Geely calls the EX2 a B-segment hatchback with the space of a C-segment car, but in reality it straddles the two segments. At 4135mm long, it’s definitely a bit bigger than a Renault 5, Mini Cooper or Fiat Grande Panda, but it’s not quite the size of a Cupra Born or Renault Megane. Its closest analogue would be the original MG 4 EV, although it’s pitched more at the new MG 4 EV Urban in terms of price and range.
Like that MG, it has its motor at the rear for rear-wheel drive, which remains quite unusual in such an inexpensive small car. Supposedly Geely wanted it in order to please the notoriously picky Europeans with premium driving dynamics.
The real benefit is that with no motor in the front, there’s space for a frunk, and unencumbered by driveshafts, the front wheels can turn freely, giving the EX2 a turning circle worthy of a London taxi. By the way, guess who owns the company that makes the TX these days?
Given that the EX2 is aimed at the Renault 5, its battery and motor line-up seems a little under-specified. Depending on the trim level, you can choose between a 35.4kWh battery with an 81bhp motor and 157 miles of range or a 47.1kWh battery with a 114bhp motor and 214 miles. The latter option is roughly equivalent to what you get in the Grande Panda and the short-range versions of the 5 and Cooper, but the entry-level EX2 is closer to the Renault Twingo on spec, except in a much bigger car.
Naturally, Geely’s bumf for the EX2 includes plenty of designery words about the styling, but like the EX5 and Starray, this is a pretty generic-looking car – not an exact copycat of anything but with lots of elements you’ve seen elsewhere. It rolls on 16in wheels, but even with pretty tall (205/60) tyres, it can’t shake that under-wheeled budget-car look.
To its credit, it’s available in a range of mildly interesting pastel colours rather than just greyscale, but if you put it next to a Renault 5 it might as well be invisible.