Geely South Africa has entered the small car market with the launch of the Geely LC, a 1.3-litre five-door hatchback that promises economy, safety and convenience, for under R90 000.
What immediately sets the Geely LC apart from the rest of its A-class rivals is its unique appearance, strongly reminiscent of the giant panda, the national treasure of China. The Geely LC has a rounded shape and distinctive panda-like characteristics that include large headlights outlined in black. The large air intake grille allows for ample engine cooling, but also gives the little car a smiling appearance, with the rear-view mirrors shaped after the panda’s ears. The rear taillight cluster design incorporating reverse, indicator and brake lights was inspired by the panda’s paw print and the unique ignition key and separate remote door and boot opener are shaped like a smiling panda face.
The Geely LC is strong on safety features and was the first Chinese car to achieve a five-star CN-CAP (China-New Car Assessment Programme) crash test rating. Specifically, in the front impact test, Geely scored higher than Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris. In addition to the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) fitted to all three models, the middle of the range GL is fitted with driver and passenger front air bags, which are combined with pre-tensioned seat belts. The range-topping GT benefits from two side impact airbags integrated into each front seat, as well as two side curtain airbags housed in the roof and covering the area from the A- to the C-pillar to provide head protection for front and rear passengers.
A ‘panda round’ design concept is present throughout the interior. This theme is repeated in the dashboard centre console, air vents and instrument dials. The colour scheme is a combination of black and cream and is carried over to the cloth-covered seats, which have half-moon black ‘cut-outs’ to once again draw the panda connection. Geely say the LC can comfortably accommodate four occupants and has plenty of storage space. A six-speaker stereo radio/CD/MP3-player with USB input is standard on the GL and GT. (The GS has a radio/Aux in).
The standard 1 342 cc in-line four-cylinder engine on all models has 16 valves, a double overhead camshaft and electrical fuel injection and is operated through a five-speed manual gearbox. The engine produces 63 kW of power at 6 000 r/min and 110 Nm of torque at 5 200 r/min. Independent McPherson front suspension is teamed with a subsidiary frame, with torsional rear combination suspension and coil springs all round. The subsidiary frame reportedly improves the connection rigidity of the suspension and isolates road vibration for increased comfort.
| Pricing | |
| Geely LC GS | R79 999 |
| Geely LC GL | R84 999 |
| Geely LC GT | R89 999 |
Pricing includes a 3-year/100 000km warranty and AA Roadside Assistance. Optional service packages of 2-year/60 000 km and 3-year/90 000 km are available at R4 150 and R6 950 respectively.