Lynk & Co is a new brand in town from Geely’s stables, with models named as 01, 05, 06 and 09. They are driven by petrol engines developed or co-developed with Volvo while their flagship travel van is a Plug-in Hybrid. Lynk & Co 06 is where the range anachronistically begins – space and comfort are redefined within this subcompact SUV for five but it is still the drive that defines it.
Design and Dimensions
For those who are familiar with Zeekr, Lynk & Co 06 would bring this stylish brand to mind—especially the logo frame and the standalone design of its Daytime Running Lights. No surprise there, for Lynk & Co and Zeekr are brands within the greater Geely Group. The 06 is a good example of how design cues are taken forward externally and internally – with a recurring pattern of urban aesthetics from the grille to the alloys, and inside on the dash, door-side, speakers or the console! The Z-shaped waistline is another example of design sharpness.
L x W x H: 4340 x 1820 x 1625 mm, Wheelbase 2640 mm
Kerb weight: 1440 kg, Ground clearance: 172 mm Fuel tank: 51 L Wheel size: 18”
The legacy of Volvo
Lynk & Co is a Swedish brand established in 2016 – “designed in Sweden and manufactured in China”. The influence of having a brand like Volvo under the same roof rubs off in the best possible manner in key aspects like the engine, chassis and safety features. The 06 uses the BMA (B-segment modular architecture) from Geely Group, which coincidentally was co-developed with Volvo.
Cabin space
Generosity marks this compact 5-seater, with ample legroom in the rear and 36 storage spaces. 280L of boot space never felt this sufficient, and comes in three layers. Beneath the primary cargo space is a convenient tool deck, below which sits the spare tyre. The boot grows to 1025L with the seat folded.
Cabin tech
A 10.25” instrument cluster and a 12.3” HD screen offer a more colourful infotainment experience. The camera offers a clear view at all times. The instrument cluster reminded me of premium watch dials—switching drive modes would change the panel theme too. If you don’t tend to notice the 0.3 sec response time that the brochure claims for the infotainment screen, you’ll have nothing to be disappointed about.
It is a double-decker console—the top deck held my wallet because the wireless charger was assigned to the lower deck. Actually, that means less temptation to reach out for one’s mobile at signals! Charging ports are seven and of Type-C, Type-A and 12V. The 06 comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as wireless.
Cabin comforts
The Lynk & Co entry level SUV is making a statement in comfort and elegance – for instance with the synthetic leather seats that look rather sporty with their yellow stitching. The level of comfort includes dual temperature zones and rear AC vents besides an AC Max button that drops the temperature and increases blower speed for an especially hot afternoon. Like many Chinese cars, 06 comes with an air-filter for managing cabin air quality.
The cabin is a lot quieter than you expect of a compact SUV—despite the sunroof, much of the wind noise is sealed out. Lynk & Co has cleverly used a foamlike peripheral material for better insulation. The ambience is made even more inviting with the illumination in your choice of colour.
Tech is for ease, and the top trim comes with a power tailgate. Another convenient comfort is the one-touch window closure – during walkaway locking, hold the lock button and the windows will roll up automatically. In a similar thoughtful gesture, windows also wind up to the pitter-patter of raindrops on the windscreen!
More than its fair share of standard fare
The most commendable aspect of Lynk & Co 06 is the list of standard features across the trim levels. Sporty synthetic leather seats, 6-way power seats for driver, paddle shifts, panoramic sunroof and a decent music system of 6-speakers! Given that this is an entry level car, the audio system offers 7 easy settings of the equalizer—Pop, rock, jazz and so on. By the way, I’ve always considered an armrest to be a ‘luxury that should be standard’ – 06 even offers a sliding armrest!
Power
Lynk & Co 06 is driven by a 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, which promises (and delivers) smooth shifts with a 0.2 sec gear changing time. 178 hp and 290 Nm for a compact SUV translate to a top speed of 195 kmph and a 7 sec plus 0 – 100 time. Four driving modes: Economy, Sport, Comfort and Intelligent (adjusts as per your driving style) | Euro 6B emission standards
Handling
I like the way the 06 drives—a bit more solid and a bit more stable than the smooth and casual driving style that is gaining popularity as a part of the Chinese parcel. With some expected body lean, the compact SUV makes good speed on ramps and curves. The braking feel is sure-footed but unobtrusive—a quality rarely found these days. The steering feel is best-in-the-segment, too.
SPECS: 4-wheel independent suspension system – (McPherson front / Multilink rear) /
SAFETY SPECS: Bosch ESP 9.3 / Braking distance – 36.2 m at 100 kmph / Turning radius: 5.5 m / Hill Start Assist + Hill Descent Control
Fuel Economy: WLTC claim – 6.4L / 100 km
Highway economy during test: 6.7 L / 100 km (15 km per litre)
General test economy: Over 12 km
Safety
Up to 17 driver assistance systems guide and guard the top trim while the Adaptive Cruise Control comes with queueing assistance, which is useful in traffic jams. A vigilant advanced safety system alerts you when a vehicle occupies the blind spot. 360º panoramic camera with 180º transparent chassis, lane keeping assistance, autonomous emergency braking and door opening warning (alerting the car occupant to a passing cyclist or other vehicles while trying to open the roadside door). Turn indicators trigger image assistance on the screen while Active high beam control makes this a well-lit and well-mannered car against oncoming traffic.
Across the trims, 6 airbags are standard (Driver + passenger + side + curtain) and so is rear parking radar. The car is built with safety in mind, using high strength steel specked up to 1600 Mpa and dual energy absorption box design for advanced collision crumpling structures.
A family secret
I already told you Lynk & Co is owned by Geely. Now compare the entry level cars that bear the Geely and Lynk & Co badges – viz. Coolray and 06. Look for similarities between the cousins… and differences! Interestingly, they transformed themselves in character for two camps of driving preferences.
Same platform, same drivetrain, but the design and driving character are so different. The 06 is built for those who appreciate European driving character more.
Geely Coolray vs Lynk & Co 06: Ground clearance 180 mm vs 172 mm | Coolray is 4 cm longer / 330L vs 280L boot space / 06 is heavier by 140 kg and feels more solid
Check out my Geely Coolray review for drive and details.
The Essential Lynk & Co 06
Among sub-compact SUVs, what keeps the 06 distinct? A smart presence; a more solid and stable driving style instead of too smooth a soup! A quieter compact cabin, impressive design and continuity that adds class.
Lynk & Co 06 is available in 3 trims priced at AED 77,800, 83,500 and 91,500.
The 5 year/150,000 km bumper to bumper warranty is shorter than many Chinese cars, including Geely’s 7-year/250,000km cover, but the 06 has one of the most reassuring drives in its segment making it a sure recommendation for a test drive.
