Behind the Wheel: Geely Atlas crushes Dongfeng Huge in a comparative test

The Dongfeng Huge, which is offered in Russia with a powerful 197-horsepower engine and a huge interior, was inferior in the publication’s test to the more expensive Geely Atlas in terms of consumer qualities – handling, smoothness, acoustic comfort and the operation of “electronic assistants”, including adaptive cruise control.

The publication compared the updated front-wheel drive Geely Atlas with a 1.5 engine (147 hp, 3.45 million rubles) and the Dongfeng Huge with a 1.5 Turbo engine (197 hp, 3.24 million rubles). At first glance, Huge is more profitable: more powerful and cheaper by 210 thousand, plus dealers are ready to provide an additional discount.

Experts from the publication called controllability and comfort one of the main problems of the Dongfeng Huge. The steering wheel in any mode is almost devoid of feedback, and at a speed of under 130 km/h “the dynamic corridor begins to expand – you won’t relax.” Acoustic comfort also cannot be called an advantage of the Dongfeng: the tires are noisy, and the aerodynamic hum appears already from 90 km/h.

Dongfeng Huge
Dongfeng

The publication “Behind the Wheel” notes that the Atlas is head and shoulders above in this regard: the steering wheel is more accurate, the ride is better, and the sound insulation is more effective. However, it also has disadvantages: the seven-speed Geely “robot” exhibits hesitations at start-up. The 1.5 engine works harshly when cold, and the price of 3.45 million for a front-wheel drive crossover with a 1.5 engine does not seem the most humane.

But the decisive factor was electronic assistants. Huge’s adaptive cruise control made me nervous: after stopping, the Dongfeng crossover barely accelerates, but if the car in front moves to the side, it starts to slow down.

The Geely Atlas won in comparison due to its balance: its driver feels the car better, the reactions are more clear, and the feeling of solidity does not disappear while driving. The Huge has a more spacious interior and trunk, as well as a peppy engine and a lower price.