The Geely Starray 2.0T AWD is like that unknown band that overshadows the main stars at a concert – seemingly modest, but once you get to know it, it amazes you. This Chinese C-SUV with 238 horses, top-notch equipment and a price that doesn't require selling a kidney, proves that Geely is no longer just a budget alternative, but a serious player. As someone who has driven a large part of the "current fleet" of cars on the road in recent years, I say: this car has a character of its own. Let's see why it is worth your time - reading this article - and maybe even considering buying it.
When I first saw Geely Starray, I thought, “This is a Cadillac that went to an Asian yoga class!” The people I spoke to about this car last year agreed with me – it reminds me of Cadillac's current line of mid-size SUVs. The front grille is impressive, huge, as if it wanted to swallow the road. On the test model, it was partially illuminated, which added that “wow” effect – as if the car was saying: “I’m in charge.” Also logo Geely It looks powerful, almost premium and illuminated. Again, it reminds me of something very American – Cinder logo.
I am particularly impressed by 20-inch alloy wheels! I immediately smelled that they were made in the same factory as the latest Volvo wheels. Designer? Probably the same one that gives Volvo that Scandinavian chic. With a length 4.67 m (15.32 ft) and wheelbase 2.78 m (9.12 ft) The Starray is comparable to a Subaru Forester or a Nissan X-Trail, possibly even a Toyota RAV4 and a Honda CR-V. The rear is slightly reminiscent of a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, but more refined.
Exterior Geely Starray I don't mind at all - it's a mix of American ruggedness and Asian elegance that doesn't stand out anywhere. It's a little American, a little Asian, but it doesn't hurt anywhere. The car looks specifically, as if he is ready for anything. If I had to be cynical, I would say that the Chinese are “inspired” again – but they are doing it so well that I applaud them.
Interior: Premium at a reasonable price
You enter the Geely Starray and you feel like you're in a premium saloon that should cost twice as much. The interior in the test car was in blue-gray artificial leather is modern, with ambient lighting, 10.2-inch virtual cockpit (10.2 inches) and huge 13.2-inch central screen (13.2 inches), powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155. Wireless Apple CarPlay is here, but Android Auto is missing – Android users, get your tissues ready. The system is clear, but without Slovenian or DAB+ radio (only FM, no station names – 91.8 MHz, so guess). But who still listens to the radio these days, if you have Spotify and podcasts? That's what the Chinese think, and I agree with them. I haven't listened to Slovenian radio stations for years. Oh – there's also good contactless smartphone charging.
The gear lever is straight from Volvo models.
Panoramic glass roof, electrically adjustable seats (with heating in front), heated steering wheel and heated windshield are serial. Head-Up Display It projects the data like in a science fiction movie. It works well and also warns about speed limits. But there is no navigation, which is “only” via the phone. Trunk? 650 liters (22.95 cu ft), with folded seats 1610 liters (56.86 cu ft). Isofix, double trunk floor and the split rear seat (1/3-2/3) ensure practicality. The materials are good, the feel is appropriate for this class – Geely, which has owned Volvo since 2010, does not skimp here. If I had to find a fault, it would be the lack of Android Auto – but at this price I will not skimp. There is an application that allows you to mirror the phone screen, but it is not ideal. And then there is the FM radio, which is like from the 1950s. The rest is fine. I have no special comments.
Driving: Easy dynamics that surprise
The Geely Starray 2.0T AWD sits on the CMA platform it shares with the Volvo XC40 – and it feels it. With a weight of around 1800 kg (3748 lbs) It is relatively light for its centimeters and 4×4 drive, which 175 kW (238 hp) and 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft) from 2.0-liter turbo inline-four easily mastered. Acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes approximately 8 seconds, the final speed exceeds 210 km/h (130 mph). 8-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive (AWD) They ensure a smooth and reliable ride. The transmission is not sporty – although it also has this mode where it becomes more responsive.
Driving sensations? Very good. It's not a racing car, but it's sporty enough for a family SUV. The test was Goodyear tires with the SUV premium label, which provided excellent grip. The chassis is balanced, it swallows bumps with ease – I never reached its limit, not even in fast corners. It leans slightly because it is tall, but remains predictable even when you push it. ESP, ASR and ETS They provide stability. Volvo feelings.
360 degree cameras The Geely Starray isn't the best - I've seen cameras with fewer pixels, but they work satisfactorily. Even when driving slowly, they actively try to avoid blind spots with a cornering animation, which is commendable. Active cruise control and automatic driving system are a bit specific and require a bit of getting used to. The smart cruise control with autopilot is designed to slow down considerably before a bend on regional roads, which can be annoying. It's clear that the Chinese have thought about motorways and city roads - it works really well there and is smart enough. Active parking assist system and 360 degree camera but they make maneuvering easier. Consumption? Around 8-9 l/100 km (26-29 mpg), which is acceptable for 238 horses. It can approach 10 liters, but on regional roads it also drops to 8 liters. The average is around 9 liters, depending on the driver.
Since I have a Volvo V90 CC AWD with diesel and similar horsepower, I know that 8 liters is normal – 4WD drive takes its toll. For a petrol car, which is cheaper than diesel, 9 liters is perfectly OK. Some journalists complain, but exactly 1800 kilograms (the number from the registration certificate), the shape and the 4WD drive bring such consumption. You can't escape physics. And the competition isn't much better either.
Safety and equipment: Everything you need, no extra charges
The GF+ equipment is extensive: 6 airbags, belt retention system, blind spot warning when driving slowly, automatic emergency braking, active cruise control, tire pressure monitoring. Add Keyless Go, electric trunk closing and roof sled for usability. LED headlights, automatic high beams, rain sensor and Head-Up Display, speakers even in the headrests and a subwoofer in the luggage compartment ensure safety and comfort. Alarm, engine immobilisation and code-protected ignition they are the icing on the cake. Everything is standard – the only extra charge is the color (€720, if it is not green).
The price? 38.990 € for a new vehicle, with 2+2 years warranty (or 100,000 km/62,137 mi)It's like getting a premium SUV for the price of a basic one. Compared to a similarly equipped Volvo XC60, which costs well over 65,000 euros, the savings are obvious.
Sound: It's a pleasant surprise
The Geely Starray sound system, developed with Harman – under the Infinity brand – is a real surprise – for 39 thousand you get sound that rivals premium SUVs for 70 thousand euros! The speakers in the headrests create an intimate experience – navigation and phone conversations, the subwoofer in the trunk provides deep bass. The sound is clean, the vocals are clear, the instruments are separated – like a live concert. The panoramic glass roof slightly spoils the acoustics with echoes, but it opens in several ways and has a sunshade that mitigates this. If I were cynical, I would say that the Chinese “borrowed” Volvo’s magic, but the result is really good. The Starray sounds like it belongs in a higher class! But the sound is not as good as, for example, in Lynk & Co 01, which I recently tested – albeit from the same supplier – Infinity by Harman.
Conclusion: A Chinese star that doesn't disappoint
After a few days with Geely Starray I can say about the 2.0T AWD GF+: this is an SUV that surprises. The exterior is imposing, with a Cadillac touch and Volvo wheels, the ride is easy and dynamic enough to make you smile. The equipment is rich, the space is huge, and the price is low for what you get. Yes, Android Auto is missing, the multimedia is not in Slovenian, the 360-degree cameras are not top-notch, and the cruise control needs some getting used to on regional roads. On the other hand, it beeps and warns suspiciously little, and is very neutral and adaptable. But these are minor things in such a comprehensive package. Geely, which owns Volvo, Lotus and Polestar, proves that the Chinese are no longer just copycats, but serious competitors.
One more thing – there is no NCAP rating, where Geely always gets 5 stars for other models, but there is a C-NCAP rating, which is a triple 5 stars. But this is a Chinese standard, which in recent years has been very comparable to NCAP testing. Or rather, it is approaching it in terms of complexity. But it is not quite there yet. It seems as if the Chinese brought this model to the EU by some accident and not completely on purpose. That is how I personally think.
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My overall impression? Geely Starray didn't leave me cold – it's not a Volvo, but for 39 thousand, it's a car that leaves you with a strange smile. If you go to any online car classifieds and look for an SUV with 360-degree cameras, more than 200 horsepower and four-wheel drive, you'll only find this one. In terms of price-to-equipment ratio, it's good – maybe the best. But it's definitely not a car without flaws. But there are too few of these flaws for me to completely blame it and advise against it. So, if you're looking for a large family SUV with 4×4 drive, this is currently one of the most rational choices. But the rule is confirmed once again: there is no car that is ideal – much less without flaws. Too bad! The Chinese really don't lack much in this. Just the finishing touch.
