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By Jonathan Crouch

Geely's Starray EM-i aims to redefine value in the segment for mid-sized family PHEV crossovers. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 40

Chinese maker Geely's Starray EM-i is a family-sized Plug-in Hybrid SUV that majors on value and space. Essentially here, the brand is doing for the PHEV segment what it did for EVs with the EX5. And that's a strong proposition.

Backgroundword count: 133

Britain is taking time to warm up to Chinese EVs, but with Chinese PHEVs, it seems to be a different story. Both the BYD Seal U-DMi and the Jaecoo 7 SHS have been recent sales hits here, so you'd think the auspices might be good for another similarly-sized Chinese Plug-in Hybrid, this car, the Geely Starray EM-i. Particularly as it easily undercuts both those two rivals on price and makes European, Japanese and Korean segment competitors look ridiculously expensive. This is the second Geely Auto model to launch in the UK and shares much in appearance with the first, the similarly-sized all-electric EX5. If you're not quite ready for the EV revolution, you need a family-sized crossover and like the idea of an affordable Plug-in Hybrid, Geely hopes it has your number here.

Driving Experienceword count: 271

The Starray is one of those Plug-in Hybrids that's definitely more EV than combustion. The petrol part of powertrain, a 1.5-litre four cylinder unit, develops just 98bhp and isn't used unless the drivetrain absolutely needs it (which is just as well because it's pretty noisy when it cuts in). Most of the time the car reverts to its EX5-derived 214bhp electric motor, which works together with what Geely calls an 'E-DHT' ('Electric Dedicated Hybrid Transmission') that oversees both power sources. EV range will depend on the trim level chosen. More affordable 'Pro' and 'Max' specs get an 18.4kWh battery pack with a 51 mile range. Top spec 'Ultra' trim gets you a larger 28.9kWh battery pack with a claimed 84 mile range figure. If you read our report on the brand's EX5 EV, you'll know that the 'Lotus handling tweaks' promised by that car didn't really translate into reality. Geely claims to have gone a bit further in terms of handling involvement with the Starray but you'll still find it forgettable to drive. Which won't matter much if you merely prioritise the quiet, soft-riding experience this car delivers. Steering feedback is minimal, but you'll appreciate the light helm in town. What might bother you more is the intrusive nature of all the standard ADAS features this Geely's strong value proposition entitles you to. Definitely try before you buy. The relaxed gait this car prioritises suits its relaxed performance - 0-62mph in 8.0s en route to 105mph. To get near to these figures, you'll have to engage the 'Power' mode, which depletes the battery quickly. The other settings are Pure and Hybrid.

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