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We get behind the wheel of the affordable Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid from new Chinese brand, Geely Automotive
The name Geely may not necessarily ring a bell with you, but the car giant’s other brands, which include Volvo, Lotus, LEVC and Polestar, certainly will.
Following on from its first model in the UK – the all-electric EX5 – the Starray EM-i Super Hybrid is another family-sized SUV, but this time it’s a competitively-priced plug-in hybrid.
Starting at just £29,990, it combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine developing 98bhp and a 214bhp electric motor working together via an ‘E-DHT’ (or electric dedicated hybrid transmission) which combines both power sources, effectively using the e-motor as the main propulsion source.
The Pro and the Max specifications use a 18.4kWh battery, while the flagship Ultra version has a larger 28.9kWh battery. Geely claims 52 miles of electric-only range from the smaller battery and up to 85 miles for the larger one.
And with a maximum combined driving range of up to 618 miles, long journeys are a breeze and there’s certainly no range anxiety.
The Starray EM-i’s rivals include the MG HS PHEV, BYD Sealion 5, Chery Tiggo 7 and Jaecoo J7 (also from China), plus plug-in hybrid versions of the more mainstream Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan.
At first glance, it looks very similar to the EX5. However, though they share the same GEA platform, the Starray EM-i (it stands for Electro-Mechanical Intelligent) is slightly longer and features a more aggressive, sharply-angled nose.
Ultimately, like so many mid-sized SUVs, it has a fairly generic look. That said, it’s not unattractive.
Inside, it’s not unlike the EX5, which means a minimalist dashboard, consisting of a slim 10.2-inch driver’s digital display and a big 15.4-inch central infotainment touchscreen.
Build quality is very good, with some soft-touch surfaces and quality materials used throughout, and it certainly looks and feels more expensive than it is.
The screens are slick with crisp graphics and smooth responses (though physical climate controls would be welcome). Sadly, the overall experience of the technology is blighted by the incessant bings and bongs, which always seem to be worse in Chinese cars. That said, all that safety and driver assistance teach has helped the Starray EM-i achieve a maximum five Euro NCAP stars.
There’s more than enough space for five adults, while the boot is a useful 528 litres, expanding to a huge 2,065-litres with the rear bench flat.
If I had to be picky, I’d say the driving position is a tad lofty for my liking and there isn’t enough adjustment in the steering wheel.
On the road it’s comfortable, smooth and feels substantial. It’s an easy car to drive and manoeuvring is a cinch thanks to its 10.4 metre turning circle and light steering.
The suspension is on the soft side, so it absorbs potholes and speed bumps, and at higher cruising speeds it’s refined and composed.
Push it on more challenging roads and it manages to stay fairly flat, but it’s not at its best when driven enthusiastically.
The engine kicks in when needed to either drive the car directly, charge the battery, or boost the electric motor when you need more power.
However, if you put the pedal to the metal, the four-cylinder unit is harsh. But then the Geely Starray EM-i isn’t a performance SUV. It’s about comfort and economy.
You can choose to drive the Geely Starray EM-i in Pure EV mode (which does what it says on the tin) or Hybrid mode (which balances the petrol engine and electric motor to optimise fuel economy).
There’s also Power mode (which keeps the petrol engine running constantly alongside the electric motor for maximum combined performance).
Additionally, you can switch between Comfort and Sport modes – the latter sharpening the throttle response, though the car defaults back to Comfort every time you start the engine.
There are also settings to hold the battery charge (for city driving, for instance) and to adjust the regenerative breaking.
As well as charging on the move, a 25–100% boost from a 7kW AC wallbox will take up to 4.5 hours.
Like all plug-in hybrids, it’s at its most efficient if the battery is kept charged. Once it’s depleted on long journeys – on extended motorway trips, for instance – it relies primarily on the 1.5-litre engine and hybrid generator, where you can expect real-world fuel economy in the region of 40-45mpg.
That said, theoretically it is capable of up to 201.8mph – or just the cost of electricity on short trips when you’re running in EV mode.
The Geely brand may be new, but it already has a firm dealership footprint in the UK with most of the country covered. There’s also peace of mind because the Starray EM-i comes with a generous eight-year warranty that is good for 125,000 miles.
Verdict: The Geely Starray EM-is an affordable, family-friendly SUV from another new Chinese brand to the UK. Spacious, smooth and comfortable, it’s a plug-in hybrid with an impressive all-electric range at an unbelievable price.
