Geely launches 2020 Icon compact SUV, clocks 30,000 orders

KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese carmaker Geely has launched the 2020 Icon compact sports utility vehicle (SUV), built on the manufacturer’s B-segment modular architecture (BMA) platform, jointly developed with Volvo. Geely has claimed that it has already got more than 30,000 online orders for the boxy SUV.

The 2020 Geely Icon’s powertrain uses a 48V mild-hybrid technology which, according to the company, brings down the fuel consumption to 5.7 litres. The hybrid system is paired with a 4-cylinder, turbocharged 1.5-litre motor which produces 177 PS maximum power and 255 Nm peak torque in the car’s entry-level version. The 48V system adds 13 PS more power and 45 Nm extra torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Geely claims that the car can reach 0-100kmph in 7.8 seconds.

Two 10.25-inch touchscreens, linked to Geely’s remote phone app, dominates the dashboard. The dashboard itself is analogue-inspired. The two screens allow users to connect to the Geely Smart Ecosystem. The car retains the minimalistic design of its concept version showcased at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show. Bucking from the contemporary SUV design trend, Geely seems to have towed the ‘less is better’ path, moving to a purer 8-bit analogue form.

The headlights of the 2020 Geely Icon are arranged in an infinity loop, which forges a unique spilt-style design. The company claims that the arrangement has improved the car’s lighting efficiency by 30 percent, extending the road visibility to 165 m. Other exteriors highlights include the intelligent flushed door handles that pop up when passengers approach the car and retract when they leave.

The 2020 Geely Icon gets a number of smart technologies that include five high-definition cameras, a millimetre wave radar and 12 ultrasonic radars. The car comes with intelligent cruise control, pedestrian recognition and automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and one-button automatic parking. The company, in response to the Coronovairus endemic, has developed an N95 certified intelligent air purification system that works together with the Icon’s air-conditioner to eliminate viruses and bacteria from inside the cabin.

The Icon is a globally designed car. Its exterior was developed at Geely’s California studio, while the interior was done by the Barcelona unit. The company’s Shanghai studio then revised the interior and the exterior to make it production-ready.

Also read: Geely and Volvo on merger terms, to create an automobile conglomerate