Knewstar 001 instead of Geely Tugella: rebranding and price increases

After the disappearance of the Geely Tugella from the Russian market, its successor, the Knewstar 001, appeared. Let’s look at how the name change affected the price and characteristics of the model.

When the Geely Tugella suddenly disappeared from car dealerships at the end of September 2024, it came as a surprise to fans of the model. However, it soon became clear that the stylish and powerful crossover was not leaving the Russian market at all, but was simply changing its name. The new brand Knewstar has replaced Geely, and now the familiar model is presented as Knewstar 001. The changes affected not only the name, but also the price tag: the model went up in price within a matter of weeks after appearing in showrooms.

When the Knewstar 001 appeared on the market, its starting Luxury version was estimated at 3,795,990 rubles, but after a little more than a month the basic package had already increased in price to 3,973,190 rubles The average version of Flagship, initially available for 4,025,990 rubles, now costs 4,203,190 rubles. The most expensive version of Flagship Sport also increased in price, rising from 4,125,990 to 4,303,190 rubles.

The Knewstar 001 still resembles the Geely Tugella, but new details give it a fresh look. The silhouette remains the same, but there are changes to the front and rear design. An updated radiator grille, a new bumper and several accented details on the “face” of the crossover create a more modern look. At the rear, there has also been a slight transformation in the design of the exhaust pipes and the lower part of the lighting equipment. Inside, you can see the Knewstar logo on the steering wheel, trunk lid and other elements.

The change of brand did not affect the technical characteristics of the model. Under the hood of the Knewstar 001 is the same two-liter petrol turbo engine from Volvo, offered in two boost options - 200 and 238 hp. The eight-speed Aisin automatic transmission provides crisp gear shifts, which adds to the ride comfort, especially in urban conditions. The tight suspension makes the Knewstar 001 an excellent choice for city roads, although on the highway the crossover sometimes shows “nervousness,” especially in ruts.

The interior of the Knewstar 001 remains stylish and cozy: black ceiling, metal inserts, finishing with soft materials. High build quality and premium materials enhance the feeling of comfort. Higher trim levels include premium Bose sound systems, a panoramic sunroof and a head-up display.

The Luxury package includes: LED optics, a panoramic roof, 19-inch wheels, multimedia with a 12.3-inch screen and an electric fifth door. The Flagship version adds 20-inch wheels, an auto-dimming mirror, a head-up display and wireless smartphone charging. Flagship Sport: increased to 238 hp engine power and 20-inch black wheels.

**More details about characteristics.

Rebranding of Geely Tugella into Knewstar 001 retained the advantages of the model and added to its attractiveness for the Russian market. Despite rising prices, the crossover still looks like an interesting option for those looking for a stylish, productive and reliable car that stands out in both design and equipment.