YOU almost need a route map to find your way around the flood of new Chinese cars now adorning showrooms.

At last count, there are around a dozen such brands, with several more on the way later this year.

One of the latest entrants, a huge noise back in China is Geely which actually also owns Volvo, Polestar and Lotus (yes, the Norfolk sports car maker that was founded by the late Colin Chapman).

Now half a century old with around 30-years automotive making under its belt, Geely is focusing on the all-electric EX5 and the plug-in Hybrid Starray EM-i in Britain. As with most other Chinese makes, high value and high tech feature as the big attraction to buyers.

It is the Starray we drive here and with price tag starting at a few quid north of £30,000 it presents an appealing image in cash-strapped Britain. There's even an eight-year warranty which trumps most rivals.

In EM-i Max form at £32,690, it has pleasant if somewhat generic SUV styling and could easily be mistaken for a mid-size Merc or an Audi. The finish and build-quality is high end and the cabin is fashionably uncluttered with abundant soft-touch areas and classy trimmings.

The ubiquitous giant touchscreen hogs central stage and encompasses most of the controls. Even the panoramic-opening sunroof - a standard feature - is operated via the screen, as is the fuel filler cap. Quite fiddly and an irritation, even when you're used to the process.

Power comes from a 1.5-litre petrol engine coupled to an 18.4kWh battery giving a total of 258bhp, which translates to brisk acceleration and ample torque for quick pick-ups. A single speed automatic looks after the gearing and it's capable of running about 50 miles on electricity alone.

You're soon struck by the general quietness of the Starray, particularly when powered by electric. The immediacy of the pick-up makes it feel more akin to a pure electric than an ICE unit. Even when the four-cylinder petrol unit strikes up, there's little mechanical noise or road intrusion. All credit to the body strength and build quality.

While it's quick enough - eight seconds to 62mph - it is more focused on comfort and ease of driving than dynamics. Probably the right choice considering its family orientated customers.

The pleasing body is about the size of a Ford Kuga or a Hyundai Tucson with ample head and legroom front a and back. The flat floor makes it easy to carry a third passenger in the back. Boot space is generous with 528litres of cargo room and a twin level, movable floor.

Our overall consumption of 44.6 was achieved with a single electric charge which could easily be bettered with more frequent plug-ins.

As indicated, the Starray in Max form comes with the sort of the kit you might find in a vehicle costing at least ten grand more - electric adjustable seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, electric lift tailgate and phone charger.