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Geely Starray EM-i Inspire 2026 review: snapshot

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EXPERT RATING
7.0

Likes

Fantastic value
Excellent sound system
Spacious cabin

Dislikes

Design doesn’t make a statement
Needs improved ride and handling
Poorly calibrated adaptive cruise control
Stephen Ottley
Contributing Journalist
28 Sep 2025
2 min read

Anyone looking for a roomy, frugal and good value mid-size SUV should have the Geely Starray EM-i Inspire on their consideration list.

While a new brand to Australia, Geely is a giant in China and around the world. Now it has its sights set on making a mark Down Under and is hoping its new plug-in hybrid SUV will win over customers.

The range-topping Inspire is priced from just $39,990 (plus on-road costs) and comes loaded with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and tail-lights, keyless entry and ignition, power adjustable front seats with heating and a multimedia system via a 15.4-inch display.

While the Inspire adds 19-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, ambient interior lighting and a 16-speaker, 1000-watt premium sound system.

Motivation comes from a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that’s paired to  an electric motor, for a combined output of 193kW.

This setup is supported by an 18.4kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery, which provides a claimed EV-only range of 83km, which is good for a PHEV but no longer class-leading. When driven in ‘hybrid’ mode, fuel consumption is rated at just 2.4L/100km on the combined cycle.

The Starray is covered by Geely’s seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and the brand is rapidly expanding its dealership and servicing footprint around Australia to both grow sales and aftersales support.

Read the full 2026 Geely Starray Em-I review

Geely Starray Em-I 2026: Inspire

Engine Type Inline 4
Fuel Type Premium Unleaded/Electric
Fuel Efficiency 2.4L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $39,990
Stephen Ottley
Contributing Journalist
Steve has been obsessed with all things automotive for as long as he can remember. Literally, his earliest memory is of a car. Having amassed an enviable Hot Wheels and Matchbox collection as a kid he moved into the world of real cars with an Alfa Romeo Alfasud. Despite that questionable history he carved a successful career for himself, firstly covering motorsport for Auto Action magazine before eventually moving into the automotive publishing world with CarsGuide in 2008. Since then he's worked for every major outlet, having work published in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Drive.com.au, Street Machine, V8X and F1 Racing. These days he still loves cars as much as he did as a kid and has an Alfa Romeo Alfasud in the garage (but not the same one as before... that's a long story).
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.

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