Putting aside the initial confusion on how the Geely Okavango is pronounced (it’s “oka-vanggo”, by the way), what’s clear is Geely’s intent on straddling the midsize SUV and MPV segments. The most obvious sign is in the pricing.
2021 Geely Okavango 7-Seat Crossover MPV: Macho people-hauler? | Quick Look
Ranging from Php 1,208,000 for the base Comfort trim to Php 1,328,000 for the top-spec urban, the Okavango is smack in the middle of two categories. It’s positioned as a more upmarket alternative to the reigning MPV contenders such as the Toyota Innova, Mitsubishi Xpander, and Suzuki Ertiga.
The Geely Okavango is actually setting its sights on two market segments
At the same time, it’s also presented as a step just below mainstream pickup platform vehicles (PPVs) such as the Isuzu mu-X, Ford Everest, and the Nissan Terra.
A unibody construction underpins the Okavango, which already makes it relatively lightweight. Under the hood, it packs a 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine with the same 48-volt mild hybrid system on the Geely Azkarra, tweaked to produce 190 hp and 300 Nm of torque.
The lightweight and hybrid powertrain give it the highest power-to-weight ratio among SUVs so far
The result is an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 0.1 horsepower per kilogram of mass, reportedly the highest so far among SUVs in the market.
“The midsize SUV (segment), it’s pretty much dominated by diesel (models),” says Froilan Dytianquin, General Manager for Sales and Marketing of Sojitz G Auto Philippines, which distributes Geely vehicles locally. True enough, the prevailing perception is that diesel vehicles are generally more fuel-efficient and can handle heavy loads, such as bringing the family out of town.
>>> Related: 2021 Geely Okavango: Expectations and what we know so far
Up to seven occupants and their gear can fit inside the Okavango
It’s a mindset that Geely wants to challenge, he adds. “This mild-hybrid technology, which is the 48-volt EMS equipped on the Okavango as well as the Azkarra, is something that can also provide you with better fuel efficiency, at the same time not sacrificing power and torque.”
The Okavango’s unique position presents an opportunity to offer the size and space of an SUV with the frugality of a mild hybrid powertrain, at a price point that undercuts its truck-based rivals.
And that’s not even mentioning the array of onboard tech that it has to offer over current mainstream SUVs, such as the three-zone automatic climate control, large 10.25-inch touchscreen interface, and 360-degree view camera.
Three drive modes let users adapt to changing road conditions
As a family car, how does the Okavango fare when it comes to crash safety? According to Dytianquin, the CNCAP (China New Car Assessment Program) safety rating for the model is still underway but assures that the Okavango is developed to comply with the highest levels.
There’s bound to be friendly fire when a new model is launched, and in this case, it’s Geely’s own recently-launched Azkarra compact SUV. Is there a risk of the Okavango eating into the Azkarra’s potential sales? “Azkarra is still our flagship model, (offering) more luxury,” replied Yosuke Nishi, Sojitz G Auto Philippines Executive Vice President. “We are targeting different customers.”
The Okavango comes with a CN95 air purification system as standard
“It’s actually a natural thing that there’s going to be cannibalization on models,” Dytianquin adds. “If we’re looking at the Azkarra, probably we can have another target market for this, who are able to appreciate a model which is probably of that configuration only.”
What Geely considers the biggest challenge, however, lies in the MPV category, which the Innova lords over. “Toyota itself, they’re the market leader, and it’s going to be very hard to compete with them,” Dytianquin admits. “The challenge for us is to at least be able to take a slice of their market share.”
If all goes well for Geely, the Okavango is poised to be a game-changer
>>> Related: Which 2021 Geely Okavango variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]
Geely is targeting sales of 300 to 400 units a month for the Okavango, quite conservative figures compared to a high of 6,648 units sold in China as the Hao Yue.
And then, Geely also plans to introduce yet another model by April 2021, consistent with its plans to release a new vehicle every six months. It’s going to be a tricky tightrope act for Geely, but if the company manages to pull it off, the Okavango will be the next game-changer for the local market.
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Know more about Geely Okavango 2024
The Geely Okavango 2024 is the first seven-seater from Geely Philippines for the Philippine market, which also makes it the biggest model in the lineup so far. Its quirky name was taken from the Okavango Delta, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and the 1,000th World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. Despite its unibody platform, Geely’s third model for Filipino customers is actually longer and wider than mainstream contenders in the truck-based midsize SUV category, measuring 4,835mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,785mm high. Ground clearance, however, is at a rather low 194mm.
The Geely Okavango’s price in the Philippines ranges from Php 1,363,000 for the base Comfort variant to Php 1,765,000 for the range-topping Urban Plus. Rivals in its segment include the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Nissan Terra, Isuzu D-Max, and Ford Ranger.
>>> New and used Geely Okavango 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Geely Okavango Launch
The Geely Okavango is known as the Haoyue in the Chinese market. The Haoyue VX11 was officially launched in China last June 2020.
Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP), the official distributor of Geely vehicles in the country, officially launched the Okavango in November 2020. It is the brand’s challenger in the seven-seater SUV segment. The said vehicle expands Geely Philippines’ model lineup to three including the Coolray and the Azkarra.
The 2024 Geely Okavango is offered in three variants, Comfort, Urban, and Urban Plus.
Geely Okavango Exterior
The exterior of the Okavango Philippines has a bold and composed stance. The front end comes with sharp-looking headlights, an aggressive bumper design, and a large grille. Turning at the side, the vehicle is integrated with sharp character lines along with prominent fender flares that further add a muscular look to the Okavango. The rear, on the other hand, is equipped with distinctive taillights that look sleek and stylish. It also has a tailgate-mounted spoiler, a shark-fin antenna, and a bulky bumper.
Geely Okavango Interior
Geely PH says that the Okavango features a vast interior space that has a total of 19-seat configurations, 42 storage nooks, and compartments including a double-layer console. Occupants can sit comfortably in all three rows.
It has a three-zone air conditioning that will give passengers independent AC controls in the driver, front passenger, and rear passenger seats, a 360-degree panoramic camera with a best-in-class guidance system, and dynamic auxiliary lines. It also has 3 driving modes – Eco, Normal, and Sport.
Tech & Safety
The local-spec Geely Okavango features a 360-degree panoramic camera as well as three driving modes (Eco, Normal, and Spor). In addition, the Okavango is equipped with six SRS airbags, overspeed warning, electronic stability control, hill start assist, central locking with speed-sensing auto lock, and hill descent control. The Urban variant also comes with six airbags.
Platform & Chassis
The Geely Okavango comes with a MacPherson Independent suspension at the front and a Multi-link suspension setup at the rear. This seven-seater SUV is equipped with ventilated disc brakes up front and a solid disc at the back.
Geely Okavango Engine & Drivetrain
The Geely Okavango 2024 is powered by a 1.5L Turbo engine that was jointly developed by Geely and Volvo which is perfectly matched to a 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission. It also has a Dual Variable-Valve Timing (DVVT) for a perfect balance of power optimization and fuel efficiency. And thanks to the 48V-EMS, the Okavango boasts of a maximum power of 190 hp and a maximum torque of 300 Nm.
The Geely Okavango 2024 is available in four colors: Grey, White, Silver, and Black.
Styling on the Geely Okavango 2024 is more subdued relative to its competitors, even more so when compared to its Coolray and Azakarra stablemates. While looks are subjective, the sheer interior space brought on by the vehicle’s size leaves very little room for interpretation. Three-row seating ensures more than adequate room for up to seven occupants, with a flexible configuration for carrying cargo. The top-spec Urban Plus features a large panoramic sunroof. A 10.25-inch touchscreen head unit is offered but without native support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard across all variants is a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, rated at a combined output of 190 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, with no option for a four-wheel drivetrain. Airbags, anti-lock brakes, parking sensors, and tire pressure monitoring are offered across the board, with the midrange Urban and flagship Urban Plus getting a 360-degree camera system similar to that used by the Fortuner and Terra. However, unlike most of its rivals, the Okavango does not have adaptive cruise control.
Geely Okavango 2024 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Geely Okavango 1.5 AT Comfort | ₱1,363,000 |
| Geely Okavango 1.5 AT Urban | ₱1,483,000 |
| Geely Okavango 1.5 AT Urban Plus | ₱1,765,000 |
Geely Okavango Pros & Cons
Pros
- Large dimensions
- Generous and flexible interior space
- Triple-zone climate control
- Mild-hybrid powertrain is both potent and efficient
Cons
- Low ground clearance compared to most SUVs
- Unibody construction less rugged than its rivals
- Front-wheel drivetrain only
Geely Okavango FAQs
1. How much is the 2024 Geely Okavango in the Philippines?
The price of the Geely Okavango in the Philippines ranges from P1,363,000 to P1,765,000.
2. Is Geely Okavango good for a long drive?
Yes, the Geely Okavango is generally considered a good car for long drives. It has a spacious and comfortable interior with ample legroom and headroom for passengers.
3. What is the fuel consumption of the Geely Okavango?
The 2024 Geely Okavango with the 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has a combined fuel consumption rating of approximately 7.8 liters per 100 kilometers or 29 miles per gallon.
4. Is the Geely Okavango made in China?
Yes, the Geely Okavango is made in China. Geely is a Chinese automobile manufacturer and the Okavango is one of their models that is produced in their manufacturing facilities in China.
5. Is the Geely Okavango 7 seater?
Yes, the Geely Okavango is a seven-seater SUV. It has three rows of seats, with the first two rows able to accommodate three passengers each, and the third row able to accommodate two passengers.
₱ 1,523,000 - ₱ 1,765,000
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