Chinese brand’s second UK-bound car is a bargain plug-in hybrid SUV. Can it stand out against an array of rivals?
The Geely Starray EM-i is a big, high-tech car at a bargain price – and, its maker hopes, the spark that will thrust it into the UK’s top 10 car makers by 2030. It’s the second model that Geely – sibling to Volvo, Lotus, Polestar and a few other notable names – has brought to the UK. And as a plug-in hybrid, it’s bang on trend for a mid-sized Chinese SUV. The BYD Seal U and Jaecoo 7 have already been big hits in the UK, with the latter usurping some of the nation’s historic best-sellers.The range at a glanceThe Starray is available in three trims and two powertrains.The entry-level Pro model pairs a petrol engine with a single electric motor, the two combining to send up to 258bhp and 193lb ft of torque through the front wheels. Sandwiched between the axles is an 18.4kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack, yielding an official electric-only range of 51 miles. It can be charged at up to 30kW by a suitably powerful DC charger, taking it from 30% to 80% in as little as 20 minutes.Standard kit includes 19in alloy wheels, LED headlights and heated and electrically adjustable front seats.Mid-rung Max trim uses the same powertrain but adds more kit, with highlights including a 16-speaker sound system, heating for the steering wheel and a powered boot.Stepping up to Ultra trim increases the battery capacity to 29.8kWh, boosting EV range to 81 miles. It can be charged at up to 60kW, too, giving a 30-80% time of 16 minutes. Otherwise it’s the same offering as the Max.
