Geely has started sales of the Icon
subcompact SUV in China on February 24 in a completely online launch watched by
millions. The automaker has already racked up more than 30,000 pre-orders in
the hours leading up to the Icon’s launch, a sign that the new model could
become Geely’s most popular SUV. Previewed by the Concept Icon in 2018, the
Geely Icon is a big deal for the automaker.
The fact that it was designed with input
from Geely’s five global design centers speaks volumes about the global
ambitions behind the project. The exterior, for example, has been developed at
Geely’s California studio, while the interior was designed at the carmaker’s
Barcelona’s studio in Spain. Everything was revised and brought to completion
at Geely’s Shanghai studio.
This massive effort is explained by the
fact that future Geely models will use the same minimalistic design language as
the Icon. Exterior highlights include the blocky silhouette, split headlights,
‘Expanding Cosmos’ grille, infinity loop taillight signature and pop-out door
handles.
Inside, the infinity loop is found in the
shape of the middle air vents and center console, but the dominant feature is
the dual interactive 10.25-inch command center powered by the GKUI Geely Smart
Ecosystem.
Perhaps the most important USP right now
for Chinese customers amid the coronavirus epidemic is the fact that the Icon
is equipped with a new Intelligent Air Purification System (IAPS). Working in
tandem with the air conditioner, IAPS’ mission is “to isolate and eliminate
harmful elements in the cabin air including bacteria and viruses.”
On the tech front, the Icon packs the L2+
suite of intelligent driving systems enabled by 12 ultrasonic radars,
millimeter wave radar, and 5 high-definition cameras. These power driver
assistance systems such as intelligent cruise control, lane keep assistance,
automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition, one-button automatic
parking, and more. The Geely Icon also features an improved 360-degree camera
system by adding a 180-degree view from the side, front or rear of the car in
order to eliminate blind spots.
In China, the Geely Icon debuts with a
1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine hooked to a 48-volt
mild-hybrid system and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The
ICE delivers 174 HP and 255 Nm of torque on its
own, while the 48-volt system provides a further 10 kW (13.4 HP) of
power and 45 Nm of torque.
Geely cites an average fuel consumption of
5.7 l/100 km (41.2 mpg US) and a 0-100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds. Prices vary
between RMB 115,800 (US$ 16,500) and RMB 128,800 (US$ 18,300).