Car Shared: Geely Okavango

Every other new car on the road this year is a Toyota, which has a nearly 50% market share. One out of every ten people is an Innova. The king of the MPVs is this ubiquitous utility van. Making "Innova-spotting" the Pendong-Kuba of the Facebook generation.

However, there is a new contender for the title. For less money, you can get greater technology, flair, and sophistication. While the Okavango name may not be easy to pronounce, it is a popular topic of conversation. But does chatter translate into sales? Can this MPV take on the Innova and repeat the unexpected success of Geely Okavango 2022 Philippines? Let's have a look.

Styling

With the same dimensions and ride height as a Hyundai Santa Fe, but a boxier, wagon-like appearance, the Okavango stands midway between monstrous SUVs and low-slung MPVs. The style is a little more conservative than the Coolray's, combining the brand's nested grille, chiseled detailing, and sharp panel cutaways with more typical boxy forms. The beveled hatch panel is framed in LEDs and chrome bars, and the floating roof rails are a nice touch. The whole thing rides on stunning 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels.

Interior

Inside, the dash is neat and tidy, leading to a split-tier center console with a bottom shelf large enough for medium-sized camera bags. A recessed cupholder on the driver's side prevents your Starbucks Venti from interfering with shifter movement. If you wish to preserve an extra drink for the ride home, the central compartment is vented.

At-cabin storage is limited in the back. Only door bottle holders and un-lidded fender-top bins, no center armrest or cupholders. However, the actual cargo volume is fairly large. For a massive cargo floor, both back rows fold fully flat. While the third-row fold is theoretically a one-touch operation, it is a bit snug and requires a forceful shove to get them in. Given the ample space in the rear, this is surprising. The second-row seatbacks cannot be reclined due to the folding mechanism. They're not unpleasant, but you can't lie down in them on lengthy journeys. Because there isn't a central ISOFIX mount, you'll have to put front-facing child seats near the entrance, blocking other passengers' access.

The A/C vents are another compromise. They're modest and confined to the ceiling's borders to make room for a massive panoramic roof. Yes, it's a pointless fashion statement in Manila traffic, but as a promdi guy, I'm a sucker for huge glasses on those quiet mountain trips.

Engine efficiency

The Okavango is powered by the same 177hp 1.5 liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine seen in other Geely vehicles. With a 48V "mild-hybrid" assist motor that boosts power to 190hp and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, it can go from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 9.3 seconds, as long as the tires can grip the road. If the road isn't perfectly level and dry, 300Nm of torque will easily fire up the front tires.

The Okavango River is often calm and navigable. The dual-clutch has greater engine braking than a typical automatic, but because to the wet clutch design, there's no hesitancy or bucking in traffic. While you may shift manually with the gear lever, switching to Sport Mode typically suffices to meet any speed requirements.

Verdict

Finally, Geely delivers exactly what we expected: a better car at a lower price. Sure, a contemporary unibody car is more comfortable and sophisticated than a truck-based vehicle, but the Okavango distinguishes it apart even when compared to comparable MPVs and SUVs in this price range. However, for many, the lack of a diesel engine is a deal breaker. While the hybrid engine delivers thrilling performance and excellent fuel economy, diesel costs around ten pesos per liter less than the 95 RON gasoline required by Geely's turbo triple.

However, spec for spec, the Okavango costs P150,000-P200,000 less than the Innova. A discount that will get you a lot of petrol. That hybrid system is also better for the environment, particularly in traffic. To be honest, it's a little marvel that Geely can deliver technology like this at this pricing point. And, judging on the number of Okavangos we observed on the road during our test drive, it appears that a rising number of purchasers agree.