Geely heralded its Philippine comeback with the Coolray in 2019, a relative newcomer in the fiercely competitive subcompact crossover segment.
Among the selling points of the model were its Euro-inspired aesthetics, futuristic-looking interior, class-exclusive features, and a small yet potent powertrain.
Geely Coolray Media Test Drive
Fast-forward to a year later, and the Geely Coolray has risen to become a formidable contender in its class, posting sales of 205 units in October as Geely’s most recent achievement.
The model began to make its mark with 154 units sold in June 2020, higher than any of its rivals. It then beat its own record with 263 Coolrays rolling off the dealerships the following month.
In the year following its debut, the Coolray has received rave reviews from satisfied customers who were initially drawn to the crossover’s quirky name and design, eventually being won over by its arsenal of class-exclusive features.
Coolray owner Albert Agustin has this to say, “Pagtingin mo pa lang sa Coolray, alam mo na ang ganda. So, combine that with a test drive experience talaga, doon ka mapapa-bilib na Coolray is really worth it.”
The stunningly good looks are only part of the reason for the Coolray's strong sales
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(When you glance at the Coolray, it looks really good. Combined with a test drive experience, you’ll really be impressed as the Coolray is really worth it).
Fellow Coolray owner EJ Ocampo recommends the Coolray as an ideal vehicle for people like him with starter families. “I can recommend this car. It’s bang for the buck, packed with features, and it’s fun to drive,” he said.
Owners rave about the Coolray's upscale-looking interior
OPM legend Ric Blanco also works as Geely’s brand ambassador, but even before he became the carmaker’s pitchman, he had already taken a chance on the top-spec Coolray Sport. “Fortunately, I read about the launch of Geely in the Philippines and this model called Coolray,” he shares. According to Blanco, he had been searching for three months for the ideal car, before being blown away by the Coolray’s interior and price.
“I drove around the driveway onto the streets ng driveway namin. Pagtapak ko ng silinyador sa street, sabi ko okay na ako. Eto na yun. I’m sold”, he adds.
(I drove around the driveway onto the streets. When I pressed the accelerator, I thought, ‘This is it. I’m sold.’)
Geely brand ambassador Rico Blanco could not believe the Coolray's features for the price
Even the industry is taking notice, with C! Magazine bestowing Subcompact Crossover of the Year honors on the Coolray at the 16th C! Awards in November 2020. Even the Coolray’s bigger Azkarra sibling was judged Compact Crossover of the Year in the same event.
Available in three variants (Comfort, Premium, and Sport), the Coolray is helping Geely shed the stigma previously associated with Chinese cars, and Filipino car buyers are taking notice.
“This proves that more and more people are taking notice of the value that Geely brings to its consumers,” according to Mikihisa Takayama, President & CEO of Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP), Geely’s authorized distributor in the country. “We are happy that with the good market reception in the past year, our efforts are paying off.”
We train the spotlight on the latest motoring industry updates at Philkotse.com.