First driving: Geely Geometric C

Gili, the largest carmaker in China, is making its first steps in Israel.

Those who do not know or have not heard, are told that Gili is a huge corporation, which among other things also dominates veteran European manufacturers such as Volvo and Lotus.

It also has several innovative independent brands, a number of motorcycle brands (Benley for example) and more.

It is now taking a first step in the domestic market.

And it seems like a decisive step and full of confidence.

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While the entire industry talks about allocations and quotas and fails to meet demand, the guys from Gili declare they have no problem at all.

We will send here some cars that the market will require.

And the two weeks that have passed since the car's launch in Israel show that in the meantime - the local market has responded positively to the Chinese electric offer - and is demanding.

Smart packaging

The C is not an electric car designed like this from scratch, but a gasoline model converted for use in an all-electric propulsion system.

We do not know the car on which it is based, and the encounter with it is fresh and initial.

So the exterior design looks original even if not unusual.

Inside the cabin the feel is different, with a design that is up-to-date on the futuristic frontier, nice materials and a first impression that doesn’t really feel folk, or Chinese.

The propulsion system is based on an electric unit that produces 204 hp and propels the front wheels.

There are two battery cases and according to the model name it is possible to understand where the smaller one is and how much range it is supposed to provide (350) and where the case is larger and the range accordingly (460).

Beyond that both have a list of comfort and safety armature as long as the length of exile.

Both also have no safety score in the familiar European crash test.

Such will be later.

On the way

Departing reveals that the cabin is not only exceptionally well-equipped but also quite spacious at the front and rear.

The driver's seat is noticeably comfortable and deep as well.

Performance is good, available and immediate.

The initial pedal response has been slightly whispered to ease the front tires, but the result is still a strong acceleration that will spin them at urban speeds.

The crystal behavior can be defined as safe, despite a lack of restraint at high load and an elastic feel from the steering wheel.

The ride comfort is good, which is definitely in line if you consider the fact that it is a cheap electric vehicle.

What detracts from that comfort are road and wind noises.

The insulation here is not good enough, and it's not just because the engine is quiet.

Beyond that, when it comes to range, two days of driving in the 460 version indicated a realistic range of about 420 km.

Transition and transition to normative Israeli use.

Footing

After other Chinese brands lay on the fence (the tram?) Gili enters here with this model and marks a significant foothold in the local market.

She does it with a mix we have already encountered in Chinese vehicles.

Good range, extremely rich instrumentation, and good overall ability.

What is new here is the price that makes this offer relevant to almost everyone.

And that's before we say a word, about the availability problem that other brands in the market suffer from.

Geely Geometric

Motor:

electric

Power:

204 hp

Torque:

31.6 kg

Chalk:

Out ', Hill' 1

Wheelbase:

270 cm

Weight:

1,685 kg

Range (test):

428 km

From 0 to 100 km / h:

7.7 seconds

Maximum speed (computer limited):

150 km / h

Price:

NIS 143,000

Pros:

Armature, range, cabin

Cons:

Comfort, noise isolation

Bottom line:

electricity for every pocket

Photos: Ronen Topelberg