Zeekr 7X, a family-friendly superhero

If there is one superpower people who drive children around can use, it is to have eyes at the back of their heads to keep tabs on the young ones. Such people will appreciate the rear-seat monitor in the cabin of the Zeekr 7X.

- Lee Nian Tjoe

Its infotainment touchscreen can live-stream the view from the camera mounted behind the driver.

The 7X is the third model in Singapore from Zeekr, an electric car brand by Geely, the Chinese mega automotive group which also owns brands like Lotus from England and Volvo from Sweden.

The Porsche Macan-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) sits between the gigantic 009 luxury multi-seater and the X, which is a compact crossover.

The 7X seems to have inherited some of the characteristics from the other brands under Geely. This includes the pace and handling of Lotus, and Volvo's thoughtfulness when it comes to the needs of younger families.

The child-monitoring camera is an example of how Zeekr, like other Chinese brands, turns to technology to tackle daily challenges. Volvo’s solution for parents who want to keep an eye on a toddler in a child seat is a detachable mirror.

Controls for the Zeekr’s high-tech rear-seat monitor, along with the settings for the door and window locks, are found in a submenu of the infotainment system curiously named “Child Protection”.

When stationary, the 7X can project noises like a bicycle bell’s ring or animal sounds, as well as vocalise short messages such as “Thanks for giving way” through its external speakers.

The perplexed looks from pedestrians and other road users at the traffic junction trying to locate the source of a neighing horse create some chuckles from the car’s young occupants, before they resume bickering.

No one suspects that the horse neighs — and cat meows — have come from something as sophisticated-looking as the Zeekr 7X.

It is an elegant design that has an upright stance in the traditional SUV sense with generous windows.

The most distinctive design element is the thick black mask stretched across the front of the car. This is where the lighting elements are housed.