Sharing familiar Volvo architecture, can the Geely Starray PHEV prove its worth? By Simon Harris.

What is it? Medium SUV PHEV  How much? From £29,990  Economy: 117.4mpg-201.8mpg WLTP weighted combined  EV range: 51-84 miles

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In the rapidly expanding world of medium SUVs, the arrival of the Geely Starray marks a significant milestone for its parent company.

In a market where new entrants such as BYD have already proven that fleet managers will quickly abandon traditional loyalties for the right technical and financial package, the Starray must work hard to justify its place.

While the Geely name might be new to some UK drivers, the group’s influence is already well-established through its ownership of Volvo, Polestar and Lotus. The Starray ais the brand’s second official offering in Britain, positioned as a high-value plug-in hybrid for those not yet ready to make the jump to a full battery electric vehicle.

Underpinned by the same CMA platform found in the Volvo XC40, the Starray arrives with a level of mechanical maturity that some other new entrants lack. On the road, it provides a pleasant enough experience; the ride is generally soft and compliant, without too much fuss over poor road surfaces and bumps.

But for fleets looking for a definitive reason to choose it over the established heavyweights, the driving dynamics offer little in the way of a standout feature.

The steering is light and easy for urban manoeuvres but lacks the engagement found in a Ford Kuga. It is a car that prefers a relaxed pace, with no serious attempt to attract driving enthusiasts. But sharp responses at the expense of comfort is not what most people want in this sector. The 1.5-litre engine can sound strained when the electric motor isn’t doing the heavy lifting.

Inside, Geely has prioritised technology, dominated by a portrait-orientated 15.4-inch touchscreen. While the software is responsive, the over-reliance on touch-sensitive controls for basic tasks such as adjusting the climate or the heated seats can be a source of frustration. For the fleet driver spending several hours a day behind the wheel, the lack of physical buttons may be a significant ergonomic hurdle.

Where the Starray attempts to find its feet is in its sheer value proposition. With a starting price of £29,990, the entry-level Pro trim includes heated power-adjustable front seats, a 360-degree camera and a head-up display as standard.

The range-topping Ultra model (probably the only one fleets are interested in) is priced at £34,990 and adds a premium Harman Kardon audio system and a 29.8kWh battery that delivers an impressive WLTP electric-only range of up to 84 miles, placing it firmly in the 7% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) bracket for the 2026/27 tax year.

But for many fleet operators, a low P11D value and a high equipment list may not be enough to offset the lack of a clear unique selling point. It also asks fleets to put their faith in a still-emerging network in the UK. While a dedicated fleet team has now been appointed, the brand still lacks the established service infrastructure of its Swedish relative, which may be essential for long-term peace of mind.

The Starray is a thoroughly competent and well-built machine, but in a market where brand prestige and proven residual values are paramount, being ‘pleasant enough’ might not be quite enough to steer drivers away from the familiar.

In Brief:

Key fleet model: Ultra

Seven-word summary: Competent, high-value hybrid lacking a definitive edge

For: Competitive P11D/BiK; 84-mile EV range; standard tech

Against: No standout USP; over-reliance on touchscreen; emerging service/support network

Also consider: MG ZS Hybrid+; Kia Sportage PHEV; Jaecoo 7 PHEV