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Geely’s smallest SUV, the Coolray, has transformed into a fierce contender for young drivers craving both style and substance. Despite its compact size and affordable starting price of 76,000 dirhams, the 2026 facelift packs in aggressive design cues, sporty touches, and surprisingly spirited performance worthy of any hot hatch fan.
Small SUV, Big Attitude: Design That Demands Attention
At first glance, the Geely Coolray 2026 asserts itself with boldness that defies its size. The youngest member in Geely’s SUV lineup, it flaunts a refreshed design inspired by Geely’s Dragon Vision language—a fitting moniker given the angular edges and sharp, vertical grille slats that give it a fierce presence. Measuring 4.3 meters long, 1.8 meters wide, and 1.6 meters tall, this compact SUV keeps a comfortable ground clearance of 180 mm, meaning speed bumps won’t be its enemy.
On the GF Plus variant—the top tier priced at 91,000 dirhams—the sporty flair is dialed up with 18-inch turbine-style alloy wheels, blacked-out accents, and red brake calipers peeking from behind the spokes. The eye-catching gradient silver paint pulls double duty, shifting from silver to lavender depending on light angles. Even faux performance elements get a nod, with fake vents on the hood and quad exhaust tips—though they’re purely cosmetic, the visual impact is genuine.
Inside: Style and Surprises, But Not All Perfect
Step inside and you’re greeted by a cabin that overdelivers on texture and details. Dual-tone leather upholstery, brushed aluminum trims on the dashboard, and ventilated front seats hint at a premium feel uncommon at this price. The 14.6-inch infotainment screen stands out with its sharp resolution and intuitive interface. However, there’s a catch—Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support isn’t native. Instead, you need to download an app, CarbitLink, to mirror your phone’s screen, which currently only displays in portrait mode, making some apps less user-friendly. Geely promises a software update soon to enable wireless native connectivity, an important fix for tech-savvy buyers.
More delightful touches include a panoramic sunroof that boosts headroom, quirky transparent sun visors enhancing visibility, and a modular cup holder system with adjustable dividers tailored for various beverage sizes. Practical storage is well thought out, with compartments under the armrest and center console plus door cubbies capable of holding large water bottles. Rear-seat passengers around 1.8 meters tall will find surprising comfort, reinforced by decent legroom and ambient lighting to enhance the overall ambiance.
A Turbocharged Heart: Performance that Surprises
What truly sets the Coolray apart from many compact SUVs is the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood. Delivering 174 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque, Geely claims a zero-to-100 km/h sprint in just 7.6 seconds—a pace easily hinting at its hot hatch DNA. There’s a mild turbo lag, but once engaged, the acceleration feels punchy and exhilarating.
Power is managed through a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission designed to resist overheating in city traffic—perfect for stop-and-go driving. The suspension leans toward sporty tuning but strikes a fine balance, maintaining ride comfort without harshness. On the safety front, the GF Plus gains adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, intelligent cruise features, and a clever warning system for roadworks and speed limits that appears directly in the instrument cluster.
Parking is equally well catered for. Reverse into a tight spot confidently thanks to a 360-degree camera system with an innovative ‘transparent view’ that visually exposes the wheels, helping you avoid curbs. At only 5.4 meters turning radius, the Coolray easily maneuvers through urban jungles.
Who Should Buy the Geely Coolray?
With its blend of style, fun driving dynamics, and clever practicality, the Coolray is an attractive proposition for first-time SUV buyers and young professionals wanting excitement without a hefty price tag. Families looking for a compact secondary vehicle may also find it fitting, assuming they’re okay with its modest boot space of 330 liters—not exceptional in the segment but adequate for everyday needs.
That said, there are reservations. Most notably, the lack of native smartphone connectivity is a significant downside, though upcoming updates promise to fix this. The over-sensitive parking sensors may annoy some, and as a relatively new player in the market, Geely still faces trust hurdles—challenges that service rental platforms like Self Drive are mitigiating by offering accessible trial opportunities bundled with insurance and maintenance.
Final Thoughts: A Hot Hatch Lover’s Hidden Gem
Disguised as a compact SUV, the 2026 Geely Coolray flirts with hot hatch excitement while delivering practical family-friendly features. It’s a car that invites spirited driving without the premium price tag. Its distinct styling commands attention, the turbocharged engine thrills behind the wheel, and unexpected cabin quirks add personality. While not perfect, it’s a strong contender in its segment—one that definitely deserves a test drive, especially for anyone craving performance with a practical edge.
Curious about the Coolray’s aggressive dash and sporty footprint in action? The review video captures the raw energy and clever design elements that make this SUV so compelling.
