Subcompact SUV scuffle: Geely Coolray vs. Changan CS35 Plus

The subcompact sport utility (SUV) vehicle segment has become a popular category for many local car buyers. Automobiles in this vehicle classification easily answer the motoring needs of most Filipino families: a fuel-efficient daily driver and a capable weekend car.

On that note, we’re checking out two of today’s hottest subcompact SUV nameplates — the Geely Coolray and Changan CS35 Plus.

Exterior

Outside, the Geely Coolray offers a more aggressive look than the Changan CS35 Plus. At the fore of its range-topping Sport variant is a borderless Chronos grille paired with an X-shaped Energy bumper. Flanking the sharp and snappy front fascia is a pair of LED headlamps accompanied by LED daytime running lights (DRL). At its rear is a sport-type double-deck spoiler, dual exhaust pipes with an upgraded rear bumper diffuser, and a power liftgate with an angle memory feature.

The Geely Coolray rides on 15-inch wheels.

The lack of aggressive lines and sharp angles does not in any way make the Changan CS35 Plus inferior to the Geely Coolray. In fact, it makes it look more mature and elegant thanks to its clean lines and minimalist design.

Front and center is the Changan CS35 Plus’ large and stylish grille. On each side are LED headlamps with LED DRLs and LED front positioning lamps. At the rear are LED rear positioning lamps, a rear high-mount stop lamp, and a rear fog lamp. The no-frills subcompact crossover SUV also sports a discreet rear spoiler and dual exhaust pipes.

The top-of-the-line Luxe variant of the Changan CS35 Plus wears larger shoes with a set of 18-inch alloy wheels.

Both subcompact crossovers offer impressively good exterior design. That said, we call this round a tie.

Interior

The Geely Coolray Sport variant wows its occupants with luxurious interior amenities. These include the plush seats finished sport-type leather material and a ventilation feature. Past the leather-wrapped steering wheel is a seven-inch LCD instrument cluster. Meanwhile, a large 10.25-inch infotainment display sits atop the Geely Coolray’s dashboard.

Similar interior appointments can be found in the Changan CS35 Plus Luxe. It comes with black and red leather seats that offer ample cushioning and decent bolstering. Past the leather-finished steering wheel is a similarly-sized seven-inch LCD instrument panel. This is paired with a rather smaller 10-inch infotainment system tucked under the dash.

Both subcompact crossover SUVs get six speakers, automatic air conditioning, and a panoramic sunroof.

With slightly better interior features, we’re giving this round to the Geely Coolray.

Engine

Under the hood of the Geely Coolray is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. On paper, the Geely Coolray is said to put out as much as 177 horsepower (hp) with 255 Nm of pulling power.

As for the Changan CS35 Plus, this subcompact crossover SUV packs a smaller 1.4-liter mill. Per Changan’s local arm, the turbocharged gasoline powerplant makes a respectable 158hp with 260Nm of torque. Like the abovementioned Geely Coolray, the Changan CS35 Plus has a seven-inch wet dual-clutch transmission.

With an obvious edge in terms of torque and power, we give this round to the Geely Coolray.

Safety

Safety-wise, the Geely Coolray offers a host of features namely its front airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction and stability control, hill start assist, hill descent control, a reverse parking camera, and rear corner sensors.

Those choosing the Sport variant also get side airbags, a reverse and blind spot parking camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Not to be outdone, the Changan CS35 Plus offers safety features which are: dual front airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), electronic stability control, brake assist, hill hold control, hill descent control, a reverse camera, reverse parking sensors, a blind spot view camera and monitor, an immobilizer, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Similarly, car buyers getting the range-topping Luxe variant gets additional airbags (side and curtain) as well as an around-view monitor, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency brakes.

With a better suite of safety features, we’re giving this round to the Changan CS35 Plus.

Verdict

With more rounds won, the victor of this subcompact crossover scuffle is the Geely Coolray. Not only does the vehicle offer more appealing interior features and a more powerful engine it also comes in three variants allowing today’s generation of car buyers to find the right Coolray for their needs.

Photos from Geely and Changan

Also read: 

Here are the 3 variants of the Geely Coolray

CMPI unveils new Changan CS35 Plus

SafeTech of Changan CS35 Plus ensures worry-free drive during the rain