New Starray in two common drivetrain specifications.

INTENT to challenge strongly in the compact plug-in hybrid sector has been laid down by a new Geely.

The Chinese make’s Starray EM-i will sell in two common drivetrain versions, a $45,990 Complete and the $3500 dearer Inspire.

Those stickers leave it siting as a strong competitor for other like-configured five seater crossover cars from China - including the Omoda C10 REEV - and Japan’s top current sector entrant, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

A debut format for the brand’s Super Hybrid technology, the model arrives in dealerships from November and represents Geely’s second offering locally.

The make is represented by Giltrap Group’s NordEast distribution division, which formally launched being just weeks ago.

Geely NZ brand manager Jordan Haines believes the Starray EM-i represents as a pivotal product.

The front-drive car’s drivetrain combines a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with a dual motor electric drive unit, for a total 160kW/262Nm, the electric side fed by a 18.4kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.

The system delivers a combined range of up to 943km and can travel up to 83km on pure electric power alone, those figures according to the NZ-recognised WLTP scale.

The hybrid system is typical in having electric-only operation and two hybrid blindings, one more powerful than the other. It charges by DC as well as AC, but the first limits to 30kW, so recharging from 30 to 80 percent is a 20 minute wait. How long to achieve 100 percent replenishment not being shared suggests it might be a much longer requirement.

The Complete has 15.4-inch infotainment screen running Geely’s Flyme operating system, surround-view monitor, wireless Apple CarPlay, six-speaker sound system, automatic climate control, LED headlights, satellite navigation, and heated front seats.

Inspire updates to a 16-speaker sound system and also has a panoramic, powered sunroof, a head-up display, front seat ventilation, driver’s seat memory, power tailgate, and 256 ambient colour lighting options.

Both variants have seven airbags, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistant, blind spot detection, and surround view monitor. It has yet to undergo evaluation by the national independent crash test auditor, ANCAP.

Until end of the year the models are subject to a launch promotion that delivers a three-year complimentary service plan, premium paint valued at $950 and 15,000km of Road User Charges.

NordEast’s goal is to deliver 5000 electrified vehicles to NZ within three years across its Geely Group brands; aside from the parent make, those are Riddara, Farizon, Zeekr, Volvo, Polestar and Lotus.