Geely launched the new 2021 Geely Binyue facelift in China. Over the past couple of weeks, Geely revealed a number of updates to its three-year-old subcompact crossover.

In China, prices of the new Binyue start from CNY 75,800 for the base variant, topping out at CNY 119,800 for the top-spec variant.

As before, six variants are offered in China. Geely has discontinued the 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) version of the Binyue with this facelift.

For those keeping track, the new Binyue’s prices are unchanged from before – quite a remarkable feat, considering the number of new features the new model gets.

Exterior – Subtle, it is not

Visually, the new Binyue is identifiable thanks to its X-motif front-end, with a new honeycomb-filled front grille flanked by LED headlights.

Towards the sides are black-finished 18-inch alloy wheels and new trim towards the bottom of the front door. Lower variants receive 17-inch units.

Round the back, the new Binyue facelift gets a tweaked rear diffuser which now sports coloured inserts, which can be had in body-matching or contrasting colours.

Interior – Binyue now goes upmarket

Moving inside, the new Binyue’s cabin design remains largely the same as before, but with some noteworthy improvements.

The biggest improvement is the new 12.3-inch infotainment display. The new infotainment system runs on the new Milky Way operating system, powered by the equally-new E02 chipset. The new chipset is said to be 3.3 times faster than the model it replaces, which translates into smoother operations for the driver.

Like the recently-introduced Geely Xinyue L, the new Binyue also offers firmware over-the-air (FOTA) upgrades. However, there is no 5G connectivity to be found here; only 4G.

Aside from the dual-tone touches on the steering wheel, seats, and contrast stitching on the upholstery, the new Binyue Pro also gets a 72-colour ambient lighting system.

There is also a new T-shaped gear lever, replacing the pre-facelift model’s somewhat futuristic-looking unit.

Powertrain – Same power as before, but with enhancements

Powertrain options remain unchanged from before. The new Binyue gets the choice of two turbocharged mills, the first being a 1.4-litre unit that churns out 141 PS and 235 Nm, mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The second powertrain option is a more familiar turbocharged 1.5-litre unit that does 177 PS and 255 Nm, hooked up to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Despite carrying over the same tried-and-tested powertrain, Geely has added launch control, an additional ‘Track’ driving mode, and an electronically-adjustable exhaust system.

Safety – The Binyue can now read and follow speed limit signs

On top of its already-comprehensive ADAS suite, the new Binyue will add Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF), Remote Parking Assist (RPA), and an enhanced Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) suite.

There is also a new 360-degree DVR, which records video fed from four cameras fitted around the Binyue.

свернуть