Geely MK: prices and specifications

Geely MK is a front-wheel-drive C-class car developed in 2006 by the Chinese company Geely Automobile. It was produced in two body styles: sedan and hatchback. On the domestic market, the model is also known as Geely LG and Geely KinkKong.

The design was based on the Toyota Vios, a sedan aimed at Southeast Asian markets. Sales in Ukraine started in 2007.

Inside, the Geely MK comfortably accommodates four people of average height. Among its features is a centrally located instrument panel, which gives the interior a distinctive look.

The rear seats fold in a 60:40 split, providing access to a 430-liter trunk that can carry items up to 1.80 meters long.

For the Ukrainian market, three trim levels were offered: Basic Plus, Comfort, and Impress. Even the base version included a driver's airbag, ABS and EBD, power windows, power-adjustable mirrors, remote central locking, air conditioning, power steering, fog lights, a CD player, and alloy wheels.

Ukrainian versions were equipped with two gasoline 4-cylinder 16-valve engines produced under a Toyota license. The 1.5-liter engine developed 94 hp, while the 1.6-liter version produced 107 hp. These units cannot be called dynamic.

The engines were paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic, which was rarely imported. The manual did not have precise shifts.

The rear multi-link suspension provides decent ride comfort, but the car noticeably leans in corners.

According to crash tests under the Chinese C-NCAP methodology, the Geely MK scored 42.2 points, equivalent to four stars.

History

The Geely MK was created by Chinese engineers in 2006 based on the first-generation Toyota Vios. The engine was also similar to Toyota's A-series motor. The units were purchased from Geely Tianjin Industrial (FAW), which held a license from the Japanese manufacturer. The Korean company Daewoo International also participated in development.

From autumn 2007, assembly of the Geely MK began in Ukraine at a plant in Kremenchuk.

Initially, only the sedan was offered, but in 2008, a hatchback called MK-2 was presented at the Detroit Auto Show.

Since 2008, the model has been sold in the markets of Ukraine and Russia.

In January 2010, production of the Geely MK was established at the Derways plant in Cherkessk.

Based on the MK-2, a pseudo-crossover called the Geely MK Cross appeared in 2010.

This version featured increased ground clearance, a sporty body kit, a different bumper and grille, plastic cladding on wheel arches, sills, moldings, and roof rails. The interior also changed: seat upholstery and door cards were done in a red-black color scheme, with the steering wheel and gear knob styled similarly. The analog instrument panel was replaced by a digital display. The engine remained the same 4-cylinder 1.5-liter unit.

In 2011, the model underwent a facelift: changes affected the bumpers, grille, dashboard, and headlights.

Three engine modifications are known: two 1.5-liter gasoline engines and one 1.6-liter.

Exterior

Despite its relation to Toyota, the Geely MK does not show it externally. Perhaps only in profile can one notice a resemblance to the Corolla. Overall, the car looks distinctive but not impressive—this applies to all pre-facelift versions.

After the restyling, the model's appearance softened somewhat: the angular shapes of the front and rear were rounded, and a new grille was installed. This is especially noticeable on the MK-2. The Cross version looks even better: increased ground clearance and an abundance of plastic trim gave a noticeable effect.

Interior

Impressions of the driver's seat are mixed: the cabin is quite spacious, but the seats and the layout of the workspace are not the most comfortable.

The front seats have weak lateral support, and the seat cushion angle is unfortunate. During hard braking, the driver and passenger slide forward. Tall people find the seat height too high—they want to lower it by at least five centimeters. The instrument panel, located in the center of the dashboard, is unusual and also blinds at night.

In the back row, there is enough space for both two and three passengers, provided they are not in winter clothing and not taller than 1.8-1.9 meters. The impression is spoiled by the hardness of the cushions—they resemble a board with thin foam.

The sedan's trunk is 510 liters. The hatchback's is significantly smaller—just over 250 liters. The rear seat backs fold in a 60/40 ratio.

Engine and transmission

The 16-valve engine produces 94 hp. Already at 2000 rpm, 80% of the maximum torque is achieved, and at 2500 rpm—90%. This gives the car elasticity and reduces the need for frequent gear changes.

The five-speed manual raises no complaints. The gear ratios are matched to the engine. The lever travel is somewhat long, and shifts lack precision.

Sound insulation is insufficient, especially on poor roads. At high speeds, wind noise adds up.

The car reaches the first 100 km/h in 11-12 seconds and never reaches the second hundred. This is not a racing car.

Fuel consumption for all modifications is 7-8 l/100 km in the city and 5-6 l on the highway.

The Geely MK Cross has the same engine and gearbox and differs from the MK-2 only in increased ground clearance.

Safety

For an inexpensive Chinese car, the safety of the Geely MK can be considered good. In the C-NCAP crash test, the model showed decent results, and under the Australian ANCAP, it received three stars out of five.

Even the base version includes ABS, EBD, and a driver's airbag. The Comfort trim adds a front passenger airbag.

Features

The Geely MK is well equipped: power steering, air conditioning, power windows, power-adjustable mirrors, fog lights, a CD player, and alloy wheels. The top trim adds a sunroof, a front passenger airbag, and leatherette upholstery.

Handling is predictable, but in sharp turns, the car leans heavily, which can frighten an inexperienced driver.

The suspension is comfortable; even the ruts of broken roads do not significantly affect its operation. However, sounds from the suspension cause concern—it always seems like something is wrong with the car.

Popularity in Ukraine

The Geely MK is one of the best-selling cars on the Ukrainian market. According to the autoportal.ua rating, it is in the TOP-10.

The model's popularity in Ukraine was largely ensured by the Cross modification. It looks impressive, like a crossover, although it remains essentially a passenger car.

Our verdict

The Geely MK became a good choice for a buyer with a limited budget who wants a car with low operating costs. In terms of price/quality/equipment ratio, it has few competitors. There are no particular complaints about reliability, and if a breakdown occurs, fixing the problem is not difficult: Ukraine has a wide network of service stations.

Specialized service centers always have a full range of spare parts, and maintenance is carried out according to standards similar to European, Korean, and Japanese cars. Consumables and labor hours are inexpensive. Despite stereotypes, more and more buyers with modest incomes choose the MK as their first car. During its time on the market, the model has earned trust, so the warranty on the Geely MK was increased to five years or 100,000 km of mileage.