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 (June 18).

The Citizen Motoring reports that, 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, which carries the Geely Boyue moniker.

On sale in China since 2018, the Binyue 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 is not similar to what is known as the Binyue Cool in China.

The latter debuted in Malaysia last year as the facelifted Proton X50. The updates applied to the Binyue in 2023 make the Coolray Geely’s first non-electrified vehicle to be offered in South Africa.

Dimensions and engine

Positioned between the all-electric E2 and the plug-in hybrid E5, the Coolray rides on the same B-segment modular architecture platform as the X50, with the following dimensions:

• Length: 4 380mm
• Wheelbase: 2 600mm
• Height: 1 609mm
• Width: 1 795mm
• Ground clearance: 161mm

Up front, the Coolray carries over the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine from the X50, but with 128kW and 290Nm as opposed to 130kW and 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, however, the Coolray boasts a flush centre console that has resulted in the gear lever moving to the steering column.

Accordingly, Geely claims a top speed of 200km/h, a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.6 seconds and fuel consumption of 6.5L/100km.

Specification

On the specification front, three trim levels are offered, with the base variant wearing the Nova designation.

As standard, it comes equipped with:

• Auto-levelling LED headlights
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Folding electric mirrors
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Fabric upholstery
• Automatic climate control with rear vents
• Push-button start
• Keyless entry
• Multifunction 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 safety and driver assistance features include:

• 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

Vertex range-topper

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, with all body colours contrasted by a black roof.

Additional 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, warranty and pricing

The Coolray is available in five colours:

• White
• Silver
• Grey
• Red
• Green

Included with all three variants is a five-year/150 000km warranty and a five-year/50 000km service plan.

Pricing:

• 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

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