Lynk & Co is a relatively new auto brand (founded in 2016) positioned as a 'near premium' marque by its two Chinese parent companies (Geely and Zeekr). In the Philippines, it also sits at the luxury level but is under the umbrella of United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), the same company distributing Chery, Foton, and BAIC locally.
With formalities out of the way, I test drive the ₱2.088 million 01 PHEV. It has a typical body that disguises its advanced powertrain (a plug-in hybrid engine), rather high-tech cockpit systems, innovative infotainment equipment, posh cabin trim, and amenities.
It does not scream, nor even whisper, luxury on the outside. The two-tone white-black body color is plain, and the rectangular grille will not really stand out in a parking lot. It has functional roof rails, a fin antenna and a roof spoiler at the rear, a power tailgate, a rear diffuser-type underbody panel, and dual exhausts.
While the exterior design is a bit dated, it uses modern LED lighting on the adaptive headlamps, 'Aurora Borealis' daytime running lamps, and 'Energy Cube' taillights. It even has welcome lights under the power-retract side mirrors (with a reverse tilt-down function).
What I noticed made passersby double-take is the unique logo on the edge of the hood and the bluish streaks tracing the tops of the grille, daylight opening, and the spokes of its gorgeous 20-inch wheels.
The exterior design of the first-generation 01 is conservative, to say the least, and that's understandable. Lynk & Co didn't experiment too much for fewer mistakes. In automotive terms, less is more. But I'm hopeful for more creative design cues in the facelift or the next full model change.
Lynk & Co did the exact opposite in the cabin, which works for me. The soft-touch dashboard has a mix of padded and velvety surfaces, chrome trim, and a gentle-release glove box. At the top of the center stack is a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and an outstanding 10-speaker Harman Kardon Infinity audio system.
The cabin uses Econyl (regenerated nylon material from plastic waste and recycled fishing lines) upholstery. It has a power-adjustable bolstered driver's seat, a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Everything in the cabin works perfectly. There is even ambient lighting, which makes driving at night alluring. I just wish they didn't put a swipe-sensitive pad on the steering wheel controls because, whether you like it or not, you'll accidentally brush a finger on it and inadvertently switch functions.
What really impressed me about the 01 is its powertrain. Under the hood is a smooth-stroking 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine assisted by a permanent magnet synchronous motor powered by a 17.6-kWh battery. Its 180-PS and 265-Nm of torque output goes to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). It returned 16.4 km/l over seven days in mixed driving conditions.
Like rivals in the luxury segment, it is dignified during acceleration and does not lose its poise. It also doesn't take much to get it going. Unlike other Chinese brands with a DCT, the 01 shifts smoothly and reads road conditions better to avoid getting in the wrong gear. Handling is light, and maneuverability is very good.
What needs a little tweaking (or upgrading) is its MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-links at the rear. The ride is stiff for a compact crossover SUV and a luxury model. Noise, vibration, and harshness levels should also improve after the next upgrade or model change.
Safety is one of its strengths. Aside from advanced driver-assist features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Active High Beam Control, and Lane Departure Warning, among others, it is also very strict on second-row passengers when it comes to seat belts. All cabin occupants must wear it. Otherwise, you'll hear that alert incessantly.
The brand's name is unique, which won't make it easily forgettable. But calling your models by two-digit numbers may cause confusion as the lineup expands to more than three cars. What I'll remember most is the generously appointed cabin and its suave performance that will make each minute of the drive absolutely fun.