Geely MPV spied in Melbourne after concept debut
The Geely ‘MPV’ has been spied in Melbourne this week, following its reveal in concept form at the Shanghai motor show.
Dressed in heavy camouflage and wearing a “left-hand drive” sticker on its rump, the development vehicle was spotted by a CarAdvice reader just a week after it made its global premiere – hinting that the production version is a lot closer than originally thought.
Despite the swirly disguise and thick black sheets concealing most of the people mover’s lines, the Geely MPV appears to be very similar to the concept car that debuted last week, though the alloy wheels are a smaller interpretation of the show car’s larger 20-inch units.
It’s likely the market version will see more substantial changes inside, though we aren’t able to get a good look from these images.
The concept featured six seats across three rows, wide-opening suicide doors, and interactive door panels which can interact and ‘extend’ a passenger’s smartphone.
It’s unknown how close the production version of Geely’s MPV will stay to the concept that previewed it, though a first glimpse suggests the ‘concept’ was already pretty close to final spec.
As for its presence in Australia, the vehicle is likely a development car under test by experienced local outfit and Geely development partner Premcar (formerly Prodrive Australia, once heavily involved in performance Ford offerings), and the carmaker’s own Drive Systems International.
An Australian debut for this new Geely or any of the Chinese brand’s other recent offerings is still to be confirmed, and the company has so far declined to comment on its potential.
Above: the Geely Bo Yue SUV, revealed in 2015
Geely has offered vehicles in Australia previously – such as the small MK, sold in Western Australia – but its largest presence here continues to be through premium brand Volvo.
With Chinese brand Haval now established here, and Chinese-owned MG taking a new swing at our market, we could yet see the Geely brand return as a volume-selling companion to the Volvo line.
Stay tuned to CarAdvice for more updates.
Thanks to reader Aus_poppa for the photos!
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