Geely Okavango Urban Plus

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEITH MARK DADOR

IT JUST GOT BETTER

The Geely Okavango promised to be a game changer in the industry, combining the best qualities of a multipurpose vehicle and an SUV, resulted in an exciting 7-seat mid-size crossover. In the words of SGAP President & CEO Mikihisa Takayama, “The Okavango crossover promises a ‘Wonderfully Distinct’ ride.”

“The Okavango is aptly named after the Okavango River Delta in Africa, a vast and pulsating wetland which converges and diverges with a unique ecosystem and a myriad of species. Our Okavango embodies this energetic spirit with technology, to bring you a cross-over with extended space”, said Geely’s Shanghai Design Center General Manager Guy Burgoyne.

Many observed that the first Okavango, compared to the Azkarra and even it’s Coolray sibling, lacked certain appointments. But seating 7, more than made up for that. Priced competitively, elegant and sophisticated.

WHAT’S NEW?

Not that it was lacking, the new Okavango Urban Plus now has ADB Matrix LED headlights; this high tech illumination system follows the direction of steering wheel. This means it lights up the road ahead even as you negotiate turns.

Another new feature is the 12.3” full digital gauge cluster. It has a dynamic look, with colors that depend on your choice of three drive modes. Blue for Eco, Yellow for Normal and Red for Sport.

Your road trips will never be the same with the new Panoramic Sunroof. Take your pick on how to enjoy the open roof with the automatic control, which lets you decide how wide you want it open. It has the dust deflector to assure you debris wont enter the cabin. Feel the wind without opening your windows, and it gets better, with added illumination for night trips. There’s also some room for a compartment to stow your sunglasses.

See everything around you with tactically placed wide and high-definition 360 degrees panoramic cameras.

All your driving info in a bright and readable panel 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Panel

Electronic Gear Shifter

Its ride is composed on our uneven city roads, bumps and ruts are smoothed out and it’s even better on highways. In the urban setting, we recommend the ECO drive mode. This mode subdues acceleration, and upshifts earlier in an attempt to keep rpms down. ❞

THE RUNDOWN

The Geely Okavango boasts an interior comparable to more expensive brands. Space, Technology and safety were the primary design considerations here. Comfortable seating for 7 adults was a serious matter, especially for the third row occupants, the Okavango aced this. Long trips are made easier and more relaxed – with a 19 different seat configurations, 42 storage nooks and a double layer console, tucking gadgets and cellphones out of the way. Charging ports for all rows is an added bonus.

Comfort and safety is assured by a triple-zone CN95 filtered air-conditioning system. Allowing the front and rear passengers to select their preferred temperature.

HYBRID IS IT.

Powered by the joint Geely - Volvo developed engine, the 1.5L Turbocharged engine is mated to a 7-speed wet-type dual clutch transmission and assisted by their 48V Electric Motor Synergy (EMS) technology. It’s classified as a Mild Hybrid. The combined output of the 1.5l gas engine and the 48V EMS, put the power at 190 hp with 300Nm of torque.

You may wonder, why three models have the same 1.5l engine? Taking into consideration the purpose of the Coolray, Azkarra and Okavango, meticulous engineering sets them apart from each other. While they share the same powerplant, they are geared different, each with their own set of ratios, taking advantage of the horsepower and torque with different driving purpose.

Dedicated rear A/C control system

1.5L Turbocharged Direct Injection Engine

With the Volvo pedigree, safety is utmost for all Geely vehicles and the Okavango is no different. With 6 SRS Airbags, 360-degree panoramic camera with a best-in-class guidance system and dynamic auxiliary lines, speed warning, electronic stability control, hill start assist, central locking with speedsensing auto lock, and hill descent control will give you peace of mind.

THE TEST DRIVE.

The Okavango we reviewed was in a new color option, black, not Geely’s usual bright, youthful hues. It looked imposing, serious yet elegant.

The 10.25-inch HD Infotainment display is clear, which is helpful when using the 360º camera. Obstacles are clearly displayed. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is not available but has Bluetooth and USB connectivity is adequate. Sound quality is pretty good too.

Its ride is composed on our uneven city roads, bumps and ruts are smoothed out and it’s even better on highways. In the urban setting, we recommend the ECO drive mode. This mode subdues acceleration, and upshifts earlier in an attempt to keep rpms down. The electric motor assumes most duties up to 30kph conserving gas, as more is consumed moving from a stop. Energy is recovered when you lift off the accelerator and also while braking, recharging the batteries.

The Normal drive mode gives you just the right amount

of power and torque to get around. Overtaking is where you feel the electric motor assist the engine, when you step on the gas, the system detects the need for power and applies additional torque from the motor, acceleration is almost instantaneous giving the economical 1.5L engine extra boost without the extra fuel consumption. With traction control turned on, the extra torque afforded by the electric motors can still produce some tire squeal on some occasions. We estimate under normal highway driving, fuel consumption to be around 20km/L (5L/100kms).

The seats are comfortable with leg and back support. The rear seats also offer more adjustment options. The leg room is also generous. The third row seats provide ample space for average sized adult pinoys. The second and third row seats fold flat, allowing more cargo. We fit a full sized mountain bike inside (with the front wheel detached) with space to spare.

The Okavango Urban Plus is priced at PHP1,208,000 for the Comfort variant and PHP1,328,000 for the Urban variant. AUTOCAR PH TEAM

2021 GEELY OKAVANGO URBAN PLUS HYBRID

Vehicle Type Mid Size Crossover Engine 1.5 Liter Turbocharged Direct Injection Engine with 48V Electric Motor Power 190 hp at 5500rpm Torque 300Nm at 4000rpm Transmission 7-speed wet-type dual clutch transmission Fuel Gasoline Wheelbase 2,815 mm Length 4,835 mm Width 1,900 mm Height 1,780 mm Fuel Capacity 50-liters Max Cargo 2,050L Tires 225/55/R18 Colors Storm Gray, Porcelain White Luna Silver, Marble Black

Contact Info Sojitz G Auto Philippines Corporation, official dealer of Geely Philippines Hotline: +632 82920538 E-mail: customer.service@geelyph.com www.geelyph.com

The Geely Okavango boasts an interior comparable to more expensive brands. Space, Technology and safety were the primary design considerations here. ❞