ROTIMI ASHER
On the heel of a recent rigorous test-drive of the vehicle by the motoring press, Geely Nigeria on Thursday launched into the nation’s market its most powerful crossover SUV, the Geely COOLRAY.
Witnessed by dignitaries and newsmen, the COOLRAY’s unveil was held amidst fanfare at the company’s Flagship showroom in Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Mikano International Limited, Mr. Mofid G. Karameh described the newly launched SUV as a product of Geely’s vision of consistent making of premium products and services for everyone.
He explained: “Our journey into the auto industry with the Mikano Motors sub-division has led to building a world-class assembly plant in our ultra-modern complex fondly referred to as KARAMEH CITY. Our Geely models are currently being assembled here, adhering strictly to global industry standards with the best-qualified professionals on board.
“Geely Nigeria offers the best value proposition with all our premium cars coming with a 5year/ 150,000km best in country warranty, guaranteed resale value via a buyback plan, meaning after a few years of driving your Geely vehicle, we can buy it back from you and you drive off with an upgrade!”
On aftersales, he said, “We offer the lowest maintenance costs regarding affordable and readily available spare parts and after-sales service, financing options to make the ownership of our premium vehicles easier on our customers and all of this is and more, 100% backed by Mikano’s assured guarantee.’’
According to him, the Geely partnership was cemented in 2019, as a result of the recognition of 2 brands with expansion and provision of quality products, after-sales services, and customer satisfaction as key goals.
“Just like Mikano,” he pointed out, adding, “Geely Autos had grown over the years and registered huge accomplishments and we are proud to be partnered with them to bring hi-tech and innovative autos to the Nigerian market.
“For the Coolray as well as all other models, Geely Nigeria offers 150,000km/5 Year warranty, easy access financing options, readily available original parts, world-class aftersales service with 24/7 roadside assistance and mobile service, guaranteed resale value (via trade-in option up to 5-year depreciation), guaranteed the best value for money (quality/ price ratio considering the quality and technological features and advancements).”
Exterior
The Coolray comes in two trims- Dynamics GS and Sport plus GF. There are 5 body color options available: White, Silver, Blue, Orange and Red (with 2 tone Combinations available). Built to give a distinctive first impression, the Coolray’s design follows Geely’s latest “Accelerating through Time” aesthetics.
The wing-shaped chiseled waistline complements the stylish ‘Wings of Time’ tail lamps and outlines the exceptional power inherent in the Coolray.
An aggressive “expanding cosmos” grille, front bumper, and diamond-cut dual-color turbine-inspired sports rims match the intensity and focus of this sporty machine.
Four functional chrome exhaust mufflers and the fashionable carbon-fiber accents on the lip skirt and side mirrors enhance its performance look.
Interior
A jet-inspired enveloping cockpit and D-shaped steering wheel with Aluminum paddle shifters add to the sporty feel inside the Coolray. The interior comprises of 70% soft materials (for better sound and vibration isolation), complementing the cockpit design. Geely also installed an ergonomic electronic shift gear for a perfect and soft knuckle-wrap to nudge the Coolray into action. The 7-inch LCD instrument panel and the intricate ambient lighting add to the mood of the Coolray.
A combination of Leather, Chrome, and Aluminum brushed –finish surfaces with a beautiful color palette exudes class, while the panoramic sunroof provides an exquisite view of the unfolding scenery above the car.
Safety
The Coolray earned a 5-star Crash test rating in the global NCAP federation. Its high-strength steel forms the base of the G-Safety system in addition to the high-strength energy-absorbing body, which houses a comprehensive Passive and Active safety system that protects passengers and pedestrians. It comes with standard driver and passenger airbags, along with side and curtain airbags, ISOFIX and child safety locks, Fuel cut-off, Auto door unlock and Collapsible telescoping steering column on impact (rather than the steering column being pushed into the car cabin on impact, it collapses into itself minimizing injury. Similarly, the engine simply falls to the ground and not into the cabin), all contribute towards Geely’s special emphasis on safety in all their vehicles.
Power and Performance
Coolray is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine that produces 177 hp and 255 Nm of torque, which almost doubles the power of all its class competitors in the Nigerian market. This low-fuel-consumption (6.1km per liter) engine is connected to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Co-developed with VOLVO (Geely Holdings have been the owners of VOLVO Autos, since 2010), Geely CoolRay shares 90% of VOLVO power train suppliers and 10% of VOLVO approved suppliers adhering strictly to Volvo standards.
The Coolray is the premier model built on Geely’s signature B- Segment Modular Architecture (BMA). The BMA is Geely’s global-leading architecture that allows for flexible and dynamic production, enabling different vehicular styles to be built on this singular architecture. With the BMA, the Coolray can accommodate the latest and most advanced 1.5 Turbo GDI.
The 1.5 Turbo GDI, validated by Geely and Volvo, goes above and beyond the industry standard –designed to last a minimum of 15 years or 350,000 km trouble-free, by far higher than the industry standard of 10 years or 200,000 km. The Coolray uses a MacPherson independent suspension system up front and a Torsion beam rear suspension that is responsive enough to minimize the shock of irregular and uneven roads.
Coolray’s turbocharged engine does not only produce energy that efficiently translates to an exceptional, adrenaline-fueled driving experience, its acceleration responds smoothly to pedal pressure at low and high speeds without any lag. In Sport mode, the revs come quicker and hold longer, transferring the full energy of the car to the wheels for a more fun drive.
Technology
From a Remote engine starter to an Electronic Parking Brake with Auto hold, the Coolray comes with hi-tech features for ease and convenience. The most intriguing of these is the G-pilot system that includes the Automatic Parking Assistant (with levels of up to L2 Autonomous drive), Sensors and cameras around the car, Hill traction control, Cruise control and Blind spot detection.
The G-pilot system is complemented by the 10.25-inch color Full HD floating touchscreen infotainment system, with a smart ecosystem that provides a real-time view of the car in 3D, as well as an eagle-eye view of the car’s surroundings.
The panel is also enabled with seamless connectivity and an easy-to-use multifunctional digital control. This is supported by an exceptional soundstage, fully customizable sound system with true and pure surround sound.
Price
The Coolray has performed admirably in other markets, easily becoming a top-seller among the 5-seater subcompact crossover SUVs based on its design, performance and hi-tech offerings. With the launch in Nigeria, pricing for the Coolray was revealed to start from 13.5 Million Naira for the Dynamic GS. Financing plans are available.
Who’s Who?
Among the dignitaries and celebrities at the event were: the Cubana Chief Priest, Chief Osita Iheme MFR (Pawpaw), Emanuel Emenike(MON), (International Footballer), Rebecca Nengi Hampson (Ex BigBrotherNija Member) and Mercy Eke (Past Winner Big Brother Naija).
Verdict
The Coolray is no doubt a package of exceptional safety, technology and power delivered in contemporary style. Its design, comfort and seamless driving experience point to Geely’s growth and extensive R&D over the last ten years that has given it access to become one of the world’s leading automotive brands.
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