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Here is what Geely will bring to our market next

The Atlas compact SUV will be pitted against CR-V and Tucson

It's a compact SUV powered by a small-SUV engine. Like? PHOTO FROM GEELY

As you know, the Chinese automaker Geely has made its return to our market official, this time in partnership with Sojitz Corporation of Japan. And for its comeback, the first offering to come out of its stable is the Coolray subcompact SUV. It’s a stylish, reasonably priced car, so it’s only natural for people to wonder: What’s next from the resurgent brand?

Well, the answer came in the form of a teaser during the inauguration of the Geely North EDSA dealership a few days ago. On display inside the showroom—besides the Coolray, of course—were two models that may or may not be sold in our territory.

The first one is the Atlas compact SUV. We can’t tell for sure which particular model this one is in the company’s home market of China, but you can bet your yuan bills that it isn’t called Atlas there. According to Geely Philippines marketing manager Ryan Isana, this vehicle is a cinch to arrive on our shores, most likely within the first half of 2020. The executive adds that it will have the same 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine found under the hood of the Coolray, and that its pricing could range from P1.3 million to P1.5 million. The Atlas will be positioned against the likes of the Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Tucson, reveals Isana.

Can this car really lure buyers away from the tried-and-tested Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson? PHOTOS FROM GEELY

The second vehicle is the Coolray PHEV, which means it’s a plug-in hybrid version of Geely’s first product. Asked if this model will also be sold here, Isana can only say that it’s all “tentative” when it comes to this car’s prospect. As one will need to connect it to an external source in order to charge its battery, the Coolray PHEV presents some challenge in terms of charging accessibility.

It’s like the Coolray, but with an added electric motor. PHOTOS FROM GEELY

Do these new cars finally point to a brighter future for Geely in the Philippines? Are you now willing to at least consider this Chinese brand based solely on the model lineup that is expected to come from the firm? Time will tell, obviously.



Vernon B. Sarne

Vernon is the founder and editor-in-chief of VISOR. He has been an automotive journalist for 26 years. He became one by serendipity, walking into the office of a small publishing company and applying for a position he had no idea was for a local car magazine. God has watched over him throughout his humble journey. He writes the ‘Spoiler’ column.



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