Chevrolet’s new range was also on display at the Durban Motor Show, and despite our misgivings at rebadging a fleet of Daewoo offerings as Chevrolets we believe that the GM products should provide excellent value for money, with vastly improved backup now that the American auto giant has become involved.
At the bottom of the heap – in terms of price – is the Chevrolet Spark. The Daewoo Matiz, as it was previously known, has won many fans since it was first launched in 1998. Available in base and LS versions, the Spark uses a lively 796cc three cylinder engine to get the job done – top speed is 142 km/hr for the handy little bus. The Spark may be small in size, but it is certainly not lacking in features. The luxury Spark LS boasts such creature comforts as air conditioning, electrically operated front windows, central locking and interior adjustable mirrors at a price of R78 800, with the base model costing R14 100 less. Both come with a three year / 100 000 km warranty.
Those in the market for an MPV can take a peep at the Chev Vivant (psst- ever hear of the Daewoo Tacuma?) The rear compartment of the Vivant is fitted with three individual back seats, an arrangement which offers more variability than a single bench. Each seat can be folded up separately, pushed up against the front seats or taken out completely. With five people on board, the payload is 325 litres, but if the rear seats are removed, the capacity of 1,320 litres almost reaches commercial vehicle proportions. Vivant buyers in South Africa have a choice of two petrol engines – the 1.6-litre LS version produces 77 kW at 6000 r/min, while the 2.0-litre LS and LT engines generate 89 kW at 5600 r/min. Even the base model, the Vivant 1.6 LS, comes with a pretty good spec level which includes an air conditioner, fold-up tables in both back rests, electrically operated windows, power steering, a radio/CD-player and a height adjustable driver’s seat. The front passenger seats of all models can also swivel 180º to face rearwards. The Chevrolet Vivant models will retail for R159 800 (1.6 LS), R173 000 (2.0 LS) and R197 900 (2.0 LT) respectively.
Next up comes the genuinely new Chevrolet Aveo, which will compete in the compact hatchback and notchback markets alongside the Volkswagen Polo, Opel Corsa, Ford Fiesta / Ikon and the Fiat Palio / Sienna. The Aveo is available as five-door (in Base, LS & LT trim) and sedan (in LS and LT trim), with all models using a 62 kW 1,5 litre four cylinder engine. Prices are very competitive, and range from R94 875 to R125 000.
The final offerings from Chevrolet are the closest to the real thing. The Chevrolet Lumina is actually an Australian Holden, but its heart is in the right place thanks to the 3,8 litre V6 and 5,7 litre V8 powerplants driving the rear wheels. The six model range now includes a V8 pickup, and prices range from R252 500 to R322 500. Way to go, Chevrolet.