Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP), the local distributor of Geely in the country, recently took the wraps off its newest seven-seater crossover – the Okavango. The latest offering is the third model Geely has launched in the country since its foray into the Philippine automotive industry last year.
The newest member of SGAP’s lineup boasts “wonderfully distinct” features in terms of space, technology, design, power, and safety to elevate the driving experience. The Okavango offers a spacious and comfortable seating capacity in all three rows, which can be maximized through its 19-seat configurations, 42 storage nooks and compartments including a double-layer console.
Apart from that, it also features a triple-zone air-conditioning system, allowing every passenger to select their own desired temperature setting. It also comes with a CN95 filter, ensuring the quality of air inside the cabin.
Under Okavango’s hood is a 1.5-liter turbo engine jointly developed by Geely and Volvo. The power plant is mated to a seven-speed wet-type dual clutch transmission. In addition to that, the Okavango also comes with a 48V Electric Motor Synergy technology, allowing the seven-seater crossover to produce 190 hp and 300Nm of torque.
Aside from its standout design and versatile space, the Okavango also sports an array of safety features including six SRS airbags, 360-degree panoramic camera with a “best-in-class guidance system and dynamic auxiliary lines,” overspeed warning, electronic stability control, hill start assist, central locking with speed-sensing auto lock, and hill descent control.
During the virtual launch, SGAP President & CEO Mikihisa Takayama said, “Coming from the successful launch of the Coolray and Azkarra, we are confident that the new Geely Okavango will be a game changer in the industry as it combines the best qualities of a multi-purpose vehicle and an SUV, into one exciting 7-seater mid-size crossover. This crossover promises to give you a luxurious, uncompromising, and ‘Wonderfully Distinct’ ride.”
The name of Geely’s seven-seater crossover came from the North-western Botswana’s vast inland delta, Okavango Delta. It’s been recognized by UNESCO as its 1,000th World Heritage Site and was also declared as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa.
“The Okavango is aptly named after the Okavango River Delta in Africa, a vast and pulsating wetland which converges and diverges with a unique ecosystem and a myriad of species. Our Okavango embodies this energetic spirit with technology, to bring you a cross-over with extended space”, Geely’s Shanghai Design Center general manager Guy Burgoyne said.
“Geely believes that Filipino car buyers are very conscientious and deserve more than what they are paying for. Our buyers’ needs and expectations are our basis on what vehicles to sell in the market, as we continue to level up our brand on a global scale and to eventually become a significant player in the Philippine automotive industry.”, Takayama added.
The Geely Okavango is priced at P1,208,000 for the Comfort variant and P1,328,000 for the Urban variant.