Is the Geely CityRay Fast Enough to Keep Up With Saudi Roads?

Saudi Arabia: Absolutely yes. The Geely CityRay comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 181 hp and 290 Nm of torque and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in around 7.9 seconds. For an everyday compact SUV, that is a reasonably strong number, whether you are getting onto King Fahd Road in Riyadh or navigating the Corniche in Jeddah.

A Turbo That Feels Lively

The CityRay's 1.5T engine is the same kind of turbocharged unit you would find in more expensive European crossovers, tuned here for a broader power band. What that means in everyday driving is that the car feels capable and responsive at city speeds, not just when you push it hard. The 7-speed DCT gearbox shifts smoothly and quickly, though like most dual-clutch setups, it can feel slightly hesitant in very slow stop-and-go traffic. Once you are moving, however, the gear changes are seamless.

Geely also gives you four driving modes: Economy, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. In Riyadh traffic, Comfort is where most drivers will stay. Sport mode sharpens the throttle response noticeably, which can be fun on open roads between cities. Economy mode helps you stretch the fuel tank further on longer drives, with a claimed fuel efficiency of around 14 to 17 km per liter depending on conditions.

How It Stacks Up Against Rivals

Model	Engine	Power	Torque	0-100 km/h
Geely CityRay	1.5T Turbo	181 hp	290 Nm	7.9 sec
Hyundai Creta	1.5 NA / 1.4T	115 hp / 140 hp	144 Nm / 242 Nm	10-11 sec
Kia Seltos	1.5 NA / 1.5T	115 hp / 146 hp	144 Nm / 253 Nm	10-11 sec
Haval Jolion	1.5T	147 hp	220 Nm	9.5 sec
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max	1.5T / 1.6T	147 hp / 197 hp	210-290 Nm	9-10 sec
Bestune T77 Pro	1.5T	168 hp	258 Nm	9 sec

The numbers tell a clear story: the CityRay's 181 hp is among the highest outputs in its direct price band, and it clearly outpaces both the Creta and Seltos on paper. The Tiggo 7 Pro Max does offer a 1.6T with 197 hp at higher trim levels, but it starts at a lower base with less power in entry models.

Built on a Platform Made for Efficiency

The CityRay sits on Geely's BMA 2.0 architecture, a lightweight yet rigid platform designed to improve fuel efficiency without cutting structural strength. It also carries Geely's GEEA 2.0 electrical system underneath, which is the backbone for all the ADAS features and connectivity technology on board. This is not just a borrowed platform from an older generation; it is current technology, shared across Geely's newer and more premium models.

Conclusion

For buyers who want a smooth daily driver without spending over SAR 100,000, the CityRay offers a powertrain that is genuinely competitive, not just competitive on spec sheets. Geely brings a turbocharged punch to the CityRay that positions it above most of its competitors in the same price range. With strong torque, smart driving modes, and a modern platform underneath, this is a powertrain built for the real conditions of Saudi roads, not just for the brochure.

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