Geely Unleashes the All-New Coolray in South Africa, Bringing Turbocharged Performance to the Compact SUV Segment

• New model: Geely Coolray, launched in South Africa across three derivatives
• Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol, 128kW at 5,500rpm and 290Nm between 2,000 and 3,500rpm
• Transmission: 7-speed wet dual-clutch, front-wheel drive
• Performance: 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds; combined fuel consumption of 6.5L/100km
• Dimensions: 4,380mm length, 1,795mm width, 1,609mm height, 2,600mm wheelbase, 161mm ground clearance
• Safety: Standard ABS, EBD, ESC, Traction Control, Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control; Vertex adds Level 1 ADAS
• Pricing: From R369,900 (Nova) to R429,900 (Vertex), including VAT
• Warranty: Geely Care+ package with 5-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, 5-year/150,000km engine warranty, 5-year/50,000km service plan and 5-year unlimited roadside assistance

Geely Auto South Africa has announced the arrival of the all-new Coolray, a compact SUV designed to challenge expectations and inject genuine excitement into one of South Africa’s most competitive vehicle segments. Combining bold styling, spirited performance, intelligent technology and comprehensive safety, the Coolray embodies Geely’s “Born to Battle” philosophy as a confident challenger in the compact SUV category.

Globally, the Coolray has become one of Geely’s most successful products, earning recognition as the brand’s most widely exported SUV and establishing itself as a benchmark in markets across Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America. Its arrival in South Africa marks another milestone in Geely’s continued growth locally.

“Geely’s success in South Africa has been built on understanding what customers want from their vehicles and delivering products that exceed those expectations,” said Jateen Daya, Head of Product & Strategy at Geely Auto South Africa. “Our portfolio now spans fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and highly efficient petrol-powered models, ensuring customers can choose the technology that best suits their lifestyle and mobility needs. The new Coolray further strengthens that offering by introducing a compact SUV that combines eye-catching design, engaging performance and intelligent technology in a package that is both practical and exciting to own.”

Jacqueline Kruger, Head of Marketing at Geely Auto South Africa, added that the Coolray is well positioned to appeal to a broad spectrum of South African consumers. “The Coolray has been developed for customers who want more from their SUV. It is designed to stand out visually, deliver a rewarding driving experience and offer technology that enhances everyday life. It reflects the confidence, ambition and individuality of a new generation of South African motorists.”

The Coolray introduces an assertive interpretation of Geely’s latest design language, combining athletic proportions with distinctive motorsport-inspired detailing. Its dynamic silhouette features sharply sculpted body surfaces, a muscular shoulder line and a contrasting two-tone roof available on Vanguard and Vertex derivatives.

The front fascia makes an immediate statement, with a bold vertical-slat grille framed by dramatic aerodynamic fins and sleek LED headlamps. At the rear, twin-pod LED taillamps, a sculpted bumper and diffuser-inspired lower styling reinforce the Coolray’s sporty character. Exclusive to the flagship Vertex derivative is a motorsport-inspired rear wing featuring integrated side fins and “S” badging, positioned high above the rear glass as a statement of performance intent.

The Coolray is offered in White, Grey, Silver, Green and Red.

Beneath its exterior, the Coolray rides on a 2,600mm wheelbase with MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion-beam arrangement at the rear, delivering responsive handling alongside comfortable ride quality. Electric Power Steering provides precise responses, while ventilated front disc brakes and rear disc brakes handle stopping duties.

Measuring 4,380mm in length, 1,795mm in width and 1,609mm in height, with 161mm of ground clearance, the Coolray strikes a balance between urban manoeuvrability and SUV versatility.

Every Coolray derivative is powered by Geely’s 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine, producing 128kW at 5,500rpm and 290Nm of torque between 2,000 and 3,500rpm. Power reaches the front wheels through a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission engineered for smooth, fast gear changes.

The result is a 0-100km/h sprint of 7.6 seconds, positioning the Coolray among the strongest performers in its segment, while combined fuel consumption sits at just 6.5 litres per 100km. Four selectable driving modes, Eco, Comfort, Sport and Adaptive, let drivers tailor the vehicle’s responses to their preferences and road conditions.

Inside, the Coolray is built around a 14.6-inch high-definition infotainment touchscreen paired with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard across the range, along with Bluetooth connectivity and multiple USB ports.

Depending on specification, customers can also enjoy wireless smartphone charging, multi-colour ambient lighting, power-adjustable seating, a panoramic sunroof and an electric tailgate. The Coolray comfortably accommodates five occupants with 330 litres of luggage capacity, expanding to 1,054 litres with the rear seats folded.

Every Coolray derivative comes with Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring and ISOFIX child-seat anchor points, supported by a body structure built with extensive high-strength steel.

Vanguard and Vertex models add six airbags and a 540-degree panoramic camera system, while the flagship Vertex introduces a Level 1 ADAS package comprising Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent High Beam Control and Traffic Jam Assist.

The Coolray range is structured across three well-equipped derivatives. The entry-level Nova includes alloy wheels, LED lighting, keyless entry, a multifunction steering wheel, the 14.6-inch infotainment display, digital instrumentation, automatic climate control and a comprehensive safety package.

The mid-range Vanguard adds 18-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, perforated leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, ambient lighting, a six-speaker audio system, the 540-degree camera system and additional airbags. At the top, the flagship Vertex introduces a panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, wireless charging, motorsport-inspired styling elements and the full ADAS suite.

The Geely Coolray is priced as follows, including VAT:

• Coolray 1.5TD 7DCT Nova: R369,900
• Coolray 1.5TD 7DCT Vanguard: R399,900
• Coolray 1.5TD 7DCT Vertex: R429,900

All models are backed by Geely Care+, comprising a 5-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, 5-year/150,000km engine warranty, 5-year/50,000km service plan and 5-year unlimited roadside assistance.

“The Coolray reflects Geely’s commitment to delivering world-class products that offer exceptional quality, innovation and value,” said Daya. Kruger added: “The Coolray represents another important step in Geely’s growth journey locally. With its bold design, impressive specification, advanced technology and strong value proposition, we are confident that the Coolray will resonate strongly with South African consumers and make a significant impact in the compact SUV segment.”

Get in touch today to find out more or book a test drive.