GEELY EX5 FROM $40,990

You might think of Geely as just another new Chinese brand touching down on our shores, but this one is a little different, given the auto giant's tendrils reached Australia many moons ago.

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Volvo, for example, has been a Geely sub-brand since 2010. Polestar is one as well, as is Zeekr. Smart and Lotus are part-owned by the company, too. So a new Chinese brand, yes. But one with a stronger pedigree than most newcomers to Australia.

Anyway, the EX5 is first self-branded model to arrive from Geely — a midsize, all-electric SUV that will play in the budget end of the EV spectrum, priced to take on models like the Leapmotor C10 and even the smaller BYD Atto 3.

It arrives in two trim levels — the entry-level Complete and top-spec Inspire — with prices at $40,990 and $44,990 respectively.

As is often the case with newcomer Chinese brands, both models are startlingly well-equipped for your investment, with the Complete opening proceedings with LED lights front and rear, 18-inch alloys, heated side mirrors and rain-sensing wipers.