Geely Okavango

The inside of the Okavango has several polygon-shaped features such as the gauges in the instrument panel, and even the airconditioning vents. The push-button starter is also square while the bottom area of the steering wheel is flat which is definitely an unconventional look, but it does make gripping that part more comfortable. You’ll be surprised to find that even the cup holders square-shaped. The seating layout is 2-3-2 and includes a reclining third row that splits 50:50. Geely claims that the cabin layout can be customized in 19 different ways depending on which seats you fold down or keep up. Overall, the cargo can accommodate 1,200 liters, however, it can only do 257 liters when the seats are up. If you fold down the second row though, you can get 2,050 liters of space.

The dashboard features a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen that includes QD Link. Both the Comfort and the Urban are equipped with three-zone climate control and have airconditioning vents until the third row. The Urban trim does have some added functionality such as power-adjustable front seats.

One of the unique things about the Okavango is its body construction. Compared to the usual ladder frames found in most traditional crossover SUVS, the Okavango utilizes a unibody chassis instead. The vehicle is 4,835 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,785 mm tall. It also rides on a 2,815 mm wheelbase. This makes it significantly longer than the likes of the popular Toyota Fortuner and the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. However, the latter vehicles are definitely way taller than the Okavango and beat its 194 mm ground clearance. 

In terms of design, the model features sharp lines and accents. The front grille is shaped similarly to the signature Gelly badge and is flanked by LED headlamps that include LED daytime running lights. A trapezoidal lower grille has a vertical stack of three LED foglights on each side as well. The lines around the wheel arches are also derived from the trapezoidal grille and feature chrome trims on the lower half of the vehicle’s side profile. The higher Urban variant gets some additional features such as roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/55 tires. On the other hand, the Comfort sports 17-inch wheels with 215/60 rubber.

The hybrid powertrain isn’t really completely seamless compared to other hybrid SUVs. One thing drivers might notice is how it doesn’t really always switch to battery power every time it’s a full stop. Even when cruising at high speeds, the engine doesn’t swap to electricity, only kicking in instead when the vehicle needs just that extra bit of power. So it’s not exactly the most ideal hybrid vehicle if you’re hoping for excellent fuel economy. The Okavanga can also feel a bit shaky while driving, especially when making turns. But it is still a relatively comfortable ride even when driving through rough roads. The vehicle can go 15 kmpl when driving around the city and 20 kmpl while on the highway. While the Okavango doesn’t have the Coolray’s super cool self-parking feature, the Urban variant’s rear sensors and 360-degree view camera still do more than enough. 

Geely is committing to the unconventional even up to their engine by staying away from the standard turbodiesels in most contemporary crossover SUVs today. The Okavango is powered by the same mild-hybrid gasoline powertrain as the Azkarra. This 1.5-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine gets extra power thanks to its 48V Electric Motor Synergy system. It can produce 190 hp at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 1,500-4,000 rpm. This is sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A drive mode selector lets you pick between either Eco, Comfort, or Sport.

The higher Urban variant has a couple of more safety features compared to the Comfort such as additional side and curtain airbags. Standard features include dual front airbags, ISOFIX mounts for the middle row, hill-descent control, hill-start assist, and electronic stability control. The Okavango is also equipped with a CN95 cabin filter that prevents “particles, dust, aerosols, and virus hosts with diameters larger than 0.3 microns” from entering the cabin.

The Geely Okavango is a unique entry into the local crossover market and is, without a doubt, a standout model. However, despite its distinct features and unconventional approach, the ride quality is generally much better in other SUVs. But for the price range, it is relatively less expensive compared to most midsize SUVs. The Geely Okavango Comfort is priced at P1,208,000, while the Geely Okavango Urban is being offered at P1,328,000.