Geely is all set to launch the Lynk & Co 01 SUV in China. Lynk & Co is an automotive brand owned by Geely. The 01 SUV is based on the new Volvo-Geely CMA platform, which will also underpin the upcoming new Volvo 40-Series, previewed as the 40.1 and 40.2 concept cars.
Initially there will be two engines available, a GB15T 1.5 liter turbocharged 3-cylinder unit with 177hp and a top speed of 205 km/h. The second is a B4204T30 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 187hp and a top speed of 210 km/h. Both the engines have been developed by Volvo. A Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure EVs versions are all said to be in the pipeline
Related: Lynk & Co Aims to Sell 500,000 Cars a Year at Extremely Competitive Prices
The Lynk & Co brand will be aimed at millennials and the cars will therefore be equipped with technology and apps that will allow the owner to share their car with others, or to rent it out when they don’t need it.
The manufacturer claims “you don’t need to own a car to have one”. The car will have a unique digital key, and a dedicated smartphone app; which would allow the car to be leased, borrowed, shared and serviced as required. With the help of the telemetry provided by Ericsson, the car’s servicing, maintenance will be dealt with, it can book for servicing, picked up and dropped wherever required, all of it just at a touch of a button. The ‘Concierge’ button in the car will also allow the driver to book a hotel reservation, get travel data or get any other required information.
The Lynk & Co 01 will boast safety feature such as forward collision warning, blind spot detection, lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking, with top crash test ratings being sought in the major markets where the car will be sold.
In terms of what the 01 is likely to offer in terms of driving experience, the brand says that it has been benchmarked against SUVs from premium brands and that the body has been designed to minimize noise, vibration and harshness in the cabin. Reassuring steering, a comfortable ride, excellent body control and good stability are also promised.
The Lynk & Co 01 will be priced between 130,000 yuan (PKR 19.88 lac) to 190,000 yuan (PKR 29.06 lac). According to Lynk & Co, the company will offer free warranty, road-side rescue services, and data traffic for the entire life of the vehicle.
Related: Geely Launches The Lynk & Co 03 Concept at Shanghai Auto Show
More Lynk & Co cars will be launched after the 01 SUV, all having a numeric naming convention, a 02 sedan, 03 saloon etc. Reportedly, designs for the first five models have already been finalized.
Lynk & Co cars will be launched in Europe and USA by 2018. Geely has ambitious plans for the Lynk & Co brand and is aiming to sell 500,000 units per year within the next five years.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
