Geelys earlier hatchbacks were from when the Geely company first opened business, and you could tell that these cars were basically dirt old Diahatsu Charades masquerading under the Geely brand. Still, these cars sold, and sold, and sold some more, they must be one of the most popular cars on the road today. China Car Times never thought the Geely Mei Ri was the most beautiful of cars, but for its buyers it most defiantly serves a purpose rather than being a status tool.
Geely has created a hatchback version of the not so popular Geely King Kong saloon, and China Car Times has to say its a great looking car that will be paired to either a 1.3 or a 1.5L engine connected to a 4 speed auto gear box. China Car Times can presume the engine will be of Mitsubishi stock and the gearbox is possibly from Antonov?
OK………….THIS is a pretty decent looking car. This is BETTER looking than the regular King Kong (FC-1), and IMO Geely finally has a car that has some PERSONALITY. Depending on where they price this, it COULD be a big hit. The regular FC-1 is priced from 50,000 to 73,000 rmb and offers 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8 engines (with a auto trans available as the top of the line 1.5). A 1.3 might be a bit small for this car…..first guess is it’s the same general size as a Nissan Tiida. IF Geely can keep the price (with a auto trans) to no more than 70,000 rmb, watch out!! This could be a BIG competitor with the BYD F3R, the upcoming Brilliance FRV, Buick HRV, Nissan Livinia…..and prices will all come down as a result. If they can ALSO keep the regular King Kong interior pretty much intact….even better - the King Kong interior is kind of cool. GREAT JOB, Geely - I hope this marks the beginning of some new, ATTRACTIVE cars for us consumers!!
Well if Shanghai VW couln’t make a success of the Golf in China then why not Geely. Certainly has a hint of Golf about it. Looks like it has a good chance of succeeding in this fickle market place.
Funny how the Golf wasnt a massive success (compared to the Focus) but the Polo is doing rather well!
It is hardly suprising when SVW go out of their way to confuse the crap out of the Chinese public. Introduce the Golf, and then just for good measure introduce the Gol, not confused enough yet Mr Chinese car buyer. Well then we will call the new Jetta the Sagitar instead and then change the name of the Golf to Bora. What’s that all about. Small wonder the potential buyer is looking elsewhere!
It was bad enough when SGM realigned their premium range and changed the Buick Sale to the Chevrolet Sail.
There is another car coming out soon called the New Jetta. I have spy pics, but Ill stick them up tomorrow.
here in oz, the jetta is the Golf with a boot!
Oh, shit. My eyes are crying blood!
Sorry. I don’t remember what is the inspiration for this car…
Not bad looking…and it’s actually an original design. BTW Ash, who knows, maybe 20 years from now the fourth generation VW Golf will be one of the Chinese best sellers for the past 15 years behind the VW Santana 9000.