Geely Azkarra 2023

The Geely Azkarra was first showcased in the Philippines in March of 2020, in a mall showcase tour that would span several areas. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tour was cut short, and Geely Philippines went back to the drawing board. Officially, the Geely Azkarra made its official debut online a few months later in May 2020. The launch presentation was shown to members of the media via live stream. 

Based on a unibody frame, the compact crossover features a very refined ride thanks in part to its fully-independent front and rear suspension setup comprised of MacPherson struts and a multi-link system respectively. The Azkarra rides on 18-inch wheels with 163 mm of ground clearance. Apart from that, you get disc brakes on all four wheels. 

The powertrain of the Geely Azkarra is similar to its smaller counterpart, the Geely Coolray, with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder that produces 177 hp and 255 Nm of torque on its own. This powertrain is available in the Premium variant of the model, but the Luxury model offers the 48V EMS mild hybrid system that boosts engine output to 190 hp and torque up to 300 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels or to all wheels depending on the variant. The engine is mounted transversely, like many crossovers in the market, which allows for more cabin space without intrusions coming from components such as the exhaust system. 

The crossover in its top of the line trim features a mild hybrid system that assists the turbocharged motor boosting fuel efficiency and total power output by a modest amount. The 48V Electric Motor Synergy system, or EMS, assists the engine to achieve higher power and torque figures to help it get going. Since the system is only mild, the Azkarra feels like a normal car albeit with some capabilities that you can find in a hybrid. Acceleration is largely the same as a traditional gasoline motor, but the powerband is smoothened out and there is a little more torque going to the wheels. Steering is light, and the handling of the car is made easy by its relatively compact size. The crossover is well-behaved over bumps and very planted in corners. 

The tech inside the Geely Azkarra is plentiful and well-executed. On the dashboard, you have a 12.3-inch infotainment system that has an anti-glare screen for better viewing in direct sunlight. This infotainment system outputs audio through 8 speakers and also serves as the monitor for the 360-degree camera system that the Azkarra comes with. Another LCD display can be found in the dashboard, which can change depending on what information is called upon or what drive mode the Azkarra is in. 

Accompanying these other items is a wireless charging pad, cruise control, automatic climate control, an electronic parking brake with brake hold, and multiple 12-volt sockets and USB ports for charging and data. Other technology features in this model include motorized seats, a power tailgate, parking sensors, hill descent control, sport, comfort, and eco-driving modes, as well as keyless entry with a push-start button, and remote start.  

Similar to the first model that Geely Philippines launched in the country, the Azkarra takes many design cues from the Coolray and pumps up the design to be more refined and more mature. Standard features on the Azkarra include its LED headlights which also include LED indicators and DRLs. The Expanding Cosmos Grille makes another appearance, this time clad in chrome. Other design features on the Azkarra include the other chrome accents that can be found down the side that outline the windows of the vehicle, giving it a floating roof effect, which is helped along by the blacked-out D-pillars. A nice strong character line starts from the front door and shots all the way to the back meeting the rear LED taillights. Subsequently, another chrome strip can be found where the black plastic cladding on the lower part of its side. The rear is also a mix of several different finishes. The satin-like finish of the rear door garnish is matte and offers a contrast to the glossy surfaces of the rest of the vehicle and to round things out, 

The interior of the Azkarra is well-built and can be had with a number of leather colors for the upholstery. Choose between black or Nappa brown. The Nappa interior option allows for a warm two-tone look. Coupled with the premium build quality of the interior. Glossy black plastics are coupled metallic trim pieces along with the aforementioned leather upholstery that gives the Azkarra an upmarket feel. The seats are motorized allowing for easy adjustment on the fly or otherwise. 

Space in the rear is par with compact crossovers. Amenities in this part of the car include charging ports, rear climate control vents, a center armrest with cupholders and 60-40 split-folding seats that expand the 320-liters worth of cargo space in the back.