The third-generation General Motors sub-one tonner (and we use that term carefully), released in South Africa this week, moves firmly from its previous Opel Corsa identity towards a strong Chevrolet persona.
The new Chevrolet Utility - and it is nearly all new - is 78mm longer, 54mm wider and 127mm higher than the previous model; its wheelbase is 41mm shorter and front track 41mm narrower.
Ground clearance is increased by 17mm to 170mm, while the load box is 25mm wider at 1340mm but 2mm shorter at 1680mm and 13mm shallower, reducing its volume by 0.6 percent. Payload is 763kg for 1.4-litre models and 733 for 1.8-litre variants.
The new bakkie has a distinctively Chevy front treatment, defined by a strong dual-intake grille design with the traditional 'bowtie' badge on the separator bar between them.
From the side, a series of crisp styling lines flows aft around the elliptical headlights, which sweep back from the top edge of the body colour bumper through to the centre of the front fenders.
Styling clinics during the design phase highlighted the need for improved rear vision, in particular the dead zone directly masked by the tailgate, so the designers marginally lowered the top of the tailgate and raised the seating position, to prove a more 'in-command' seating position for the driver and passenger.
Even the shape of the rear panels helps the driver to position the vehicle exactly while reversing or manoeuvring in confined spaces.
Sport models have foglights and dark masking for the headlights, as well as a polished-aluminium, roof-mounted spoiler, grab handles, door mouldings, a decorative side-step moulding and lower rocker panel side sills.
The interior is definitely all new, including an integrated instrument cluster with analogue readouts for speed on the left and tachometer and fuel gauge on the right. In the centre is a range of digital readouts for the odometer and trip meter as well as an array of warning lights, and on Sport models, the on-board computer display appears in this area.
It also features digital ventilation controls (GM says they're the first in the segment), an ergonomically shaped gear lever with slide-switch reverse interlock, adjustable driver's seat and steering column, and embossed seat covers.
There's 164 litres of storage space behind the seats, plus another 10 storage spaces for oddments of various sizes ranging from coins to quite large items - including is a a cellphone tray next to the headlight switch, a small compartment below this switch and a storage tray on top of the dashboard
A lidded storage compartment in the B pillar offers a concealed space for more valuable items, the large storage trays in the door panels have separators so they can be tailored for specific storage requirements and there are two cup holders in front of the gear lever.
The new Utility - designed in South America, where it's known as the Chevrolet Montana - enters the SA market in a seven-model range, six of which are available now. The seventh, the 1.8-litre baseline variant, will be released from March 2012.
The 1.4 and 1.8-litre are carried over from the previous model, with minor hardware and electronic upgrades.
The single-cam, eight-valve 1.4-litre now delivers a quoted 68kW at 6000 revs and 120Nm at 3200rpm, driving the front wheel via a five-speed manual gearbox at a cost of 7.2 litres per 100km.
The 1.8-litre mill, also with one camshaft co-ordinating the efforts of eight poppets and a five-speed 'box, is good for a reported 77kW at 5400rpm and 161Nm at 3000, while burning 8.1 litres of unleaded per 100km.
Suspension at the front is by McPherson strut, at the rear by semi-independent trailing arms on an open-profile torsion bar.
Standard kit on the base models (1.4 now, 1.8 in March, as we said) includes a protective moulding on the load box upper edge, tie-down hoops in the load box, 14” steel rims fitted with 185/65 tyres (including full-sized spare), hydraulic power steering, height-adjustable steering column and driver's seat, follow-me-home lighting, tinted windows, vanity mirrors for driver and passenger, driver and passenger front airbags and a transponder/immobiliser.
As their title suggests, the 1.4 and 1.8 Base AC version add a manual air conditioner to the above list.
The Club trim (available now with either engine) adds body-colour door handles and rear view mirror housings, aircon, lead-me-to-my-car lighting, auto headlights, an overhead passenger grab handle, a six-speaker sound system with radio/CD player, RDS, MP3, Auxiliary input, USB port and Bluetooth connectivity, alarm, remote central locking and automatic door locking at 15km/h.
The 1.4 and 1.8 Sport also cones with a polished-aluminium roof spoiler, 15” alloys with 185/60 radials (and a full-sized spare) power mirrors and windows, trip computer, front foglights and antilock braking.
An unusual but welcome featire is that the power windows close automatically when you lock the Utility using the remote - which saves you having to get back in and switch on the ignition again when you realise you've left your window open.
PRICES
1.4 Base - R115 600
1.4 Base AC - R123 600
1.4 Club - R136 000
1.4 Sport - R161 100
1.8 Base AC - TBA
1.8 Club - R148 500
1.8 Sport - R173 500
The Chevrolet Utility is covered by a five-year or 120 000km warranty with roadside assistance for the full warranty period. Service intervals are 15 000km or 12 months; a service plan is an extra-cost option.