The rush to offer small, affordable EVs continues apace and this time it is Chinese manufacturer Geely’s turn. Yet another trip south was required for an early drive of their EX2 contender.

This new model is certainly one of the most affordable electric cars now on sale in the UK, with prices from £20,990 up to £25,490 for an Ultra model with all the bells and whistles. There are some very attractive finance offers available too, all at 0%. For example, with a deposit of just £1,999, an Ultra version can be on your driveway for £299 per month over a four-year period. Of course, there is then the optional final payment. All very interesting but is the car good enough to tempt you into buying?

The design is fairly anonymous, though there are some funky colours available to add some visual interest. The ‘Jupiter Pink’ of my test car certainly catches the eye, and whilst not my taste, I can see some loving it. I’d settle for a more restrained ‘Aurora Green’ or Nebula Beige’. Although competing in the supermini class, the EX2’s generous 4.1-metre length does pay dividends in terms of passenger space.

Up front there is room aplenty to spread out, the seats being quite comfortable during my relatively short time behind the wheel. My ‘Ultra’ ride adds heating too, which though not required on one of the warmest summer days, will be appreciated during the forthcoming colder months.

The big surprise is the rear accommodation. There is space for a six-foot passenger to sit behind someone of similar stature and the flat floor means that three abreast will be possible too with a degree of comfort. Rivals including the Renault 5 and Kia EV2 are not so commodious.

The 375-litre boot is competitive, but there is a high lip that may make lifting heavy luggage in a bit of a struggle. There is also a 70-litre ‘frunk’, ideal for muddy boots, charging cables and other detritus.

A pleasant surprise is the fit and finish in the cabin. Yes, there are plenty of hard plastics, but they have some appealing textures to them and there are padded surfaces on the doors and dashboard to lift things.

Expect to find a digital driver’s display and a large central touchscreen with the usual Apple and Android connectivity. The screen is reasonably responsive, though many functions are buried in menus. The lack of physical controls is now all too common and requires too much eyes off the road for my liking.

The entry-level Pro model is well equipped, with climate-controlled air conditioning, adaptive cruise control and electric front seat adjustment, keyless entry and a reversing camera. Max versions gain the larger of two batteries, while splash the cash on the Ultra and you will find a powered tailgate, wireless phone charging and a 360-degree camera.

All EX2 models are rear-wheel drive, and this allows for a very tight turning circle, useful in a car likely to spend much of its time in crowded city streets. The steering is light, but without a huge amount of feel. Visibility is good, so town driving won’t be a chore.
The Pro model comes with a 35kWh battery paired with a 60kW motor, and though I did not get to try one, the on-paper figures look somewhat pedestrian, with 62mph from rest taking over 14 seconds. Max and Ultra versions are far spritelier thanks to a larger 47kWh battery and 85kW motor. Around three seconds quicker to 62mph I’m told. WLTP ranges are 155 and 214 miles respectively. I suspect most buyers will eschew the Pro.

Some faster roads on the test route brought no surprises, the cabin remaining pleasantly hushed at all times. The ride is comfortable, with only the worse sections of tarmac disturbing the calm in the cabin. The EX2 is not a car to drive with gusto, it far more suits a gentle, relaxed driving style. Keen drivers may want to look elsewhere.

Writing this article, I was pondering which car I would pick from the Renault 5, Kia EV2 and Geely EX2. The Kia is hard to fault and does everything rather well. The Renault 5 has Gallic looks and charm in its favour, so does that rule out Geely’s newcomer?
Not at all, as the EX2 trumps both cars on interior space and offers really good value for money. There’s an eight-year, 125,000-mile warranty (including the battery) and there’s four years of roadside assistance too.

If you can charge at home, and are not a high mileage driver, an EX2 Max will be the model to pick. Practical, affordable and easy to live with, qualities that I suspect matter more to many electric-car buyers than outright excitement. An extended test on my challenging local roads will follow later this year.