The Geely Azkarra is the Chinese automaker’s entry into a crowded compact crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment.

This segment includes the likes of the Ford Territory, Chery Tiggo 7, and the more established nameplates such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4.

Given the entries mentioned above, what does the Azkarra have that the rest of its foes do not?

Yeas for the Geely Azkarra

• The turbocharged, 178 PS/ 255 Nm 1.5-liter three-cylinder in front of the cabin has quite a response, despite the Azkarra's 18-inch wheels and tires. Typically, forward motion and fuel consumption are compromised when a rim-and-rubber combination goes beyond 15 inches due to the extra effort needed by the powertrain to move large diameter (read: 16-inch and larger) circles. In contrast, the Azkarra’s engine rarely sounded and felt strained. When linked to a mild regenerative deceleration electric motor (such as on the 192 ps-300 nm range-topping Luxury hybrid all-wheel-drive variant), the northward movement under the rightmost pedal is more pronounced.

• With the 18-inch wheels and tires, it is a given that handling will be quite positive. The SUV is remarkedly composed on turns, and the steering feedback is decent to good enough to know in which lateral direction are the front wheels pointed.

• Standard features for the cabin include wireless charging, a power-assisted tailgate, automatic climate control, and many USB/12-volt charging ports.

• Leather-wrapped seats have the front bum catchers getting power assist, and the rear bench features split-folding to accommodate oversized cargo. Also, there is an option for Nappa leather in brown. Combine that with glossy black plastic and some silver trim throughout the occupant confines, and one gets the impression that the insides are more upmarket than most executive saloons.   

• There are lots of safety doodads, which is a good thing, given the throttle response. Of most important note are the aforementioned 360-degree camera, an electronic parking brake, a hill hold function, stability and traction control, six airbags, and a CN-95 air filter for the air conditioning.

Nays for the Geely Azkarra

• The in-car infotainment system has no Android Auto-Apple CarPlay. However, it does have a 12.3-inch touchscreen head unit with an anti-glare coating, eight speakers, and viewing for a 360-degree reverse gear-activated camera. Nevertheless, having the apps on the infotainment would greatly expand music sources and satellite navigation maps. Ergo, there are more chances of being entertained on long trips and fewer chances of getting lost.

The automatic transmission has some inconsistencies. At times, it’s raring to go out and help the three-cylinder stretch its legs. In other instances, the slushbox tends to dawdle before providing a decent response.

Ride comfort is firm bordering on hard, a tradeoff of the 18-inch above rim-tire combo.

The Geely Azkarra may have some deficiencies, particularly regarding the engine transmission link and the in-car infotainment. Despite those, the China-oriented sport-ute is a good option in the crowded segment. However, this poster recommends trying out every competitor in a particular automotive class – and not falling in love with a specific brand after reading just one review.