撰写After an ordeal-like hibernation receded with the spring, after clearing the clouds to see the sun, finally at the beginning of summer, we held the steering wheel and drove Geely’s first "all-round health car" – ICON, passing through the bamboo sea in Anji, feeling the pleasant scenery like poetry and the long-lost comfortable mood, and experiencing the performance of technology, health and safety brought by Geely ICON.
The white clouds are long, the blue sky is clear, the mountains are layered, and the green bamboo extends. Anji’s beauty reveals a natural temperament, and the unique ecological environment creates a "three-clean place" with clean air, clean water and clean soil. And Geely ICON, which was born in Geely Automobile’s global new generation of BMA modular architecture, also has its own unique advantages.
Why does the BMA architecture play such an important role? Models under the BMA architecture can have higher space utilization, more technology and intelligent auxiliary driving configurations, and rich power systems. The research and development cycle of the model will be shortened, the research and development cost will be reduced, and consumers can buy better models at relatively low prices. For Geely Automobile, this is an epoch-making technological system innovation and a leap in production and research and development capabilities. The BMA architecture adheres to the core research and development concept of "creating a relaxed and pleasant driving experience for young people", which has achieved ICON’s unique styling design, leapfrog space, powertrain, driving control experience and smart technology. Based on this, Geely ICON has shown extraordinary attractiveness.
In fact, the market performance of Geely ICON since its listing at the end of February has indeed proved its good product strength. Even in special times, Geely ICON’s cumulative orders still exceed 40,000, which shows that its competitiveness is quite strong.
Avant-garde design, unique technical grammar
No matter what model, design is always the first threshold to be scrutinized by consumers. Although connotation is more important than appearance, this does not mean that the most intuitive visual experience should be ignored. The colors of the models we test drive are very jumping, which shows that the designer has absolute confidence in his work. The designers of Geely ICON have played the technical grammar to the fullest, from the three design elements of "time symbol", "rounded rectangle" and "star cluster map", to the hidden induction door handle, 1.7 square meters panoramic canopy, the sci-fi sense displayed is fascinating.
The front face of Geely ICON adopts a rounded rectangular symbol design, which is also another interpretation of the front grille of the universe. What’s more ingenious is that this design creates an illusion of a closed grille in the visual effect, which is full of technology.
The left and right headlights are clearly visible, and the three full LED lamps are not only futuristic in style, but also able to reduce energy consumption, improve luminous efficiency by 30%, and extend the lighting distance to 165m.
On the side of the body, the smart waist line extends from the front of the Geely ICON to the taillights, creating an elegant and dynamic posture. The black suspended roof and matte texture surround add more sporty temperament to the side, and the rounded rectangles and unique fold lines above the wheel arches outline a rich light and shadow effect.
The hidden door handle is cleverly integrated with the door, which not only makes it more beautiful, but also reduces the drag coefficient. When we approach the vehicle with the key, the door handle will automatically pop up. In addition, it can also be unlocked via Bluetooth.
The taillight set is designed with "time symbol" elements, which can accommodate up to 118 lamp beads, and at the same time, with the new light guide technology, it presents a brighter, more integrated and uniform light texture. It is difficult for young people not to be impressed by such a cool design.
The tail design of Geely ICON echoes the front face, and the three rounded rectangular decorations on the back surround echo the side of the body, which looks like an exhaust port from a distance. But in fact, the exhaust port is hidden.
The 19-inch Cosmic Star Track wheels are cool in shape, and the contrast between silver and black is very eye-catching. The tires are made of German Continental, and the size is 225/45 R19 W XL.
Interior space, ingenious focus on health
Geely ICON’s body size has reached a length of 4350mm, a width of 1810mm, a height of 1615mm, and a wheelbase of 2640mm. Compared with the mainstream SUVs of the same level of popular joint venture brands on the market, it still has certain advantages. Thanks to this, the interior space performance has greater room for play. Those of us who are 178mm tall will not feel depressed whether they sit in the front or the back row.
The overall effect of the interior is full of a sense of fashion and technology. The combination of black and red colors brings a strong visual impact. With the embellishment of chrome panels and 72-color aurora ambient lights, it creates a car environment that can provoke driving desire.
The 10.25-inch LCD screen on the center console is very eye-catching, forming a dual-screen interaction with the 10.25-inch full LCD meter. It only takes three fingers to swipe the screen to move the navigation to the meter screen, adding a lot to the technological atmosphere. A square physical button is designed on the left and right sides of the center control screen. The left side is the start button, and the right side button can be customized.
The three flat-bottomed multi-functional steering wheel wrapped in genuine leather feels comfortable to hold, but what is most worth mentioning is that it also has comprehensive antibacterial function, which meets the national I-level standard, can inhibit, sterilize, disinfect, and deodorize. The antibacterial rate is as high as 99.99%, achieving the effect of harmless, sterile, and self-cleaning. At a time when health issues are particularly important, it can be said to be a timely help.
In addition to the steering wheel, the "CN95 ecological purification cabin" is also another highlight of Geely ICON’s focus on the health of car owners. The car-grade "CN95" high-efficiency composite air-conditioning filter element targets particulate matter above 0.3 microns, with a filtration efficiency of more than 95%. And the medical-grade IAPS intelligent air purification system can complete the air replacement in the car in 45s. These effects may not be directly felt by us, but they also add a stronger guarantee to the health of drivers and passengers in the car, which cannot be ignored.
Geely ICON’s seats are well-rounded, comfortable and wrapping, with electric adjustment in the front and passenger seats, as well as seat heating.
Geely ICON’s luggage compartment is relatively regular and has a moderate volume. If necessary, the owner can also expand the storage space by reclining the rear seats.
Powerful performance, free to control
The Geely ICON has shown many commendable highlights in terms of internal and external design, so what kind of feelings will it bring us when we really drive it? Facing the bright sunshine, we started the engine. The warm wind was blowing, and the eyes were lush. Starting briskly, accelerating smoothly, and turning lightly, the Geely ICON can also keenly capture the subtle changes in the pedal force.
Geely ICON is equipped with a hybrid system composed of a 1.5TD turbocharged direct injection engine + 48V BSG motor. The maximum output power of the engine is 130kW (177Ps) and the peak torque is 255N · m. With the motor, the comprehensive power of the system can reach 140kW and the comprehensive torque can reach 300N · m. This data is quite awesome, and the 0-100km/h acceleration can be controlled within 8 seconds.
The 7-speed DCT wet dual-clutch transmission has a maximum transmission efficiency of 97%. The shift logic is clear and smooth, and there is basically no frustration during driving. At the same time, there are also three autonomous driving modes of ECO, COMFORT and SPORT.
When running recklessly, step on the accelerator pedal deeply, and this power system will show a "fierce" side. Its explosive power and endurance are not sloppy at all, and it is relatively easy to climb to the ideal speed.
When turning corners, Geely ICON exhibits satisfactory handling and comfort. The steering wheel feels very pleasing, points accurately, is easy to control, and can well "understand" the driver’s intentions. The front and rear independent suspension is very stable, especially with the help of the RS valve system structure, most of the small bumps on the road can be filtered more thoroughly, and when passing through potholes or speed bumps, it appears full of toughness, which makes people feel particularly happy.
Smart technology, full of future travel style
Geely ICON, which comes from the BMA architecture, also has many bright spots in intelligent technology, whether it is the highest level of L2 autonomous driving, 540 ° all-terrain imaging technology, or the AEB city pre-collision system, a new generation of APA fully automatic parking, all of which are quite practical.
During the test drive, the AEB City Pre-Collision Safety system automatically recognizes the vehicle and pedestrian ahead, alerts the driver, and applies the brakes. Although we did not actively try to trigger this function, there was a time when the car was going too fast and too close to the car in front, accompanied by a warning sound, the dashboard will also display a prompt, and the vehicle will automatically apply the emergency brake. People may be distracted, but the system is always alert. Although it is inevitable to be scary, the system does greatly increase driving safety.
I believe that both novice and veteran drivers will like Geely ICON’s 540 ° panoramic image technology. Drivers can maximize their control of the surrounding conditions through 360 ° panoramic images + 180 ° chassis perspective. The dynamic prediction of the auxiliary line when driving and reversing is relatively in place, and the blind spot will be automatically monitored when turning and changing lanes. Of course, if you are a novice who does not have much confidence in parking, you can also enable APA full automatic parking.
Geely ICON’s "worry-free exit" function is also very practical, providing two modes: one-button get off and safe parking. As long as the one-button get off mode is turned off, the vehicle will switch to P gear and automatically pull up the electronic handbrake; in safe parking mode, if we stop the car, unfasten the seat belt, and open the door, then Geely ICON will also switch to P gear and automatically pull up the electronic handbrake. Simplified operation, simpler and more labor-saving.
In a short day, Geely ICON brought us a lot of surprises. For example, the powerful interactive functions of the GKUI smart ecosystem can realize listening to music, checking the weather, finding food, finding hotels, etc. You can also control the car window, canopy and air conditioner through voice, and even remotely control the smart home.
Conclusion:
Based on the test drive experience alone, we may not have thought that Geely ICON is an SUV with a price range of only 115,800-128,800 yuan. Whether it is its bold design language, excellent handling performance, or rich intelligent configuration, it has exceeded our expectations for this price model. What is even more unexpected is that it is also Geely’s first new model with "car-grade CN95 high-efficiency composite air conditioner filter element" and the first application of IAPS intelligent air purification system with in-car virus isolation and prevention functions. It can be said that it has taken a different approach and captured the demand point that is easily overlooked in the current market.