The wait is finally drawing to an end as Proton has finally revealed its latest rebadged Geely model, the Proton X90. It will be Proton’s first hybrid-powered model though the system used is a mild-hybrid (MHEV) rather than a full hybrid (HEV).

The upcoming 3-row D-segment SUV is based on the Geely Haoyue which is sold in the Philippines as the Geely Okavango since 2020. Named after the African delta, the name also caused a bit of a stir (or laughs) among the Tamil-speaking community.

Perhaps it’s a good thing that Proton sought to give the Haoyue/Okavango a less arousal name for its third SUV. That being said, Geely is one of the best-performing brands in the Philippines and the Okavango is among the best-selling models in its segment.

Also read: This is why the Geely Okavango should never become a Proton Okavango

But what do our colleagues at AutoFun PH think about this 3-row SUV? Without delaying any further, here’s their review of the Proton X90’s donor.

Large but seemingly anonymous

In the Philippines, the Okavango competes against established 3-row SUVs like the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner. The difference between it and the aforementioned rivals is that the Okavango sits on a unibody front-wheel drive (FWD) platform as opposed to a ladder-frame four-wheel drive (4WD) chassis.

Available in three variants, our Filipino colleagues took the top-of-the-range Urban Plus which is priced at PHP 1.765 million (~RM 143k) for a review. The highest variant is equipped with a panoramic sunroof, powered front seats, a fully-digital instrument cluster, and 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels.

Still, AutoFun PH remarked that despite the features, the Okavango’s styling is rather anonymous beyond the front. The side profile is rather slab-sided while the rear is largely plain. In terms of presence, the Okavango doesn’t quite stand out from other SUVs but it is inoffensive, to say the least.

Palatial inside

While AutoFun PH is not exactly blown away by the overall design of the Okavango, it’s the interior that impressed the team. Stepping inside already proves how different the Chinese SUV is from its Japanese rivals.

The tall roofline combined with the lower floor gives the Okavango good all-around visibility as well as a large interior space.

The team remarked on how stylish the dashboard is and how easily placed the switches are. The Okavango’s huge storage space in the armrest, glove compartment, and doors as well as the panoramic moonroof also received commendable approval from AutoFun PH.

Also read: Geely Coolray is Filipinos’ favourite B-SUV in May 2021, Okavango 3rd best-selling mid-SUV

Still, some flaws try to mask the overall refinement of the Okavango according to the review. While the leather upholstery feels good, there is some hard, scratchy plastic on the door cards and the dash. The test unit AutoFun PH received also had some fitment issues like the reverse camera making some noise and the fuel filler door being unable to close properly.

Similarly, the second and third rows are fiddly to move around though the review states that there is plenty of room for all occupants. Points are given to the Okavango’s practicality and flexibility in the seating arrangements and cargo space which the reviewer commended for hauling two dozen cones for an event he was participating in during the duration of the review.

Driving leaves a bit to be desired

Thanks to the unibody platform, the PH-spec Okavango is easy to drive compared to its rivals that are built on a ladder-frame chassis but that’s just about the only few compliments AutoFun PH can give in terms of driving impressions.

The reviewer remarked that the Okavango’s ride is less bouncy than the Fortuner but the soft springs produce a bit of a lean when entering corners even when judged as a tall SUV. The 18-inch wheels also resulted in the large SUV being quite crashy over big bumps.

Even though the light steering is a welcoming feature on the Okavango along with the smaller turning radius than its rivals, the steering wheel feels vague at higher speeds according to AutoFun PH.

With the upcoming Proton X90 being fitted with multi-link rear suspension as opposed to the Geely Okavango's rear torsion beam set-up, perhaps the X90's ride could feel superior.

Also read: Upgraded for Malaysia, this is why the CKD Proton X90 has multi-link rear suspension

Still a gas guzzler even with mild-hybrid

All three variants of the Filipino-spec Okavango are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine as used in the Coolray (Proton X50) with the addition of a 48-volt MHEV system (190 PS/300 Nm). This is paired with a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox which AutoFun PH described as jerky when accelerating from rest and struggles with parking on inclines.

Also read: Used Proton X50: Priced from RM 80k, here's what to look out for when buying one

Though the engine is largely refined, the reviewer noted that he felt the torque difference especially when flooring it. According to the review, the turbo kicks in at around 2,000 rpm and the boost gently smoothens out as it reaches the redline.

The Okavango’s MHEV system powers the air-cond and infotainment system while the engine shuts off. However, the reviewer remarked that the system has a peculiar habit of cutting power at low speeds even when the SUV has not reached a complete stop.

Also read: Proton X90 is P1's first hybrid but it's a mild one - what's the difference between MHEV, HEV and PHEV?

But even with the addition of an MHEV system, AutoFun PH reported that the Okavango has a high fuel consumption. In Eco mode and driving in the city, the reviewer only managed to get 6-9 km/L (11.1-16.6 L/100 km) but on the highways, the team returned 13-16 km/L (6.25-7.7 L/100 km).

Conclusion

Despite the lacklustre ride and style, AutoFun PH noted that the highest-spec Okavango makes a very compelling SUV especially against similarly-priced rivals. It’s an SUV that delivers just the right amount of expectation for buyers who wanted one that has the size without looking too gruff.

AutoFun PH commended the Okavango’s use of the space and practicality that many buyers in this segment are looking for. If Geely could improve on the driving dynamics and offer a full-hybrid version, the reviewer concluded that the Okavango can be toe-to-toe with its Japanese rivals.

Those are what our colleagues think about the Proton X90’s Chinese twin over in the Philippines. Granted, we might have a different experience in the Proton X90 so stay tuned for our review but in the meantime, we have got you covered on what is to be expected from Proton’s upcoming all-new 6-/7-seater SUV.

Also read: Proton X90 confirmed - 1.5T MHEV, 6/7 seats, full ADAS, 190 PS, 300 Nm, no AA/CP

Special thanks to our colleagues over at AutoFun PH for providing photos of the Geely Okavango