The new normal may be posing as a challenge to some automotive companies, but newcomer Geely, distributed by Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP) is wholeheartedly embracing it. The company recently held a digital launch for their new hybrid SUV, the Azkarra.
The Azkarra is a new five-seat crossover, larger than Geely’s current Coorlay SUV. It comes in turbo charged and mild hybrid variants and is also equipped with the brand’s popular CN95 cabin filter system.
The Azkarra bears Geely’s distinctive grille, muscular front haunches and sleek looking rear. Inside it features a fully digital dashboard with and an expansive 12.3-inch infotainment system and hi-fi eight-speaker audio system. The vehicle comes standard with a power-adjustable driver's seat and a chilled storage compartment.
It features a comprehensive list of safety features, from stability control to 360-degree view cameras. Drivers can even adjust the view with the swipe of a finger. The Luxury model comes with wireless charging and leather trim.
Other standard safety features include hill-descent control and hill-start assist. Both come with LED headlights as well, and even a panoramic sunroof. Geely is also keen to point out the Azkarra's N95-rated air filtration and purifier system, and it's fitted to both variants as standard.
The Azkarra is offered in two variants: Premium and the Luxury. Powering the premium is a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that puts out 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.
The Luxury is a mild hybrid. It uses the same 1.5-liter turbocharged engine along with a 48V belt-starter generator (BSG), a 48V-12 DCDC converter, 48V lithium-ion battery module, and battery management system (BMS). This electric assistance brings its total output up to 190 Ps and 300 Nm of torque. This is then paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that drives all four wheels.
Even with more power, the hybrid is designed to save fuel by drawing energy while the engine is running or the brakes are applied. It can even run on power at low speeds, and automatically shut off the engine while keeping the aircon running while stopped. There's no need to plug it in to charge it. It does this all automatically.
Eager to change buyers’ minds, Geely has set a competitive price range for its Azkarra. The Premium variant is offered for as low as PhP1,438,000. The all-wheel drive 48V EMS Luxury variant is offered at PhP1,598,000.
“The Geely Azkarra is an affordable luxury SUV. With its technological power, refined interior, healthy space, and safety features, the Geely Azkarra will bring a more enjoyable experience to your high-quality life,” said Geely Auto Group CEO An Conghui.
“Right now, we see that the auto industry is gearing towards hybrid and electric vehicle technology as it becomes increasingly popular,” said SGAP President and CEO, Mikihisa Takayama. The integration of the mild hybrid technology in just its second model is a bold step for Geely as a new challenger in the Philippine automotive industry.
Geely is also prepared to assure its customers of the vehicle’s preparedness for the new normal. Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP) has recently announced that all Geely vehicles, including the Azkarra, are already equipped with CN95 filters. These cabin filters are designed to effectively filter out dust, harmful gases, particulate matter (PM) 2.5 particles, droplets with diameters larger than .74 microns which are often attached to corona viruses.
The Geely Azkarra is now available at all Geely showrooms.
By Iñigo S. Roces