First Drive: Can the Geely EX2 transfer China success to the UK?
The compact EX2 has been a smash hit in China, but will it be the same story here? Jack Evans has been finding out.
What is it?
Now, the EX2 has arrived on our shores to see if it can crack this market too. However, there remain some key competitors in its way – namely the ever-popular Renault 5 – so the EX2 hasn’t got it plain sailing to begin with. We’ve been trying it out in the UK to see how it gets on.
What’s new?
Elsewhere, there’s a real focus on space and practicality. It’s why there’s a 375-litre boot and a handy 70-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet to provide more space than you’d expect from a car of this size.
What’s under the bonnet?
On Max and Ultra-grade cars, that battery is increased in size to 47.14, unlocking a longer range of up to 214 miles. With 114bhp, it’s slightly more powerful, too, and benefits from a 0-60mph time of 11.2 seconds over the 14 seconds it’ll take to do the same sprint in the less-powerful car. With a 160kW charge speed, the EX2 can accept quite a high rate of charge, too.
What’s it like to drive?
The steering assistance systems are a little over the top for daily driving – they quite often try to pull you in the wrong direction – and it’s a real pain to switch them off as the settings are buried within the touchscreen’s menus. A dedicated ‘off’ button would be much appreciated in this area. It can’t match the Renault 5 in terms of driving experience, but you get the sense that Geely wasn’t designing the EX2 for outright excitement. It just gets the job done and with good visibility and a decent amount of zip from the electric motors, it does just that.
How does it look?
The headlights take their inspiration from feathers, according to Geely, and there are semi-concealed door handles for a sleeker look overall. The key to unlock the car is equally streamlined but, with its gloss black covering and pebble-like shape, we feel as though it’d be quite easy to lose.
What’s it like inside?
The boot is easy to access, though there’s a bit of a drop to contend with, particularly if you’re placing heavier items back there. Oddly, our test car came with a powered tailgate but no cords for the parcel shelf – so the shelf remained where it was when the boot raised. It’s a small oversight, but an annoying one.
What’s the spec like?
The key reason for stepping up from entry-level Pro cars to a Max model will be the larger battery and extended range, while top-tier Ultra cars – priced from £25,490 – get added luxuries such as heated front seats, a 360-degree parking camera and two-tone styling with contrast roof. However, we expect the mid-range £23,490 Max to be the most popular option.
Verdict
The EX2 isn’t the kind of car that arrives with shock-and-awe tactics. It doesn’t do anything controversial, but what it offers is the kind of space and easy-going nature that a lot of people will appreciate. It’s also pitched at a competitive price, even in mid-spec models.
Sure, if you’re after a car that’ll leave you grinning through the bends, we’d still lean in the direction of the Renault 5, but don’t discount the EX2 – it’s one of Geely’s best offerings to arrive in the UK so far.