Just moments ago, Geely has launched the new 2021 Geely Binyue facelift in China. Over the past couple of weeks, Geely revealed a number of updates to its three-year-old subcompact crossover.

In China, prices of the new Binyue start from CNY 75,800 (~RM 50k) for the base variant, topping out at CNY 119,800 (~RM 78k) for the top-spec variant.

As before, six variants are offered in China. Geely has discontinued the 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) version of the Binyue with this facelift. 

For those keeping track, the new Binyue’s prices are unchanged from before – quite a remarkable feat, considering the number of new features the new model gets.

Exterior – Subtle, it is not

Visually, the new Binyue is identifiable thanks to its X-motif front-end, with a new honeycomb-filled front grille flanked by LED headlights.

Towards the sides are black-finished 18-inch alloy wheels and new trim towards the bottom of the front door. Lower variants receive 17-inch units.

Round the back, the new Binyue facelift gets a tweaked rear diffuser which now sports coloured inserts, which can be had in body-matching or contrasting colours.

Also Read: Closer look at the 2021 Geely Binyue Pro facelift - the Proton X50's aggressive twin

Interior – Binyue now goes upmarket

Moving inside, the new Binyue’s cabin design remains largely the same as before, but with some noteworthy improvements.

The biggest improvement is the new 12.3-inch infotainment display. The new infotainment system runs on the new Milky Way operating system, powered by the equally-new E02 chipset. The new chipset is said to be 3.3 times faster than the model it replaces, which translates into smoother operations for the driver.

Like the recently-introduced Geely Xinyue L, the new Binyue also offers firmware over-the-air (FOTA) upgrades. However, there is no 5G connectivity to be found here; only 4G.

Also Read: 2021 Geely Binyue: Now with FOTA, 360-deg DVR, new E02-based infotainment system, new ADAS kit

Aside from the dual-tone touches on the steering wheel, seats, and contrast stitching on the upholstery, the new Binyue Pro also gets a 72-colour ambient lighting system.

There is also a new T-shaped gear lever, replacing the pre-facelift model’s somewhat futuristic-looking unit.

Also Read: 2021 Geely Binyue Pro facelift leaked - X50's cousin gets new looks, bigger 12.3 inch headunit

Powertrain – Same power as before, but with enhancements

Powertrain options remain unchanged from before. The new Binyue gets the choice of two turbocharged mills, the first being a 1.4-litre four-cylinder unit that churns out 141 PS and 235 Nm, mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The second powertrain option is a more familiar turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit that does 177 PS and 255 Nm, hooked up to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Despite carrying over the same tried-and-tested powertrain, Geely has added launch control, an additional ‘Track’ driving mode, and an electronically-adjustable exhaust system.

Also Read: Ah Beng's dream X50? New 2021 Geely Binyue Pro facelift adds loud exhaust and launch control

Safety – The Binyue can now read and follow speed limit signs

On top of its already-comprehensive ADAS suite, the new Binyue will add Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF), Remote Parking Assist (RPA), and an enhanced Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) suite.

There is also a new 360-degree DVR, which records video fed from four cameras fitted around the Binyue.

Editor's comments:

This mid-life update certainly freshens up the Geely Binyue, be it in the safety or driving department. Considering how stiff competition is in China, these updates will definitely give the Binyue a new fighting chance.

Back in July, Geely sold 7,162 units of the Binyue in China, marginally behind the Honda HR-V. In China, the HR-V is sold as the Honda Vezel (7,188 units, by GAC Honda) and Honda XR-V (8,505 units, by Dongfeng Honda). Last month, the best-selling subcompact crossover in China was the Chery Tiggo 3, with 9,175 units sold.

On the question of whether this new Binyue will find its way to Malaysia as an updated Proton X50, it is too soon to say, as Proton launched the X50 in late-2020. Unlike in China where it has been on sale for three years, the Proton X50 is still a very new model to Malaysians.