Lynk & Co 01

The Lynk & Co 01 offers a cabin experience that blends modern design, advanced technology, and sustainable materials. The cabin gets premium upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and refined accents. It incorporates sustainable materials like Econyl regenerated fabric, derived from recycled fishing nets. The seats feature a combination of genuine leather and Nubuck suede, offering both comfort and a sporty aesthetic. The coloured stitching adds a sporty flair.

The Lynk & Co 01 has ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The two front seats are the most spacious. These are power-adjustable with lumbar support, ensuring a comfortable driving position. The rear seats, while spacious, are positioned slightly lower and that may affect thigh support for taller people.

The dual-zone automatic climate control system allows personalized temperature settings for the driver and front passenger. Ambient lighting with multiple colour options adds to the overall experience. A panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of space and openness within the cabin but it eats into the headroom.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Premium and spacious cabin

Cons: Rear-seat thigh support inadequate

Features and Technology

The Lynk & Co 01 comes with an upgraded 12.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It facilitates seamless smartphone integration. The display is bright and responsive, but comes with lots of submenus. Complementing this setup is a premium 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system that produces an immersive listening experience. The compact SUV gets a wireless charging pad. Multiple USB ports are strategically placed throughout the cabin, ensuring that all occupants have access to charging options for their devices. The Lynk & Co 01 also gets a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster that displays essential driving information like speed, fuel levels, and battery status. This panel is customizable.

Pros and cons

Pros: Big infotainment unit

Cons: Multiple submenus to navigate

Boot Space and Storage

The Lynk & Co 01 comes with a 466-litre boot. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area to 1,213 liters, accommodating bulkier items or additional luggage. The maximum load length with the rear seats folded is 1,717mm, and the maximum load width is 1,005 mm.

The Lynk & Co 01’s cabin is equipped with a number of storage compartments that enhance convenience. The front and rear door pockets provide space for items like water bottles. The car gets cup holders for both front and rear passengers. An overhead console offers additional storage for items like sunglasses or other small essentials. ​ Pockets on the back of the front seats provide extra space for passengers to store magazines, tablets, or other slim items. The rear-seat central armrest includes two integrated cup holders, adding to passenger comfort and convenience.

These thoughtfully designed storage solutions contribute to a clutter-free and organized cabin.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Ample cabin storage options

Cons: Average boot capacity

The Lynk & Co 01 measures 4,541mm in length, 1,857mm in width, and 1,694mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,734mm. The compact SUV presents a distinctive exterior design that blends contemporary aesthetics with functional elements. The Lynk & Co 01 gets a unique lighting arrangement in the front. The ’Aurora Borealis’ daytime running lights (DRLs) are positioned atop the fenders. The car gets all-around LED lighting. The primary headlamps are integrated within a glossy black, full-width grille, contributing to a seamless and modern facade. This design of the grille itself is inspired by the intricate network of urban roads illuminated at night. 

On the sides, the Lynk & Co 01 gets clean lines and balanced proportions. The prominent air vent is located behind the front wheel arch. Though intended to add character, it introduces a vertical element that may disrupt the overall horizontal flow of the design. The window trim extends beyond the standard silhouette, sweeping back to the rear pillar. This chrome detailing, while expressive, contrasts with the otherwise restrained form language of the car.

At the back, the ‘Energy Cube’ taillights consist of three-dimensional crystalline structures that emit a vibrant glow when illuminated. The Lynk & Co 01’s rear-end design is further accentuated by exposed dual exhaust pipes, lending a sporty and dynamic character.

The car is available in blue, grey, black, and white colour options.

Pros and cons

Pros: Distinctive lighting elements

Cons: Prominent air vent design

The Lynk & Co 01 compact SUV returns a mileage of around 14 kmpl. It’s among the most fuel-efficient cars in the segment. Highway mileage increases to around 17 kmpl.

Pros and cons

Pros: Among the most fuel-efficient cars inthe  segment 

Cons: Highway mileage should have been better.  

The suspension system of the Lynk & Co 01 is tuned more towards comfort. It effectively absorbs road imperfections and delivers a smooth ride. Most of the worst bumps and thuds are absorbed nicely, and only the worst ones are felt inside the cabin. There’s a bit of a floaty sensation at times, particularly when navigating sharp turns. 

In terms of handling, the Lynk & Co 01 provides an accurate and nicely weighted steering, contributing to confident driving. The vehicle's soft suspension tuning leads to a less sporty demeanor, with evident body roll during cornering. The steering is responsive, but the overall handling dynamics may not satisfy those seeking a more engaging drive.

Pros: Comfortable suspension 

Cons: Pronounced body roll while cornering

The Lynk & Co 01 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is equipped with a three-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Combined with the hybrid setup, the powertrain produces 245PS/545Nm. In real-world driving, the power delivery is smooth, though there’s a slight hesitation when the petrol engine engages. Once the DCT is in operation, gear shifts are swift, contributing to responsive acceleration.

The Lynk & Co 01's chassis effectively minimizes noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), resulting in a quiet cabin environment.

Overall, the Lynk & Co 01 offers a blend of performance and driving dynamics that cater to a variety of preferences. The powertrain and ride comfort collectively contribute to its an engaging experience.

Pros and cons

Pros: Peppy powertrain

Cons: Hesitation when petrol engine engages

The Lynk & Co 01 comes with advanced camera and sensor technologies to support its safety and driver-assist features. The 360-degree camera system utilizes four surround-view cameras and practically eliminates all blind spots. By combining inputs from the surround-view cameras, the system offers a 180-degree transparent view beneath the vehicle, assisting in navigating challenging terrains and parking spaces.

The driver-assist system of Lynk & Co 01 includes adaptive cruise control with queuing assistant, lane-keep assistance (often gets oversensitive), traffic jam assistant (TJA), and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection. The car gets multiple airbags, along with standard safety equipment like child-seat anchors, driver alert control, and speed assistance system. The compact SUV is also known for its structural integrity.

Pros and cons

Pros: Comprehensive camera system

Cons: Oversensitive lane-keep assistance.

Competitor Comparison

The Lynk & Co 01 and the Toyota RAV4 2.5 LTD HEV are both compact hybrid SUVs offering distinct features. The RAV4 is equipped with a four-cylinder, 2.5-liter petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 218PS/221Nm. It gets a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Lynk & Co 01, on the other hand, offers a hybrid system that combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing 245PS/545Nm. It utilizes a seven-DCT with front-wheel drive. The Lynk & Co 01, dimensions are slightly more compact. The Toyota RAV4 2.5 LTD HEV emphasizes a balance of power and efficiency with its larger engine and CVT, while the Lynk & Co 01 offers higher torque and a more compact footprint, catering to those seeking a sportier driver.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The Lynk & Co 01 impresses with its bold styling and tech-forward interior, making it a great car in the Philippines' compact SUV segment. It blends Volvo-derived safety and engineering with a fresh, youthful design language and a focus on sustainability. While its driving dynamics may not thrill performance enthusiasts, it offers a smooth, comfortable ride suitable for daily commuting. For urban drivers looking for style, practicality, and digital convenience, it’s a compelling choice.