FOR the majority of CAR’s road testers, our first acquaintance with a Geely came in the shape of the CK we tested four years ago. It was a rather rudimentary, first-generation Chinese compact saloon that failed to win us over, but showed just enough potential to pique our interest. Unfortunately, the company that then imported Geelys to the local market bowed out as the global economy floundered and we feared the brand would never get to fulfil its promise in South Africa.
However, Geely has returned under the auspices of new importers (made up of the provocatively named Hallmark and Magic Groups) and, following the introduction of the MK saloon and hatch last year, the company entered the A-segment with the LC, a vehicle that demonstrates just how far the products of this unheralded Chinese manufacturer have evolved since the days of the forgettable CK.
In terms of exterior aesthetics, the LC is not only attractive and distinctive by the standards of rival Chinese econoboxes; it’s arguably better looking than most budget cars in the market. The detailing is cute – the shapes of the headlights and grille mimic the face of a panda and the black-backed taillight clusters resemble a bear’s paw prints. The colour-coded door handles, front and rear foglamps and standard 14-inch alloys beef up the LC’s kerb appeal. What’s more, the body’s shut lines and quality of paint finish appear consistent, there are no loose-fitting or marginal exterior fittings and only the hatch – a double-hinged (heated) rear screen – is out of the ordinary.
As you slide into the driver’s seat, you are, unfortunately, still greeted by that typical Chinese new-car smell, a sweet, gluey, chemical aroma. Nevertheless, the quality of the materials and levels of fit and finish were a revelation, and arguably on par with those of other budget vehicles in the LC’s price range. The light colour of the upholstery and trim on our test unit was disliked by CAR’s testers, who remarked that it was too old fashioned and prone to showing dirt. However, since we conducted this test, the LC range has been retrimmed with patterned black and grey upholstery and dark plastic panels that make quite a welcome difference.
The standard equipment level on this flagship GT is impressive for a sub-R100 000 car. There are electrically adjustable side mirrors, power windows, remote central locking, air-conditioning, a sixspeaker, MP3-compatible radio/CD system with a USB port and rear parking sensors. Although not everyone will appreciate the faux carbon-fibre ventilation and facia surrounds (less of an issue with the new trim, we might add), and the fact that an extension cable is required to access the USB port located in a lidded recess in the centre of the audio system’s facade, the switchgear does feel pleasingly substantial.
The seats could do with more padding to support the thighs and upper body and, although the steering wheel is adjustable for height, it is placed quite low, which requires taller drivers to sit bolt upright with the tiller virtually in their laps. Rear legroom is quite acceptable for a car of the LC’s size, but headroom is limited by virtue of the high-mounted bench, which also means the 60:40 split seatback can be folded forward (but not flush with the loading-bay floor) when extra utility space is needed.
With peak outputs of 63 kW and 110 N.m of torque from its 1,3-litre mill, the GT cantered from zero to 100 km/h in just under 15 seconds. Its five-speed manual gearbox offers surprisingly secure throws, which is a relief because the cogs need to be swopped often, in conjunction with an eager throttle pedal application, to keep up momen tum or execute overtaking manoeuvres. At freeway velocities, the LC’s cabin does translate some wind and road noise and, because the motor’s not shy to clear its throat when spirited per formance is required, the interior feels buzzy at the national speed limit.
With an average stopping time of 3,18 seconds from 100 to 0 km/h, this Geely doesn’t come to a standstill in the proverbial blink of an eye either, yet it needs to be noted the LC’s ABS setup, which is equipped with EBD, fared no worse than some of its rivals did in a December 2011 comparative test.
The most impressive aspect, from a driver’s point of view, was the suspension’s propensity to soak up bumps and offer a compliant ride quality. The setup is by no means firm, but the LC’s body roll is within the limits of its segment and the steering, while serving up loads of play at lower speeds, is acceptably accurate. To back up the confidence-inspiring handling is the knowledge that the car comes equipped with pre-tensioners for the front seatbelts, as well as front, side and curtain airbags. Should you have a mechanical breakdown, AA roadside assistance is standard in conjunction with the three year/ 100 000 km warranty.
SUMMARY
The fact that the plucky LC GT is pitched against a sibling of our Best Buy in the budget segment in this road test’s rivals box is a major achievement for Geely, one of the lesser-recognised Chinese marques in the market. Overall, the test team felt that the LC would be more competitive if Geely’s new importers solidified the brand’s reputation for reliability and after-sales support, but that will take time. For now, the middle-of- the-range LC GL (R89 990), which foregoes the GT model’s rear parking sensors, side and curtain airbags and two speakers, could be the biggest bargain in the segment.