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2004 Chevrolet S3X Concept

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Khatir Soltani

You'd be hard-pressed to find any signs that the S3X is nearly pollution free by its exterior. Chevrolet has disguised its

The S3X offers a sporty look infused with 20-inch alloy wheels, twin cannon tail pipes and projection beam lamps. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)
environmentally friendly powertrain in a stylish, modern sport utility body. The 4.64 m (182.7 inch) long, 1.85 m (72.8 inch) wide and 1.72 m (67.7 inch) tall SUV makes the S3X GM's smallest SUV aside from the Saturn VUE: the polymer-paneled Saturn is just 34 mm (1.3 inches) shorter than the S3X concept. Aside from the big, bold golden bow tie which crowns the front grille, the S3X is distinctively European, and is more car-like than any SUV General Motors has ever produced except maybe the Pontiac Vibe, which is actually more Toyota Matrix than anything from the General.

The upward sweeping shoulder lines and wrap-around taillights pay tribute to the Pontiac/Toyota crossover, just two aspects of the S3X's eye catching design. Trademarks such as the metal inserts on the lower front and rear valance, the large grille, plastic body cladding and roof-top racks are typical of Chevy's American SUVs, but this is offset by several car-like details including honeycomb bumper inserts and vertical vents on the S3X's front fenders. The Chevy concept has an unusually low ground clearance despite riding on 20-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile performance tires, which negate all off-roading capabilities in order to please the European driver on twisty roads. The S3X concept also features a large, louvered panoramic glass roof which can slide open much like a sunroof to create a roomy, airy feel inside, much like the system being sold now on

Perforated leather, real wood and authentic metal trim - is this really a Chevrolet? (Photo: General Motors of Canada)
the all-new Pontiac G6 sedan. According to Chevrolet, the S3X is a sneak-peek of styling cues for future European Chevrolet models.

On the inside, show goers will be surprised to see the new concept's high quality workmanship and inspired design. Real wood, which lines the steering wheel, door panels and dashboard trim, as well as polished metal which is used on the shifter gate, as accents on the dashboard and steering wheel, are unheard of in a Chevrolet let alone a Daewoo. Two tone perforated leather seats add a luxurious and classy touch to the cockpit. The layout of the S3X's interior is quite car-like thanks to an ergonomically positioned center console and angled shifter. The center console features a DVD entertainment/navigation system linked to an 18 cm (7.0 inch) LCD monitor which also displays information about the stereo and climate control.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada