Will a small 1.5-liter engine be able to carry the Okavango?
Sojitz G Auto Philippines Corp. (SGAP), the local distributor of Geely vehicles in the Philippines, has already announced the availability of the seven-seater crossover Okavango and we are surprised with what this vehicle can do.
To note, it was around mid-October this year that SGAP announced the coming of the Geely Okavango to Philippine shores.
This vehicle, the biggest among the three models (the Coolray and Azkarra are the other two) comprising the SGAP stable, offers spacious interior, with up to 19 different seating configurations, and 42 nooks and compartments. Such offerings are fitted inside the huge 4,835-millimeter (mm) long, 1,900-mm wide, and 1,785-mm high body with a 2,815-mm wheelbase.
Normally, such dimension would require a diesel powertrain, a 2.5 liter variant at that. However, the latest model from the China automotive manufacturer is fitted with a 1.5 liter, three-cylinder turbocharged, gasoline-powered engine.
So, how can such small engine carry all that size?
SGAP Sales and Marketing division General Manager Froilan Dytianquin said that the gasoline engine inside the Okavango is paired with the 48-v electric motor, which effectively makes it a mild hybrid. Such engineering made the Okavango deliver 190 horsepower and 300 Nm torque.
He also claimed that as far as the competition is concerned, it has the best power-to-weight ratio with .1 horsepower per kilogram.
“When you load it up with 7 people and cargo at the back, definitely the engine will deliver,” Dytianquin assured during the launch.
Such mild-hybrid system, which is shared by both Comfort and Urban variants, is mated to a seven-speed wet dual clutch with three drive mode selections (eco, comfort, sport).
Available in two variants, the Geely Okavango is priced at P1.208 million for the Comfort variant and P1.328 million for the Urban variant.
Find it hard to believe? We think it is best for you to schedule a booking as early possible to check their claims out yourselves.
Photos by Ricky Ladia for Carmudi Philippines
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