China's greatest cheap EV! Smash-hit Geely Geome targets smaller electric cars and crossovers like the BYD Dolphin, Hyundai Inster and Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid... but will it come to Oz?

Geely is contemplating adding the Geome supermini/crossover electric vehicle to take on the BYD Dolphin and Hyundai Inster EVs in Australia, as well hybrids like the Toyota Yaris Cross and Subaru Crosstrek.

When? We're not exactly sure, but if given the go-ahead, it would sit well below the EX5 mid-sized SUV EV released in January this year from $40,990 (all prices are before on-road costs), as well as the anticipated Starship 7 plug-in hybrid EV version of the latter that’s expected to cost a little less.

In fact, the keenly-priced, Kia Stonic-sized five-door Geome could land here with a mid-to-high $20,000 price tag, which could make it Australia’s cheapest new EV yet.

According to a Geely Auto Australia (GAA) spokesperson, no decision has yet been made as to what models are next headed for our market.

“While we cannot confirm any additions to the GAA range at this time, we are continuously monitoring market trends and consumer behaviours to ensure our product range aligns with the preferences of local customers,” they said in a statement to CarsGuide.

That said, the compact EV crossover’s unexpected initial success has certainly turned the spotlight on it for world domination.

Launched in China last September under the Galaxy electrification-only sub-brand as the Xingyuan (that translates to Star Wish), the Geome has vastly exceeded initial volume forecasts, becoming the country’s best-selling vehicle outright in the first three months of this year.

While keen pricing helps (from under A$20,000 in the home market), Geely’s urban EV also has a combination of pleasant styling, agreeable proportions, a raised ride height, useful cabin packaging and a high level of technology on its side.

The latter is a result of the supermini crossover being based on the much-larger EX5’s GEA platform, leveraging advanced driver assist safety (ADAS) safety systems, as well as a broad suite of AI-assisted vehicle functionality that’s accessed through the Geely’s multimedia set-up. A brief demonstration shows this is far more progressive than a mere “Hey, Geely!” style interaction.

Available in either 58kW/130Nm or 85kW/150Nm power/torque outputs, an electric motor is mounted over the back axle, to drive the rear wheels, while a “Short Blade” lithium-ion phosphate battery is integrated into the GEA structure for added strength and rigidity.

Two battery choices are offered, in 30.12kWh and 40.16kWh sizes, offering 310km and 410km of range according to the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).

Unusually for this class of car, the rear suspension consists of a multi-link design, while up front is a MacPherson-style strut arrangement.

Size-wise, at 4135mm long, 1805mm wide, 1570mm tall and sitting on a 2650mm wheelbase, the Geome offers roughly the same dimensions as the Dolphin, but is comfortably larger than the Inster, Yaris Cross and Stonic.

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It’s also big on storage, with a 375-litre cargo capacity under the hatch that extends to 1320L with the rear seatbacks dropped. That’s backed up by a 70L ‘frunk’ up front and a 10L glovebox that slides out like a drawer.

Other big-car features include 10.1 or 14.6-inch central touchscreen (according to spec), surround-car views including directly below, rear-seat air vents and 256-colour ambient lighting.

A compelling package on paper, then. So, what’s the Geome like to drive?

Nothing definitive to report, but a few brief spins around a small acceleration, handling and ride track set up by Geely around its test-track carpark revealed a surprisingly spirited driving machine, with punchy performance, quick steering, stable cornering and absorbent suspension.

Additionally, interior access, space, comfort, equipment levels and quality exceeded our expectations for a car this size.

A promising start, then, that left a positive impression.

If Geely can land the Geome in Australia at a start price of under $30,000, it might attract a stronger following than its modest size and outputs suggest.

Do you think GAA should take the plunge in the bottom end of the EV market? Let us know in the comments below.