What’s this new car all about then?
While Zeekr may be new to New Zealand, the bits under its smallest offering here are not. That is because Zeekr is part of the Geely group of brands, which means that it shares a lot of its DNA with a couple of other cars in that group, namely the Volvo EX30 and the Smart #1 and #3.
The X lines up nicely against its mechanically-similar siblings, being roughly the same size and packing the choice of 200kW RWD models or unnecessarily fast 315kW AWD models in a compact SUV body style.
What the Zeekr offers to differentiate itself, however, is that striking styling that makes the others look very conservative and a little bit old fashioned in comparison.
Angular and aggressive, the X gives off subtle Lotus vibes (another Geely family member) while also channeling a bit of MG4, Toyota C-HR and even BMW i3 (if you squint). And it all comes together extremely well.
On the inside, the X swings back a bit more to "generic Chinese electric SUV", with a big screen dominating the dash and a distinct aversion to physical controls. It does distinguish itself with its unique "Ice Block" ambient LED lights across the dash, while the quality of materials used and the actual build quality are easily up there with its Volvo cousin.
How much is it?
The Zeekr X range starts with the RWD model at $59,990 that packs a 66kWh battery and a single 200kW electric motor and tops out with the AWD model at $69,990 that uses the same battery, but adds a front-mounted electric motor, upping the power to 315kW, while also adding a load of standard kit.
In between there is the RWD model with a "Convenience Pack" that adds most of the extra kit the AWD gets, such as 6-way powered passenger seat (all models get a powered driver's seat), front seat heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, a 13-speaker Yamaha surround audio system and the "Ice Block" LED ambient interior lighting. This packs adds a further $4k to the RWD's price, landing at $63,990.
What’s it like to drive?
Like its Volvo sibling, the Zeekr X is strongly aimed at the comfort end of the spectrum, with a cosseting, compliant ride complimented by effortless acceleration. As a high speed open road tourer, the Zeekr X is superb, while its urban ride is also impressively absorbent, easily living up to the brand's luxury pretensions.
But, of course, the AWD packs a thoroughly ridiculous 315kW of power, which does mean that the relaxed ride makes the handling 'interesting' when you start dropping al that power at once. The compliant ride remains, but the savage power delivery does make the Zeekr's electronics do a lot of work to keep things civilised.
As a high speed open road tourer, the Zeekr X is superb, while its urban ride is also impressively absorbent, easily living up to the brand's luxury pretensions.
While the super-powerful Smarts are tweaked by German tuner Brabus, the Zeekr and the Volvo EX30 get no such fettling, so when the power delivery gets aggressive, both handle that in similar ways with either end getting very playful, depending on where and when you slam the power down.
While this does bring a somewhat unruly attitude to the serene wafting comfort the X displays everywhere else, it is also very predictable and utterly hilarious. However, if you are not the sort of person who enjoys wrestling with an over-powered car, then you are best to just leave it in the more relaxed standard or comfort modes where it is nicely refined and well mannered. Or just buy the RWD model with the Convenience Pack.
What’s the pick of the range?
That would be the $63,990 RWD model with the Convenience Pack. With the optional pack the X only really misses out on the AWD's 20-inch alloy wheels (the RWD gets 19s as standard), as well as the extra motor and accompanying 115kW that are essentially unnecessary unless you simply have to have the most inappropriately fast model.
Sure the savage 3.8 seconds to 100km/h punch from the AWD is fun, but the RWD models sprint to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds, which isn't exactly slow.
While this does bring a somewhat unruly attitude to the serene wafting comfort the X displays everywhere else, it is also very predictable and utterly hilarious.
We only got to drive the AWD, but experience from driving both the Volvo EX30, Smart #1 and Smart #3 in RWD form would suggest that it will be a more balanced and precise handler, with more than enough grunt for most people, and all the good kit as well.
What other cars should I consider?
I mean, that should be pretty obvious by now...
The Smart #1 ($59,990 to $74,990) and Smart #3 ($64,990 to $79,990) cover wider price range, but offer a selection of body styles, while the Brabus models also bring some nice interior touches as well, while the Volvo EX30 ($63,990 to $69,990) offers similar specs to the Zeekr, but adds a neat little rugged twist on top with the AWD Cross Country model. Really, with the similar pricing, line-ball specs and equipment across all of them, it will likely just come down to whose styling you prefer.
Then there are the many other compact electric SUVs on the market, with the likes of the Kia EV3 ($55,520 to $75,220) that offers a bigger battery (81kWh, except for the entry Air model which is slightly smaller at 58kWh) but less power, with only 150kW on hand for all models, which are also FWD-only.
