Geely Jiaji was launched on March 11, 2019, as the first MPV model under the Geely brand, with a guide price of 94,800 to 139,800 yuan. There are five models for users to choose from based on different power and configuration levels, with the top model being the gasoline with 48V mild hybrid. Besides power, its configuration level is also higher than the second-best model.
In terms of appearance, Geely Jiaji looks fashionable and youthful, making it more acceptable to young friends. The front of the Geely Jiaji uses a wavy front grille paired with a chrome V-shaped decorative strip, creating a tense big V sharp front. The side of the car is very long, and the top uses a floating roof design; at the rear, a through-type wide chrome strip connects the taillights on both sides; the bottom uses hidden exhausts. The body dimensions are 4706/1909/1690 mm, with a wheelbase of 2805 mm. It is longer than Song MAX, so the interior space is one of its highlights.
The interior of Geely Jiaji is simple in style, with a clear sense of layers, and features many designs typical of the Geely family. In terms of the car system, Jiaji is equipped with the new GKUI system, which includes Amap, online music, and phone functions. A series of operations are quite smooth, and the floating screen gives a high-end feel; there is a 7-inch LCD screen in front of the steering wheel, which can automatically adjust the theme interface when switching driving modes. The steering wheel has the same style as the Borui, with a comfortable grip, and the flat-bottom design enhances the sporty atmosphere of the whole vehicle. The side buttons can be used to control the multimedia system, and the gear lever on the console is very exquisite and compact.
In terms of seats, the biggest change in the 2021 new Jiaji is the replacement of the entire series with new I-SOFA zero-pressure comfort seats. Although these seats are said to be specially designed for Chinese people by Magna (Audi and BMW's seating supplier), the length of the second-row seat is relatively short (around 185 cm in height), and the support for the legs is not good. There are three seating layouts available: 5, 6, and 7 seats, with the 7-seat layout being a 2+3+2 arrangement and optional. The second-row space is relatively spacious, with about two fists of legroom when the driver's seat is not moved, offering ample headroom and legroom. The seats also support sliding back and forth and come with folding armrests, whereas the third-row space is a bit cramped. Short trips are fine, but long journeys should be avoided because the wheelbase and body length have constraints. When the third row is in use, the trunk is very narrow with only 280 mm of depth, enough for two backpacks; to place more items, the third row must be folded down.
In terms of power, Jiaji has three power forms: Smart 1.5TD, 1.8TD, and Smart 1.5TD PHEV plug-in hybrid. The Smart 1.5TD is equipped with an MHEV light hybrid system featuring a 48V BSG motor that can participate in power output. The engine uses a 1.5T three-cylinder turbocharged engine with a maximum power of 130 kilowatts (177 horsepower) and a peak torque of 255 Nm, matched with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. After starting, the 48V mild hybrid comes into play. If the three cylinders are not suitable, one can choose the 1.8TD model, which has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, Geely's new generation 1.8T engine, with only one model configuration. Finally, there is the plug-in hybrid model, which has a great advantage in cities that can grant green plates, as the options for new energy MPVs are still quite limited.
Although the 2021 new Geely Jiaji is an annual facelift, the overall model configuration strategy, cabin comfort, and car networking system have seen significant improvements, with a large boost in the weight of the four-cylinder 1.8T model, and a major upgrade in the seat's technological content and comfort, both of which are currently very successful. Especially the seat experience in Jiaji has indeed brought an unexpected surprise. However, with the release of Wuling Victory in November, offering much more in terms of intelligent comfort and safety settings at the same price of 119,800 yuan, if Jiaji wants to surpass Victory, it would need to change the generation, directly using Star Rui's power system, Wuling's seat layout, and keeping Geely's consistent chassis performance just right. With a reasonably slight increase in price, as long as Geely's sincerity is sufficient, the revised Jiaji can definitely occupy a place.
