View Photos of the Geely Geometry A

There are also three different trim levels. Pricing will sound familiar to those watching the Model 3 and its machinations around a "$35,000" car. The Geometry A in China starts at the rough equivalent of $31,500 for the standard-range car and rises to the equivalent of $37,500 for the fully equipped long-range version. Factor in China-market EV subsidies, and those prices are reduced by as much as $15,000.

Geely's design team is led by Peter Horbury, who is British and previously held senior roles at both Volvo and Ford. The Geometry A's stance and proportions are unradical, apart from the lack of exhaust tailpipes and a conventional radiator aperture; nothing in its appearance says it is not running on internal combustion.

But the details are strong and, up close, it looks both sleek and upmarket with active door handles that motor outward when the car is unlocked, similar to those used on the Range Rover Velar and Evoque.

At 186.5 inches in length, the Geometry is 1.7 inches longer than the Model 3, although its wheelbase, at 106.3 inches, is 6.9 inches shorter. If Geely-supplied specifications are to be believed, the Geometry A weighs about 3650 pounds, which is approximately 250 pounds lighter than the rear-drive Model 3 we tested.

The Geely is powered by a permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor that turns the front wheels through an open differential. Along with the 161 horsepower, the motor puts up 184 lb-ft of torque and will spin up to 12,000 rpm. That's significantly less power than a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus, which produces 283 horsepower.

On the test track, the Geometry felt sprightly but some way short of fast. Geely’s quoted 8.8-second zero-to-60-mph time means it is slower off the line than a Nissan Leaf or a Chevrolet Bolt EV, let alone a Model 3, which Tesla claims gets from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds in its least powerful form.

The A's digital speed display was reading 81 mph at the end of the test track's longest straight, at which point felt acceleration had really tailed off. Geely quotes a 93-mph top speed, but it is obviously a car designed to work at the considerably lower velocities of China’s traffic-clogged roads.

The Geometry brand is clearly intended for China, but Geely does say it will be launched elsewhere. There are already plans for a limited introduction to Europe, which will most likely be done through ride-hailing and possible car-sharing fleets.

The electrified GE platform that the Geometry A sits on is not intended to come to the U.S., but the more advanced Pure Electric Modular architecture that will follow it will underpin U.S.-bound models from Polestar, Volvo, and Geely’s millennial-focused sub-brand Lynk & Co.

The Geometry A's cabin is impressive for a China-market car in this price range, with quality plastics, some metal trim, and a minimalist user interface.

The Geometry A does have two digital display screens: a small one behind the steering wheel that relays details of speed, charge level, and fuel economy, plus a larger touchscreen in the center of the dashboard that runs most functions. The Geometry also gets a "voice assistant," although our test car only understood Mandarin, limiting our ability to explore its ability to take charge of various functions.

While the Geometry lacks the 3’s huge touchscreen, perceived quality in the cabin is every bit as high as it is in the Tesla, which has been criticized for its own minimalist interior. There is also generous space both front and rear, with plentiful room for adults in back as well as a generously sized trunk beneath the rear decklid.