The Geely Azkarra (Bo Yue in China) was nicknamed, “The Most Beautiful SUV” by the Chinese media and consumers alike when it was first launched in 2016. Four years later, this love affair has now grown to a million owners and counting with the Azkarra sold in over 17 countries across the world including Russia, Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
After averaging over 20,000 units per month for the past three and a half years, the Azkarra shows no signs of slowing down. The conventional 1.8-liter turbo for the Chinese domestic market was joined by a unique mild-hybrid that pairs a turbocharged 1.5-liter with an electric motor that drives the rear axles. This 48V EMS system with its 190 horsepower, 300 Nm output serves as the top-of-the-line powertrain in the Philippines. It is the first and only hybrid compact SUV in the Philippine market.
Positioned as a value-driven and technology leader, the Azkarra packs a punch in terms of features: 18-inch alloy wheels, LED head- and taillights, power adjustable driver’s seat, and even a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display with 8 speakers. It also managed to receive a 5-star safety rating at the Chinese New Car Assessment Program or C-NCAP.
The Azkarra may have been born a domestic Chinese SUV, but its success outside of China has made it a global powerhouse, with success in all of the markets it sells in. As for the future only time will tell, but if its track record is anything to go by, it can continue to deliver great things.
Not too long ago, you belittled this SUV, even saying to a point that your expertise in the field of automotive manufacturing indicate poor design from suspension to its various gizmos. Am I to believe you this time around?
ReplyDeleteBeing popular doesn't necessarily equate to the best drive. Else, why would people be buying Toyotas.
DeleteIf you read not just the Azkarra AWD's review, but also the FWD version that followed, you'd notice that I actually preferred the FWD. The mild-hybrid system simply doesn't work in the Azkarra. That's why the Okavango is surprisingly better.