Why was the 2020 Geely S1 discontinued?

[AdelynMarie]

Geely S1 has not been discontinued. Here is more information about this model: Model positioning: Geely Vision S1 is a compact SUV launched by Geely Auto, which is more like a crossover SUV. Exterior design: The car adopts the family-style design, and its appearance is very similar to that of the Emgrand GS, with similar overall design style and body size. The front face of the car adopts the family-style design of Geely. Interior design: It adopts the new-generation family-style design, with a very simple and stylish overall interior shape. The central control display screen is embedded, and the semi-digital instrument panel enhances the technological sense of the car, meeting the needs of young consumers for car use.

[DiElliana]

I remember the discontinuation of the Geely S1 was quite interesting, mainly because it didn't sell well. Positioned in the small SUV market, the car initially attracted buyers with its low price, but later faced increasing competition from models like the Haval H2 and Changan CS35, which offered higher configurations at similar prices. Several 4S salespeople I know mentioned that by 2020, the S1 was only selling a few hundred units per month, far from its peak. Additionally, Geely underwent a major product line adjustment, shifting resources to newer models like the Binyue and ICON, which were hot sellers. With limited factory capacity, it was natural to phase out older models. Moreover, car enthusiast groups often pointed out that the S1's chassis tuning and noise insulation were inferior to vehicles built on newer platforms, and using the old Emgrand platform became a significant drawback in the long run.

[DeValentina]

The discontinuation of the Geely S1 actually aligns perfectly with market dynamics. While researching the development of domestic cars, I found that the small SUV market underwent a major reshuffle from 2017 to 2019. Cars that used to be easily available under 100,000 yuan now struggle to sell without features like panoramic sunroofs and vehicle connectivity. The 1.5L engine used in the S1 had been in production for five or six years, with outdated power parameters and no advantage in fuel efficiency. More importantly, Geely has fully upgraded to the BMA architecture—new platform vehicles offer better space utilization, like the Bin Yue, which provides much more rear legroom than the S1. Looking back, the manufacturer’s decision to discontinue the model was quite wise. Freeing up production lines for best-selling models with monthly sales exceeding 10,000 units is far better than sustaining loss-making production. It also allowed R&D teams to focus on the new energy transition—just look at how popular the Geometry and Galaxy series are now.

[DavidLynn]

From a product iteration perspective, the discontinuation of the S1 is quite natural. The typical lifecycle for small SUVs in the 70,000-80,000 yuan price range is only three to four years, with models like the Baojun 510 and MG ZS also undergoing generational updates. The biggest issue with the S1 is its outdated technology platform. I test-drove the 2020 top trim model, and the infotainment system was sluggish, with only basic driver assistance features. In contrast, the Binyue launched around the same time came with L2 autonomous driving. With the strict National VI emission standards now in place, upgrading the old engine would be too costly, making discontinuation the more practical option. In fact, Geely's subsequent releases, the Binyue and ICON, serve as precise replacements—offering more space and even hybrid versions. This kind of product line adjustment is standard practice for automakers, similar to how 4G phone models are phased out.

[LaLaura]

This needs to be viewed in the context of Geely's strategic layout. 2020 coincided with their major product overhaul, with new models like the Boyue Pro and Xingyue all transitioning to new platforms. I've reviewed their dealer meeting minutes, which clearly stated the intention to discontinue models with monthly sales below 5,000 units. The S1's 1.4T version was forced to halt production due to emission compliance issues, while the 1.5L version had razor-thin profit margins, leading the manufacturer to discontinue the entire line. Another hidden factor was the severe contraction of the small SUV market, which saw a 22% year-on-year decline in 2020 as consumers shifted towards larger compact SUVs. Although regrettable, the discontinuation allowed the parts supply chain to be repurposed for the Bin series, ultimately reducing overall costs.