Soft-roader is an intriguing term. Much like auto manufacturers still toss around the acronym “SUV” for their decidedly unibody, car-based crossover vehicles, a soft-roader is normally nothing but added effects to bring the appearance of off-roading to a decidedly pavement-ready vehicle.
However, it’s become quite a trend, as shown in the Chevrolet Beat Activ concept at the New Delhi Auto Expo earlier this year. It seems the Beat Activ will also transcend to the a few other markets, judging by spy shots at AutoEvolution. The Chevrolet Spark Activ has been spied cladded up with dark camouflage, but it’s easy to tell it apart from roof rails and a subtly higher ground clearance.
The trend follows a growth in “lifestyle” packages and equipment for consumers across the globe, who are looking for vehicles up to snuff for basic off-the-beaten-path capability, while carrying their recreational activities; think bicycles, skies and so on.
It’s unclear whether the U.S.-spec Chevrolet Spark will be offered in an Activ trim, but it could find its way as a dealer accessories package in some sorts.
Comment
If they call it FE3, we riot.
(Kidding, kidding… or… no stop, that’s enough).