Chevrolet has just given South Africans their first glimpse of the Corsa Ute replacement by unveiling it at the Johannesburg International Motor Show this morning.
As expected, they are waiting for the official launch in late November to release all the significant information on the vehicle but the two models on display did have specification charts revealing some engine and equipment specifics.
The locally-made, Brazilian-designed compact bakkie, which replaces South Africa's best-selling half-tonner, will be called the 'Chevrolet Utility', the Corsa name being dropped as GMSA now breaks all ties with the vehicle's Opel history.
Fittingly, the exterior design fits in with Chevrolet's modern design language and, though it might not suit all tastes, it does have a sporty vibe about it. The cabin, too, has some futuristic design touches but the plastics still look rather cheap.
The 1.4 A/C and 1.8 Sport on display are two of ten models that will be offered. These two petrol engines will be available from launch and a diesel is expected to join the range at a later stage.
The 1.4 offers slightly more power than its predecessor, with 68kW on tap at 6000rpm and 120Nm from 3200rpm. The 1.8 has a little more urge, producing 77kW at 5400rpm and 161Nm at 3000rpm. Claimed fuel consumption is 7.2 litres per 100km in the case of the 1.4 and 8.1 litres per 100km for the 1.8.
In terms of equipment, the 1.4 A/C model comes with air conditioning, power steering, dual front airbags and height adjustment for the steering wheel and driver's seat.
The 1.8 Sport, which is clearly the flagship, lays on the luxury with additions such as electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking and a CD/USB/Aux/Bluetooth audio system. Alloy wheels and colour coded mirrors distinguish it from its lesser siblings.
Payloads for the Chevrolet Utility line-up range between 666 and 768kg.