Introduction of the Coolray as Geely's first non-electrified model, seemingly, suggest the end of the slow-selling X50.
Coolray’s unveiling saw it being suspended from the roof of the SunBet Arena in Pretoria on Thursday evening. Picture: Charl Bosch
In what has been seen as the end of Proton in South Africa, parent company Geely officially debuted its version, the Coolray, at a gala ceremony in Pretoria on Thursday evening (18 June).
From a Geely to a Proton and then back
Known in China as the Binyue, the export market named Coolray provides the base for the Proton X50, which debuted in 2020 as the second Geely-based Proton model after the X70 that carries the Geely Boyue moniker.
On sale in China since 2018, the Binye has since received two mid-life updates, of which the latest, introduced in 2023, has been given the go ahead for South Africa.
Conversely, the South African-market Coolray isn’t, therefore, similar to what is known as the Binyue Cool in China.
The latter, having debuted in Malaysia last year as the facelift Proton X50, the mentioned updates applied to the Binyue in 2023 make the Coolray Geely’s first non-electrified vehicle to be offered in South Africa.
Dimensions
Positioned between all-electric E2 and the plug-in hybrid E5, the Coolray rides on the same BMA platform as the X50, with the following dimensions:
- Length: 4 380 mm;
- Wheelbase: 2 600 mm;
- Height: 1 609 mm;
- Width: 1 795 mm
- Ground clearance: 161 mm;
- Boot space: 330-1 054-litres
Familiar engine
Up front, the Coolray carries over the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine from the X50, but with 128kW/290Nm as opposed to 130kW/255Nm.
An engine largely developed by Geely-owned Volvo, and used in the XC40, drive is again routed to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Unlike in the X50, though, the Coolray boasts a flush centre console that has been resulted in the gear lever moving to the steering column.
Accordingly, Geely claims a top speed of 200 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and a fuel consumption figure of 6.5 L/100 km.
Standard on all models is a drive mode selector with four modes; Eco, Comfort, Sport and Adaptive.
Spec
On the specification front, three trim levels are offered, with the base variant wearing the Nova designation.
As standard, it comes equipped with the following:
- auto levelling LED headlights;
- 17-inch alloy wheels;
- folding electric mirrors;
- rain sense wipers;
- fabric upholstery;
- automatic climate control with rear vents;
- push-button start;
- keyless entry;
- multi-function steering wheel;
- 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster;
- four-speaker sound system;
- type-A and type-C USB ports;
- 14.6-inch infotainment display;
- wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Standard on the safety and driver assistance front is:
- four airbags;
- tyre pressure monitor;
- cruise control;
- reverse camera;
- rear parking sensors;
- Hill Descent Control;
- Hill Hold Assist;
- Electronic Stability Control
Moving up to the Vanguard sees the 17-inch wheels make way for 18-inch alloys and the fabric seats for imitation leather.
Further standard amenities are:
- heated mirrors;
- rear armrest;
- ambient lighting;
- electric driver’s seat;
- six-speaker sound system;
- 540-degree camera system;
- six airbags
Introduced five years ago in China as the S pack, the flagship Coolray carries the Vertex designation, though it has an S decal on the bootlid spoiler.
Building on the Vanguard, the Vertex receives black mirror caps and a two-tone exterior finish in which all of the body colours are contrasted by a black roof.
Added specification not offered on the Vanguard comprises:
- black-and-red imitation leather upholstery;
- electric tailgate;
- panoramic sunroof;
- wireless smartphone charging pad;
- Auto High Beam Assist;
- Adaptive Cruise Control;
- Automatic Emergency Braking;
- Forward Collision Warning;
- Lane Keep Assist;
- Traffic Sign Recognition;
- Lane Departure Warning;
- Traffic Jam Assist
Colours
On the colour front, the Coolray has a choice of five hues:
- white;
- silver;
- grey;
- red;
- green
Price
Included with all three variants’ sticker price is a five-year/150 000 km warranty and a five-year/50 000 km service plan.
- Coolray 1.5 T-GDI Nova DCT – R369 900
- Coolray 1.5 T-GDI Vanguard DCT – R399 900
- Coolray 1.5 T-GDI Vertex DCT – R429 900
