10 popular questions to the new Geely Atlas Pro

Atlas' hegemony has recently come to an end. According to the results of sales this year, the popular Chinese crossover was replaced by the Haval F7. In order to correct the current situation, Geely introduces a brand new Atlas Pro to the domestic market. What kind of model, will there be a hybrid version and eight more questions for the SUV, the answers to which you will find in the current material.

What are you?

The Chinese are positioning the Pro version of the Atlas one step higher than the original, but at the same time they have already made it clear: Atlas Pro cannot be considered a new generation of crossover. For the development of the next generation of the bestseller is already underway in the bowels of the company, and we will learn about it no earlier than 2022.

Pro crossover version of Geely Atlas

Thus, the “proshka” is an advanced version of an all-terrain vehicle with additional “smart” options and upgraded motor-transmission bundles, which appeared in our country two years late. It is the version / full-fledged model that can “exist simultaneously with the original.”

Why so long?

Sales of the “firmware” under the name Boyue Pro in the Chinese market started in September 2019. The company has been hesitant to launch the model lately, due to the fact that the regular Atlas has long been the top seller among Chinese cars. And when Chery and Haval took Geely “under the gills”, a replacement in the team in the form of Atlas Pro was urgently needed. Nothing new – just business!

How is Atlas Pro different from a simple Atlas?

Firstly, the designers under the leadership of Guy Burgoyne redrawn the appearance of the car, replacing the bumper, grille, optics and the shape of the side mirrors.

The interior of the new Atlas Pro

Secondly, they also worked on the interior decoration – a new steering wheel, a modified center console, enlarged displays of digital tidy and media systems. Thirdly, in the Pro version of the crossover, the list of available options has been expanded.

Taxi, you say a new motor?

Not new and not old! A one and a half liter “turbo engine” from Coolray is installed on the crossover for the current market. Only, unlike the younger “brother”, the engine was not deformed to a tax-friendly 150 hp, but left as it is – 177 “horses” with a torque of 255 Nm. And yes, this is the same Volvo engine installed in the Volvo XC40, with good dynamic and fuel-economic performance. Recall that in China for the all-terrain vehicle, a 184-horsepower 1.8-liter turbo unit is also provided.

What about gearboxes?

If you want mechanics, keep the classic “six-step”. You don't need an extra pedal – here's an Aisin six-speed automatic. Accustomed to robotic transmissions – yes, please, a seven-speed “robot” with a “wet bath” dual clutch is at your disposal.

Atlas Pro shift lever

Add to this the variability in the form of front / all-wheel drive and we get a huge selection of different modifications at the output. Moreover, 4WD is provided by a fifth-generation BorgWarner electronically controlled clutch, identical to the one installed in the Geely Tugella.

What did you say about the hybrid?

Not so long ago, Geely held an event where they talked about their plans for the future. So, brand representatives mentioned the recent appearance of an affordable hybrid and it was probably about Atlas Pro mHEV. The Chinese market has long been selling a “mild hybrid version” of an SUV equipped with an additional 48V BSG starter generator. So far, only one modification with the JLH-3G15TD engine (1.5-liter three-cylinder) is listed in OTTS, but it is likely that a “mild hybrid” will also fall under certification by the end of the year.

And what is the use of it?

Firstly, the power of the power plant increases to 190 horsepower and 300 Newton meters of torque, which directly affects the dynamic performance.

Geely Atlas Pro

Secondly, it has been proven that in conjunction with the aforementioned “turbo engine”, fuel consumption is reduced by 10% (8.1 liters versus 7.4). Thirdly, the smoothness of the ride improves and it becomes possible to briefly turn off the engine at low speeds thanks to the built-in battery, which is also charged from recuperation during braking.

Okay, but what about the equipment?

So far, the official list of options for the state version of the crossover has not yet been announced. However, judging by the presented photos of the salon, there will be no special differences between the Chinese Boyue and the current Atlas. The domestic buyer will receive large displays of the media system and a digital dashboard, an all-round video review system, a set of assistants, coupled with smart cruise control and a drive mode switch in the all-wheel drive version.