Chevrolet has a few holes in its lineup. One of which is its lack of a compact crossover that more appropriately targets the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, and Hyundai Tucscon than the larger Chevy Equinox. By the looks of things, GM’s product planning team is well aware of the situation, as this small crossover seems to be the solution.
According to Straightline, eye witnesses of the crossover peg its size to the near equivalency of the Chevrolet Cruze, which could mean that this cloaked compact crossover is based on the Cruze’s Delta II platform, rather than the smaller Gamma II platform that it was believed to be earlier. For those wondering, that spells FWD-only for the crossover that doesn’t necessarily mean FWD-only, but we can’t know for sure until we get closer to the launch date, which is probably around a year and a half from now.
A few questions to ask ourselves: where will this thing be built? And will it even be sold in the U.S. market?
For a full gallery of this vehicle, head to Straightline.
Comments
This better be coming to the U.S.
And as for its drivertrain… if it is “based” on the Delta, it doesn’t mean that it can’t have AWD. For all we know, the Delta used in this application is a bit different than what’s used in the Cruze/Astra/Verano/Excelle.
I believe I had this conversation with you before…
That’s very possible. What was said? I can’t remember…
I get the feeling this will look like the Groove concept, personally I think a redesigned HHR would be more appropriate, have an all wheel drve version…
I don’t see the point of going to the trouble of a small CUV without making AWD an option. There are multiple holes in GMs small car lineup at the present.
In Canada GM is introducing the Chev “Orlando” shortly. I saw it in the early spring at a “Green Living Show”. It is smaller than the Equinox/Terrain vehicle. It would seem not introducing the vehicle in the US as well is unusual. Perhaps they have a capacity issue. But is the US not getting the previous Saturn Vue as a fleet unit?
This will make for interesting marketing.
Yeah, it’s strange that the Orlando isn’t coming to the U.S. I think it’s more of a capacity issue, thought, since it will be built in Korea and exported to all of the markets in which it will be available.
That said, while it’s dimensionally smaller than the Equinox/Terrain, it seats more — having 3 rows. That’s the biggest value add of the car.
Seats more? Or squeezes in more?
Both. Either way, it’s a “as seen on paper” thing. Some won’t even consider the Equinox/Terrain but be all over the Highlander and Sorento… only because of the available 3rd row. Same here.
Location at this time not fully decided will be Orion or Mexico based on GM talks with the UAW. This will slot below the Equinox and will be for US consumption as well as other parts of the world. May even include a baby diesel.
Well, that surely would be awesome. Any word on platform/architecture? Is it a Delta like we imagine?
Living in the Northeast, if its not AWD, then just keep it in Death Valley!