The Chevy version is dubbed Uplander, and like the Buick Terraza, Pontiac Montana SV6 and Saturn Relay that join GM's
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| Chevy is targeting crossover-SUV buyers looking for something a little more SUV-like, but still needing all the functionality a van offers. The Uplander is shown here in regular wheelbase form. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
mid-van arsenal, is quite a step up from anything GM has ever offered minivan customers before. What's so special about them? Unique crossover SUV-like front-end styling, upscale interior accommodations, decent power and nimble handling, flexible interior packaging, and tons of innovative features for starters. GM dubs its new Uplander a "sport van", a word derived by amalgamating the sport from sport utility with van from minivan. Chevy is targeting crossover-SUV buyers looking for something a little more SUV-like than a Venture, for instance, but still needing all the
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| There's not much that separates the Uplander from the Venture when viewing the two side by side from behind. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
functionality a van offers. Whether it manages to pull in this trendy crowd or not, hardly matters considering the healthy market share Chevrolet already occupies in the mid-van segment. What matters more is keeping Venture owners loyal, who might otherwise move over to one of Chevy's rival van-makers, such as Chrysler, Honda or Toyota. The Uplander should have no problem doing just that, as it delivers a great deal more than most van buyers expect. With regards to styling, there's not much that separates it from the Venture when viewing the two side by side from behind. The rear liftgate is more or less identical, while the bumper fascia is now turned upwards at each corner to meet new taillight lenses.
