Geely Starray EM-i Hybrid Review: The Cut-Price Volvo Alternative?

With up to 84 miles of electric range, premium aspirations and prices from under £30,000, Geely’s latest plug-in hybrid SUV is taking aim at established rivals with remarkable confidence

Geely is one of the world’s largest automotive groups, owner of Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, LEVC (maker of London’s new hybrid black taxis) and nearly a 10 per cent stake in Mercedes-Benz, so it already knows a thing or two about building desirable cars. The question is whether that expertise has filtered down into the new Geely Starray EM-i, a plug-in hybrid SUV that arrives in the UK with bold claims, impressive specifications and pricing that looks incredibly competitive.

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17/07/2026 0

The PHEV Scandal

How Plug-In Hybrids Became the Car Industry’s Dirty Little Secret

They were supposed to be the perfect bridge to a greener motoring future – the best of both worlds. Drive electric around town, and petrol on the motorway. No range anxiety, no compromise, no problem. But according to a new report by Transport & Environment, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) might be one of the biggest greenwashing scandals in the car industry. In the real world, these so-called eco-friendly cars are polluting almost as much as petrol vehicles.

So what went wrong? And more importantly – are PHEVs worth buying at all?

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30/10/2025 1

Mazda MX-30 R-EV Review

the Rotary Engine is Back!

Check out my full review of the brand new 2024 Mazda MX-30 R-EV Plug-in Hybrid, with an all-new ROTARY (Wankel) engine acting as a range-extender hybrid. This responds to the previously launched MX-30 EV arguably having insufficient range at 125 miles. Full details and specifications of how it works, plus a look at the practicality, space, comfort, equipment and pricing, as well as taking it for an extended drive on a press launch across North Wales. Full written review below

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18/11/2023 0

2023 Kia Niro Hybrid & PlugIn Hybrid

From UK Media Launch Drive of the all-new Kia Niro

This is the all-new second generation Kia Niro, a hugely important car for Kia. Here in the UK, with around 78,000 sold, it’s their second biggest selling model after Sportage. The new Niro is 65mm longer, 20mm wider and 10mm taller with a 20mm longer wheelbase.

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19/07/2022 1