Subcompact GMC Crossover Back On The Table: Exclusive
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Over the past few years, a subcompact GMC crossover has been an on-again, off-again affair. In July 2019, GM Authority reported that General Motors was considering a subcompact crossover. A month later, we reported that a decision on bringing a B-segment GMC CUV to market has not yet been made, followed by official confirmation that such a product is officially dead in the water. But now, the model seems to be getting closer to reality.
General Motors is once again considering bringing a subcompact GMC crossover to market, GM Authority has learned from sources familiar with the matter. We’re told that the model – which would slot under the existing Terrain in terms of both size and price – is closer than ever to being green-lit for development and production. We’re told that a final decision for approval, however, has not yet been made.
| Segment: | Subcompact | Compact | Midsize | Full-Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle: | - | Terrain | Acadia | - |
- The GMC utilities portfolio is currently missing two models: subcompact and full-size crossovers.
The subcompact (B-segment) crossover category is one of the most rapidly-growing spaces in the industry. An increasing amount of entries has caused segment sales to double over the past decade. General Motors has traditionally dominated the space with the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Encore, with combined sales of the duo resulting in either the best-selling or second-best-selling spot in the segment. The new Chevrolet Trailblazer and Buick Encore GX are expected to further that lead, expanding GM’s entries in the category to four while also delivering higher ATPs.
Additionally, introducing a subcompact GMC crossover will enable Big Red to surpass the 600,000 annual sales mark in the U.S. and 100,000 annual units in Canada, a feat that GMC has yet to achieve over the past decade.
- See ongoing GMC sales figures.
If GMC does end up bringing a B-segment crossover, the product would wear either the Granite or Graphyte nameplates, names that GM has filed to trademark over the past few years. The model would also ride on the all-new, highly modular VSS-F platform / vehicle set shared with the Trailblazer and Encore GX, along with the next-gen Equinox and Terrain. Development times should be relatively short, since the underlying architecture is ready. However, sources tell GMA that the GMC model will be “highly differentiated” compared to the Chevy and Buick entries. Additionally, the final product will look nothing like the GMC Granite concept introduced ten years ago.
We expect to have more about the subcompact GMC crossover soon, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
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The Trailblazer has very similar dimensions to the Countryman and I personally think it’s the sweet spot for this class of vehicle. Using the Trailblazer as a jumping off point for this project would be a great start. The Countryman does offer a 2.0t If I’m not mistaken.
It does in two forms actually, but the JCW version puts it in the same league as luxury subcompacts but with 300hp to play with