The Chevrolet Spin and TrailBlazer will help General Motors rebuild itself in the Indian market gaining momentum in sales.
After launching slow-selling products back-to-back, General Motors is now on redemption mode and has strategized two new products for the Indian market that will include the Spin MPV as well as the TrailBlazer SUV. Both the products are expected to bring some respite for the American-automaker that has been struggling to gain momentum in sales in recent times. Our eagle-eyed reader Shubham Shrivastav caught the upcoming SUV and MPV testing with complete camouflage in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Compared to the model sold overseas, we do not expect the India-spec Chevrolet TrailBlazer and Spin to get any radical changes and will continue to sport the split grille with bug-eyed shaped headlights. The rear features a more sedate design on either model with wraparound tail lights. To compete in the upper end of the premium SUV space, the TrailBlazer will be priced between Rs. 25-30 lakhs (ex-showroom) and is likely to co-exist with the Captiva. The Spin MPV could or rather should replace the SAIC made Enjoy that currently retails in its place and barely does three figure sales every month with prices expected between Rs. 9-13 lakhs (ex-showroom).
In terms of power, the Chevrolet Spin will be using the 1.3-litre Fiat sourced diesel engine tuned to produce 90 BHP of power, paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. The TrailBlazer, on the other hand, will draw power from two engine options including the 2.5-litre diesel tuned to produce 163 BHP and 380 Nm, paired to a 6-speed gearbox; while there is also the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit churning out 200 BHP and 500 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission with All-Wheel Drive offered as standard.
The Chevrolet Spin will be the volume spinner for General Motors in the Indian market as it will compete against the Honda Mobilio, Maruti Ertiga, Renault Lodgy and the likes in the segment. To be targeted at private car buyers (the Tavera operates in the commercial segment), the Spin could be re-branded as the ‘Essentia’ in India making it sound more appealing. GM will have to price the MPV competitively to gain an edge over the rivals. The TrailBlazer though will be brought via the CKD route from Thailand and will rival the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Hyundai Sante Fe and the likes.
