where exterior and interior work as a harmonious pair. The problem? Too much piano plastic, which attracts fingerprints like a magnet.
Extremely beautiful and consistent with the exterior. Premium feeling in a lower "class".
In the center, a high-quality, responsive, tablet that without
wirelessly projects Apple CarPlay.
Technologically, StarRay is surprisingly advanced. Wireless Apple CarPlay works without any problems. But be careful: forget about RDS or DAB radio. Just regular FM with frequencies. Apparently, the Chinese swear by Internet radio stations and podcasts, while we Europeans still tune in to local radio frequencies. I also like the interface design, which is extremely well designed.
Safety and technology: Volvo DNA in a Chinese package
Geely StarRay uses global luxury architecture CMA, which is also used by Volvo. This means superior stability, safety and mechanical precision. In the field of security systems, you will find everything from adaptive cruise control to automatic emergency braking systemYes, if you want to drive safely and comfortably, StarRay will make it possible for you without any problems.
The rear is really perfectly designed with the "smooth bar".
Price: European rivals, hold on to your wallets
And now the sweetest part: the price. Geely StarRay is available for approx 32,990 euros. It's a price that will leave you with a dilemma - why pay more for a European SUV that offers almost the same? Shame on the Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tiguan and Ford Kuga are already on the battle line. But they are comparable horses and we can wash 5,000 euros more expensive.
Bottom line: The Chinese are ruthless—and that's not a bad thing
The Geely StarRay has its flaws, but let's be real - what SUV doesn't? What really worries me is the speed at which the Chinese are learning. The design? Excellent. Technology? No major flaws. The price? Better than a weekend in Croatia.
If StarRay forecast of the future, then European SUVs can start preparing for a serious fight. The competition is no longer just in the factory next door, but comes from another continent. And if European manufacturers do not find an answer quickly, it may happen that in a few years we will all be driving Chinese SUVs.
And you know what? Maybe that's not a bad thing at all.
