Geely introduced the Geely BoRui GE at 2018 Beijing International Auto Show held earlier this year. The BoRui GE is the hybrid version of the award winning BoRui sold in China. The BoRui GE is available with either a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or mild hybrid (MHEV) powertrain.
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Both powertrains (co-developed with Volvo) employ a 1.5 liter turbocharged three-cylinder direct injection petrol engine, which serves up 177 hp at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm of torque at 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, but with different hybrid systems.
With the MHEV version, there is a 48-volt belt-driven starter generator (BSG) that is linked to a small battery mounted in the rear. Put together, this system has a maximum output of 190 hp and 300 Nm, which is enough for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.9 seconds. More importantly, the MHEV has a rated fuel consumption of just 17.24 km per liter.
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In addition to assisting the engine with a boost when needed, the BSG also plays a part in the stop-start system, energy recovery when braking or coasting as well as charging the battery. As this is a mild hybrid, the BoRui GE MHEV is unable to run on pure electricity alone.
But if you want that functionality, look towards the BoRui GE PHEV instead. The plug-in hybrid powertrain in this variant offers a total system output of 257 hp and 425 Nm, propelling the sedan from a rest to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds. The fuel consumption is rated at just 1.6 liters per 100 km (62.5 km per liter), while it can run on pure electric mode alone for up to 60 km.
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As with most PHEVs, the powertrain comes with a number of modes, including EV only, hybrid (engine and front electric motor working together) and battery save (charge the battery for later use). The PHEV version also gets a larger battery compared to the MHEV, and it can be recharged during coasting, braking as well as when plugged in.
An on-board 3.3 kW charger is fitted as standard, but a more powerful 6.6 kW unit is available as an option. According to Geely, recharging the battery will take just 1.5 hours when the car is plugged into an ordinary 220-volt charger.
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In terms of dimensions, both variants are identical, measuring 4,986 mm long, 1,861 mm wide and 1,513 tall, with a wheelbase of 2,870 mm. Chassis highlights include double wishbone suspension at the front, multi-link setup in the rear, electronic power steering an all-round disc brakes.
Wheel sizes include 17 inch (with 215/55 profile tires) and 18-inch (with 235/45 profile tires) options, depending on the chosen trim level. A notable difference is the capacity of the vehicles’ fuel tanks, which is 70 liters for the MHEV and 50 liters for the PHEV.
The BoRui GE is equipped with features including LED headlamps and taillights, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and start, leather upholstery, powered seats with memory and massage functions, ambient lighting and a dual-zone automatic climate control with an air purifier system, for starters.
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An attention-grabbing aspect of the interior are the two screens that greets occupants. The one in front of the driver in the instrument binnacle can either be a 7 or 12.3-inch LCD screen, depending on the selected trim level. Meanwhile, the one in the middle is linked to the car’s infotainment system, and can be had in 10.2 or 12.3-inch sizes.
The infotainment system is backed up a number of services like 4G connectivity, the GKUI smart ecosystem, intelligent voice recognition, Garmin navigation system and a comprehensive online media library. If that isn’t enough, certain variants are also equipped with eight- or 14-speaker Harman Kardon sounds systems. For some trivia, the design of the speaker on the top of the dashboard was inspired by a famous bridge located in China.
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There is plenty in the safety department as well, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, intelligent automatic high beam control, blind spot monitoring, speed limit sign recognition, a heads-up display, a display key and assisted parking.
Other items include up to seven airbags, Isofix child seat anchors, tire pressure monitor and a 360-degree camera. Of course, the higher-end trim levels on both variants will come with more goodies than the rest.
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In China, the BoRui GE MHEV range starts at 136,800 yuan (PKR 24.68 lac) up to 179,800 yuan (PKR 32.43 lac), with five trim levels being offered. As for the BoRui PHEV, there are just variants, priced between 166,800 yuan (PKR 30.09 lac) and 199,800 yuan (PKR 36.04 lac), after local subsidies.
With the likes of new BoRui GE, Geely is proving itself to be a serious contenders among the premium vehicle manufacturers.
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
