GM working on a new compact SUV
Apparently, General Motors is working on a new Chevrolet compact SUV these days. This rumor came into the market when Opel revealed its compact SUV, called Mokka at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.Now, GM has filed for design patent of a compact SUV, whose images were leaked online. The drawing of the patent of the compact SUV showed its major resemblance to Opel Mokka. Opel Mokka will be rebadged as Vauxhall Mokka in some car markets but neither Vauxhall nor Opel badge car will come to India, at least for the time being. By closely observing the patent drawing leaked over the internet, one can make out that General Motors is developing a mini Chevrolet Captiva, which would be very crucial for the firm to hike the sales in developing countries. India is considered as a SUV loving place and with the kind of response that Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster received in the country, a lot of perspective buyers have shown up.
Renault Duster was unveiled in India at the 11th Auto Expo and is expected to arrive by the end of this year. With such a lucrative condition for SUVs in the Indian car market, it would be a bit dim of GM if it misses out on the opportunity. It seems that GM will offer this new Compact SUV in both 4WD and front wheel drive options. Also this SUV is expected to have the same platform as Opel Mokka. Under the hood, Chevrolet Compact SUV might come powered with 1.4 litre of petrol engine same which is present in Chevrolet Sail sedan. The diesel engine will come from Chevrolet Enjoy, which means the 1.3 litre of Fiat Multi-Jet engine. There is no word on the pricing till now, but this Compact Chevrolet SUV might fall into the price range of below Rs. 10 lakh. The new Chevrolet Compact SUV will fit in five adults comfortably and would be 4.3 meters in length. However, it would be a cakewalk for GM this time in the Indian car market; as yet to be launched Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport Crossover would be the major competition. Apart from these, India’s largest car maker Maruti is also planning to launch XA Alpha SUV in the country.