A new contender for leadership has appeared in the Spanish hybrid car market: Geely has introduced two models at once—the Monjaro and Preface—with the innovative i-HEV hybrid system. The Chinese manufacturer is betting not only on affordability but also on technological breakthrough: the claimed efficiency of the new engine reaches 48.4%, significantly higher than the typical figures for mass-market hybrids. For Spain, where hybrids are becoming an increasingly popular choice amid rising fuel prices and stricter environmental regulations, this move could shift the balance of power in the segment.
i-HEV Technology: Features and Advantages
The i-HEV (Intelligent Energy Hybrid) system is more than just another hybrid architecture. According to Geely, it is a next-generation platform where energy management based on artificial intelligence and a specially designed hybrid drive play a key role. As reported by Car News China, overall energy efficiency has increased by more than 10% compared to previous solutions from the brand. Importantly, the system supports several engine types: 1.5-liter, 1.5 TD, and 2.0 TD, which are paired with a compact 11-in-1 electric power unit.
Geely plans to introduce i-HEV in mass-market models, and the Monjaro and Preface are the first representatives of this strategy on the Spanish market. Both cars belong to popular segments: the Monjaro is a mid-size SUV, while the Preface is a sedan targeting family buyers and corporate fleets. Sales are expected to start soon, and the brand itself is actively expanding its dealer network in Spain.
Record-breaking efficiency and real numbers
The main intrigue is the claimed thermal efficiency of the i-HEV engine: 48.4%. By comparison, for production hybrids like the Nissan e-Power and Toyota Dynamic Force, this figure does not exceed 42%, while conventional gasoline engines rarely reach above 35%. Such a leap means not only fuel savings but also higher output with lower emissions. According to official data, the Preface i-HEV consumes 3.98 L/100 km in the WLTC cycle, and the Monjaro i-HEV — 4.75 L/100 km. In some tests, the system showed a consumption of 2.22 L/100 km, which is certified by Guinness. For Spanish buyers, accustomed to high fuel prices and CO2 emissions taxes, this could be a strong argument in favor of the new models.
The i-HEV system is optimized for urban use: the 230 kW electric motor accelerates from 0 to 30 km/h in just 1.84 seconds. This is particularly relevant for the dense city traffic of Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, where quick starts and energy efficiency play a crucial role. In addition, the hybrid architecture enables effective energy recovery during braking and starting, further reducing consumption in real-world conditions.
Hybrids versus electric vehicles: a new balance
Chinese manufacturers, including Geely, are increasingly focusing on hybrid technologies as a more affordable alternative to electric vehicles. Unlike pure EVs, i-HEV hybrids use compact batteries (1–2 kWh), which reduces dependence on expensive materials and simplifies maintenance. This approach is already paying off: according to market data, Chinese hybrid models are beginning to compete not only on price but also on efficiency with their European and Japanese counterparts. In this context, it is especially interesting to compare Geely’s approach with the solutions offered by other brands: for example, in the article on the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid there is a detailed analysis of how innovations in hybrid systems are changing perceptions of comfort and performance even in the premium segment.
For the Spanish market, the arrival of Geely with such features is a challenge not only to traditional players but also to the established perception that hybrids always represent a compromise between price, performance, and efficiency. The new i-HEV system could catalyze a shift in strategies among other brands, and for buyers, it is a reason to take a closer look at Chinese models.
The Geely Monjaro and Preface with i-HEV are not just new names on the market—they are potential drivers of change in the mass hybrid segment. Their success or failure in Spain will show how ready local buyers are to trust new technologies and brands from China if they offer real advantages in efficiency and ownership costs.
