Geely Okavango Urban Plus 2022 test drive

Autofun Philippines –  Even if the versatility of their crossovers is just aspirational. Besides Coolray, Geely added to the SUV sales population with Okavango. Having been on the market for a few years now, Okavango seems to have hit its mark in the short time of the crossover. It is positioned as a hybrid between an MPV and an SUV, with styling and dimensions close to that of a seven-seater, but with the height and high driving feel of a true SUV.

Consumers seem to be buying Okavango's specialty, as these 396 Geelys were sold this past July. But will sales be enough to validate whether the Okavango is the good crossover that performs like the MPV-slash-SUV it is expected to be?

We found out through our Geely Okavango Urban Plus 2022 test drive.

Variations and prices 

More detailed price information like Geely Okavango price Philippines you can click the link. The automaker's intention for the 2022 Geely Okavango line to fall between the compact MPV and the midsize SUV has been evident in the price tag. Starting at 1,208 million pesos for the Geely Okavango Comfort, this crossover is about 100,000 pesos more expensive than the Toyota Avanza. The Geely Okavango Urban serves as the 1.328 million peso midsize variant. The Geely Okavango Urban Plus we tested was already the top model, but its asking price of P1,478 million is still a hundred thousand pesos more affordable than the entry-level Toyota Fortuner.

Engine and fuel economy

The Geely Okavango 2022 once again stands out from the midsize SUV set as it is not offered with a turbocharged diesel engine. The Okavango range is powered by a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine powered by a 48-volt Electric Motor Synergy System (EMS) to produce 190 hp at 5,500 rpm. /min and 300 Nm of torque from 1,500 at 4000 rpm. .

Those numbers are sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. There are also self-explanatory drive modes to choose from:

Eco, Comfort or Sport. EMS makes the Geely Okavango a mild hybrid, which means the crossover can't run solely on electric power. What the 48V EMS does is help power the car's accessories, and in Eco driving mode allows the 1.5-litre trio to shut off during downhill to help save fuel. When auto start-stop is activated, the engine also turns off when the stop light is on to prevent excessive idling.

On single-passenger highways and with the Okavango's smart downhill feature turning the engine on and off, the crossover delivered a respectable 21kpl fuel economy. While this is an impressive number, we find Okavango city consumption exaggerated:

In moderate city traffic, the car makes six clicks per liter, even with the driver, pressing the gas and braking gently, as the sole occupant of the vehicle. Drive impressions

Thanks to the relatively low ground clearance, the Geely Okavango 2022 does not feel as heavy to drive as some familiar SUV models. Sure, the Okavango leans a bit when engaging in a high-speed sweeper, but that's to be expected for a lift truck. The steering feel is numb in Comfort and Eco modes and wonderful in Sport mode. Despite the external weight, the Okavango's steering is responsive and light enough to facilitate fast and slow maneuvers.

Ride quality also benefits from Okavango's automotive chassis. While pickup-based SUVs tend to jostle with occupants when driving through potholes, Okavango smoothly navigates wheel tracks, craters, and every imperfection. And whether you're sitting in the front or the back, the Okavango offers the high-altitude vantage you get in SUVs.

What the engine lacks in fuel efficiency more than makes up for in performance. Okavango's 1.5-liter turbocharged engine has plenty of up and down capabilities. In fact, 300 Nm of torque can make the front tire light up on wet asphalt. The engine is still capable of accelerating, allowing the Okavango to maintain the speed limit on the highway even below 2,000 rpm. The seven-speed dual-clutch also engages as soon as the accelerator is pressed harder; At no point in our travels did we feel the need to manually shift gears. As for the NVH, although we did hear some wind noise up and down the sides of the cabin in the triple digits, that noise didn't detract from cabin comfort.