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By Jonathan Crouch

Another mid-sized Chinese SUV crossover, but this one, the Geely EX5, is worth a second look. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 36

Chinese maker Geely's first own brand model, the EX5, aims to redefine value in the over-crowded mid-sized SUV electric segment. There's lots you might be tempted by here but you'll need to know what you're getting.

Backgroundword count: 119

Some Chinese brands are more significant than others. Geely is a name that might ring a bell - and with good reason given that it owns Volvo, Polestar and Lotus - and effectively runs smart as well. Now it's here as a manufacturer in its own right with this car, the Geely EX5. This is an EV, of course. And, almost equally predictably, a mid-sized SUV, like just about every other car that China seems to launch into our market these days. This one is worth a second look though because it's more affordably priced and better equipped than nearly all its rivals. And, says Geely, has been tuned for UK roads by sports car makers Lotus. Sounds promising.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 202

There's just one EX5 variant to start with, using a front-mounted motor with 215bhp energised by a 60.2kWh battery offering up to 267 miles of range. 0-62mph needs 6.9s en route to 109mph. The marketing suggestions of 'Lotus' engineering input don't hold up to much scrutiny. Lotus has been involved with and lent its name to several mainstream brand engineering projects over the years, some of which were memorable (like Vauxhall's Lotus Carlton) and some not (like Proton's Satria GTi). This EX5, it turns out, wasn't the subject of a Lotus engineering project. Geely simply commissioned from Hethel a 'comprehensive evaluation' of the EX5 for British roads, the results of which haven't yet been implemented. So early EX5s will be much as those currently on sale in another right-hand drive market, Australia. Reports from there suggest a soft suspension set-up, which is probably appropriate for the kind of person this Geely is aimed at, though not for the kind of customer who might be attracted by the 'Lotus' marketing associations. Driving the car, the main initial thing you're going to have to get used to are all the ADAS functions, which Australian reports suggest can be somewhat intrusive. Try before you buy.

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