I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, the Chinese are working the car market harder than they do their construction workers. Okay, sorry for that. What I’m trying to say is that life in Asia (as everywhere) is very unique. The scale of everything is juxtaposed – big buildings, small spaces, tons of people and small cars.
To a large extent, their economy’s growth depends on getting people around cheaply and efficiently. The engineers and designers of the Geely GC2 seem to have wrapped their heads around the subject quite well. So well in fact, that one can add comfy to the GC2’s list of merits.
Yes, I’m a convert. At first I was sceptical, but walking into Geely’s dealership on Hosea Kutako Drive, I felt all I knew flip on its head. Walking around, I warmed to the GC2 surprisingly quickly and once I got a hang of the clutch, we settled in for a day of bumper to bumper traffic, quick sprints across town in what Geely claims is the “cheapest one-litre, hi-specced car in the country” .
First off, I have to say that I will no longer be one to so quickly scoff at the trend of ever shrinking engines. The one litre lump that helps the GC2 scurry along is very well equipped for the job and yes, the boy racer in me would’ve like a little more but that would defeat the purpose and bump up the price of what I’m beginning to think may just be a great choice for an affordable well-specced car for the budget conscious – students, pensioners and fleet managers even.
What N$100 000 can get you, standard:
Under the bonnet of this front-wheel drive car is a 997cc three-cylinder petrol engine capable of 50kW/88Nm mated to a five-speed manual.
Standard goodies include air-con, front power windows, an audio system and a full-size spare wheel.
The list goes on to include halogen headlights, front and rear fog lights, power door mirrors, dual-coloured fabric seat covers, remote-controlled central locking, alarm, four three-point seat belts, driver’s belt warning, open-door buzzer, rear windscreen wiper, 14-inch steel rims, radio with USB and AUX sockets and a fire extinguisher.
Yes, a fire extinguisher.
I’ll admit, that’s something we all should have in our cars but you really only want to see it in fast ones and minibus taxis. The rest of the time it does little for your peace of mind after you’ve pushed it a little hard and parked it.
Also, the lack of airbags and ABS brakes could count against the GC2, especially given that it’s aimed at students and youngsters starting out in life and that many second-hand cars at this price point do offer the necessary safety items.
Other then that, you get a new small-but-decent-considering-its-size boot and a five speed manual putting power to the wheels.
The car costs N$99 900 and comes with a three-year or 100 000km warranty, service plans are also available.
Geely Corp recently announced that they are undertaking a huge loan to help them ramp up their infrastructure globally. This bodes well for the future of the brand and offer owners more peace of mind and most importantly, more savings.
