WeeklySA_AdminCONFIDENT CHALLENGER: Geely Auto SA has unleashed their new compact SUV positioned to resonate with the new generation of buyers looking for practicality and value, but will it fulfil the claim?
By Ali Mphaki
Temperatures may be dropping but the compact SUV sector is heating up with the launch of the all-new Coolray from the house of Chinese automaker Geely Auto SA.
With such a name one can only imagine it was conceived after a usually lengthy brainstorming session with the specialists in this area gulping some bubbly, or dollops of water ala beleaguered EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and spotting black rings under their eyes.
Yet, few can demur Coolray is not one of those cryptic abbreviations that tech departments love so much, but a funky name likely to get across in an incredible manner as Geely continues to expand its presence in South Africa.
With less than a year back in South Africa having re-launched in October 2025, it would seem the Geely’s 10-year hiatus was meant to allow their products a reasonable time to ripen and mature.
In their previous life in South Africa with limited footprint and it being a relatively an unknown quantity, it could be said Geely products whilst decent enough were really a rough diamond not the polished high-tech models we have today.
For a company founded in 1986 as a refrigerator parts manufacturer, Geely’s return to South Africa has been electrifying to say the least, marked by the launch of two new EVs, the budget-friendly Geely E2 from R389 500, the premium plug-in-hybrid Geely E5 from R679 99 which are now joined by Coolray, its first internal combustion engine to broaden local brand appeal.
The automaker promises to grow their local line-up to 10 by year end, and this is a promise most likely to be fulfilled what with Geely auto’s parent company Zhejiang Geely Holdings Group in China owning brands such as Volvo, polestar. Lotus, and the largest investor in Mercedes-Benz.
Already 33 local dealerships have been secured countrywide, but before we get carried away let’s go to know more about newcomer Coolray.
What we have are three all-new Coolray derivatives.
There is the entry-level model Coolray 1,5TD 7DCT Nova, the mid-range Coolray 1.5TD 7DCT Vanguard and flagship Coolray 1.5 7DCT Vertox.
Visually the all-new Coolray at 4,380mm in length, 1,795 mm in width and 1690 mm in height boast a silhouette characterized by sharply sculptured body surfaces combining athletic proportions with distinctive motorsport inspired detailing.
A vertical-slat grille, a muscular shoulder line, LED headlamps and twin-pod LED tailamps suggests a focussed and purposeful appearance.
Exclusive to the flagship Vertex derivative is a striking motorsport-inspired rear wing featuring integrated side fins and prominent S badging.
A contrasting two-tone roof is available on Vanguard and Vertex derivatives.
Ingress and dominating the dashboard is a 14,6-inch HD infotainment touchscreen, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and depending on specification, customers can also enjoy wireless smartphone charging, multi-colour ambient lighting, power-adjustable seating, a panoramic sunroof and an electric tailgate.
With rear seats folded, the Coolray offers 330 litres of luggage capacity.
Beneath the bonnet every Coolray derivative is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine which spews 128 kW and 290 Nm of torque with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint in 7,6 seconds.
Drivers can further personalise their experience through four selectable driving modes; Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Adaptive.
While standard features include things like ABS, ESC etc, the Vanguard and Vertex models come with six airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and a 540-degree panoramic camera system.
Geely would like us to internalize the Coolray achieves a consumption figure of 6.5 litres per 100 km, giving you more drive for less.
Backed by Geely’s 5-year/150 00 km warranty, all indications are that Coolray is ready, willing, and able to compete.
Pricing start from R369 900 to R425 900.
