Suffolk &amp; Cambs

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5182-1000x750.jpeg" alt="Geely Starray Car" class="wp-image-47645" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5182-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5182-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5182-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5182-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5182.jpeg 2016w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



There are test drives, and then there are test drives. This one took me from the heart of Ipswich, out through Orwell Country Park, swooping over the Orwell Bridge, winding through country lanes up towards Jimmy&#8217;s Farm, and back again without a single pothole making its presence felt. Not one. If you&#8217;ve driven Suffolk&#8217;s rural roads, you&#8217;ll know just how impressive that is.



If the Geely name is new to you, the brands they own almost certainly aren&#8217;t. This Chinese automotive giant is the group behind Lotus, Volvo, Polestar, Smart and LEVC — the maker of London&#8217;s iconic black taxis. So when it comes to pedigree, Geely knows a thing or two about building cars people love.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_7260-1000x750.jpeg" alt="Geely showroom" class="wp-image-47652" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_7260-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_7260-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_7260-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_7260-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_7260-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The Geely Starray EM-i is a Super Hybrid PHEV that promises efficiency, technology and confidence without asking you to change a single thing about how you live. Big claim, but after a day behind the wheel, I&#8217;m rather inclined to believe it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-impressions">FIRST IMPRESSIONS</h2>



From the outside, the Starray EM-i has real road presence. Its broad rear profile gives it a confident, planted stance, while the sleek LED tail lights – which look equally striking in daylight and after dark – add a contemporary, high-tech finish that turns heads without trying too hard. Alloy wheel options up to 19 inches round off a look that feels genuinely premium.



Step inside, and it only gets better. The cabin feels spacious and luxurious, with 256-colour ambient lighting that you can tailor entirely to your mood; dashboard and doors bathed in whatever hue takes your fancy. The panoramic sunroof floods the whole interior with light, giving it a wonderfully lounge-like feel. One of the best cabins I&#8217;ve sat in, honestly.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5195-1000x750.jpeg" alt="Holly Treacy-West test drives the new Geely car" class="wp-image-47643" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5195-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5195-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5195-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5195-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5195.jpeg 2016w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-drive">THE DRIVE</h2>



Smooth doesn&#8217;t quite cover it. On the A roads, over the Orwell Bridge and down those twisty Suffolk lanes, the Starray EM-i glided. It&#8217;s one of those cars that looks big from the outside, feels genuinely spacious inside, but drives in a surprisingly compact, confident way. And as for those potholes? Whatever Geely has done with this suspension, it works absolute magic.



Visibility is another real highlight: something I wasn&#8217;t expecting to rave about, but here we are. The light, wrap-around windows meant I felt completely aware of everything around me, which makes the whole drive a more relaxed, enjoyable experience.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5177-750x1000.jpeg" alt="Geely interior" class="wp-image-47647" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5177-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5177-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5177-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5177-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5177-rotated.jpeg 1512w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tech">TECH</h2>



Where to even start. The centrepiece is a large touchscreen around the size of an iPad, from which you can control pretty much everything: lights, driving assistance, battery management and in-car entertainment. It&#8217;s crisp, intuitive and genuinely easy to use.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5197-750x1000.jpeg" alt="Geely tech" class="wp-image-47649" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5197-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5197-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5197-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5197-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5197-rotated.jpeg 1512w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



Then there&#8217;s the 540-degree camera system, which wraps all the way around the car including the roof, giving you a crystal-clear view of your entire surroundings. Combine that with the rear parking camera, and tight spots and market-town car parks are no longer something to dread.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5171-750x1000.jpeg" alt="Geely wingmirror" class="wp-image-47651" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5171-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5171-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5171-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5171-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5171-rotated.jpeg 1512w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



Feeling tired on a long journey? Pull over, pop it in park, and hit Rest Mode. Seats recline, the sunroof closes, and calming music begins to play – all at the press of a button. (Just don&#8217;t press it at 70mph on the A14.)



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/Untitled-design-2026-03-24T104358.084-1-1000x667.png" alt="Geely car review" class="wp-image-47776" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/Untitled-design-2026-03-24T104358.084-1-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/Untitled-design-2026-03-24T104358.084-1-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/Untitled-design-2026-03-24T104358.084-1-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/Untitled-design-2026-03-24T104358.084-1.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Voice control, meanwhile, is genuinely impressive. Just say &#8220;Hi Geely&#8221; and she&#8217;s with you – ready to open the sunshade, switch on the heated seats or change the radio at your command. Heated seats in winter, ventilated air-con seats in summer (yes, really – no more sticking to your seat on a warm day), and a full suite of driver assistance tech rounds out a package that feels a step ahead of the competition.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5187-750x1000.jpeg" alt="Geely boot space" class="wp-image-47648" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5187-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5187-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5187-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5187-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5187-rotated.jpeg 1512w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



On the practical side: up to 84 miles of pure EV range, a 30-80% charge in just 20 minutes, up to 618 miles of combined range, and 6kW Vehicle-to-Load capacity for adventures off the beaten track.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5204-1000x750.jpeg" alt="Geely exterior" class="wp-image-47650" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5204-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5204-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5204-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5204-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5204.jpeg 2016w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



Good for: Drivers who want a genuinely luxurious, tech-packed PHEV that&#8217;s as smooth on country lanes as it is on the school run. The visibility, the comfort, the voice control, the rest mode – this car thinks of everything.



Not for: Those after a stripped-back, no-frills drive. The Starray EM-i is unashamedly premium and packed with features – if that feels like too much, this probably isn&#8217;t your car.



The damage: Prices start at £29,990, making it outstanding value for the level of luxury, longevity and sheer smart thinking on offer.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5199-1000x750.jpeg" alt="Starray emi-I" class="wp-image-47646" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5199-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5199-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5199-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5199-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/03/IMG_5199.jpeg 2016w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Book a test drive today at <a href="https://www.johngrose.co.uk/geely/new-cars/geely-starray-em-i/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geely</a> Ipswich John Grose, Crane Boulevard, Ipswich. Tel: 01473 242290.

The Geely Starray EM-i – Smooth, smart and seriously impressive

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