Aiming to increase annual sales to 2 million in 2015, Geely embraced a multi-brand strategy, launching three new marques in the past few years, Gleagle, Emgrand, and Englon (previously called Shanghai Maple and Shanghai LTI). According to official descriptions, the three brands emphasize three different qualities of Geely cars, those of being "stylish, luxurious, and classic." Accordingly, Gleagle targets the young, Emgrand the middle-aged and rich, Englon those valuing tradition and reliability.
However, the market has proved all this purely theoretical, hardly echoed by any consumers. Admittedly, Geely sales increased steadily in recent years (although the 2015 goal is in no way reachable), but that had little to do with its explicit branding intentions. While popular, the Emgrand cars, for example, were deemed invariably as bargain cars by their owners, most of them living in less developed areas of China.
And the Englon line has become a collection of odd models which Geely apparently does not know where to park. What exactly does the London Taxi (Englon TX4) has in common with the Geely King Kong?
To make things worse, Geely now brings out the Englon SX7, a replica of Gleage GX7 under a new nameplate. Yes, there are a few minor styling changes. But how do they reflect the difference between a "stylish" Gleagle and "classic" Englon? And, is it really wise to release twins battling each other in the same price range?
Below: Englon SX7 vs. Gleagle GX7
Below: Englon SX7
2013 Geely Englon SX7 SUV | 1.8 MT Base | 1.8 MT Elite | 1.8 MT Premium | 2.0 MT Elite | 2.0 MT Premium | 2.4 AT Premium |
Price: MSRP (Chinese Yuan) | 92,800 | 96,800 | 105,800 | 105,800 | 111,800 | 129,800 |
Date of Market Launch |
March 31, 2013
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Powertrain | ||||||
Engine |
G-Power JL4G18 1.8L (1792cc) L4 16V DOHC CVVT MPI
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G-Power JLD-4G20 2.0L (1997cc) L4 16V DOHC CVVT MPI
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G-Power JLD-4G24 2.4L (2378cc) L4 16V DOHC CVVT MPI
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Peak Power (kW/rpm) |
102/6200
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104/6000
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119/5700
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Max. Torque (Nm/rpm) |
172/4200
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178/4000-4500
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220/ 4000- 4200
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Transmission |
5MT (JL-S170BII)
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5MT (V5A1C)
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6AT (DSI575F6)
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Suspension Front |
MacPherson struts
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Suspension Rear |
E-type multi-link independent
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Drivetrain |
Front engine, front-wheel drive
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Top Speed (km/h) | ||||||
Brakes (front/rear) |
Vented disc/disc
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Steering |
Hydraulic power
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Fuel & Emissions | ||||||
Combined Fuel Economy (L/100km) | ||||||
Tank Capacity (L) |
60
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Emission Level |
China/Euro IV
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Dimensions | ||||||
Overall Length (mm) |
4553
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Overall Width (mm) |
1833
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Overall Height (mm) |
1700
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Wheelbase (mm) |
2661
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Curb Weight (kg) | ||||||
Seating Capacity |
5
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Cargo Volume (L) | ||||||
1.8 MT Base | 1.8 MT Elite | 1.8 MT Premium | 2.0 MT Elite | 2.0 MT Premium | 2.4 AT Premium | |
Exterior | ||||||
Tires | 225/65 R17 | |||||
Automatic and "Follow-me-home" Headlights | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Front Fog Lamps
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S | S | S | S | S | S |
Heated and Power Exterior Mirrors | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Boneless Windshield Wiper | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Rear Wiper | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Rear Window Defroster | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Alloy Wheels | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Anti-pinch Power Sunroof | N | N | S | N | S | S |
Interior | ||||||
Anti-glare Interior Rearview Mirror | S | S | S | S | S | S |
One-touch Power Windows | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Power Door Locks | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Tilt Steering Column | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Steering Wheel Multi Controls | N | S | S | S | S | S |
Leather Seats | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Driver’s Power Seat | N | N | S | N | S | S |
Heated Front Seats | N | N | S | N | S | S |
Number of Speakers | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Radio/CD Player/ AUX | S | S | S | S | S | S |
GPS, USB, Blue-tooth Connectivity, 7-inch Touch Screen | N | S | S | S | S | S |
Air Conditioner | Manual |
Auto
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Safety | ||||||
Dual Front Airbags | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Dual Front Side Airbags | N | N | S | N | S | S |
Side Curtain Airbags | N | N | S | N | S | S |
Driver’s Knee Airbag | N | N | S | N | S | S |
Front Row Seatbelt Pretensioners | N | N | S | N | S | S |
ABS, EBD | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Child-proof Door Locks, Speed-sensing Door Locks | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Side-impact Door Beams | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Electronic Anti-theft System | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Remote Key | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Front and Rear Parking Sensors | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Rearview Camera | N | S | S | S | S | S |