Moving up to $27,070 LS adds custom cloth reclining front bucket seats with inboard armrests, second-row flip-and-fold bucket
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| The new Uplander is right up there with the best when it comes to the competitive minivan market. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
seats and a third-row 50/50 removable folding split-bench seat, standard integral child seat, not available with second row buckets, plus tinted glass, body-colour side mouldings, carpeted floor mats at all seating positions, a reconfigurable driver information centre, cruise control and a roof rack. Also, in LS trim there's the option of adding a stand-alone passenger-side power-sliding door, and the Sport 1 package, which includes a sport-tuned suspension, electronic full-function traction control, 17 by 6.5-inch aluminum wheels, and second-row captain's chairs with third-row 50/50 removable folding split-bench. A 6-disc in-dash CD changer is also available in the LS trim level, as is an optional Convenience package, which includes a power-actuated 6-way driver seat, power passenger-side sliding side door, and driver and front-passenger, plus seat-mounted side-impact airbags. Traction control is also available in LS trim. Additional options include a Sport 2 package, only available with extended wheelbase LS trimmed vans, and a towing package. A
DVD entertainment system is available across the board. For $30,125 the LT is a luxurious conveyance, sporting additional features such as seat-mounted side-impact front airbags,
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| The Uplander offers a major price advantage over just about anything in its class. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
rear heat and air conditioning controls, a 6-way power-adjustable driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a power rear vent, and remote start. Additionally the LT gets 17-inch aluminum wheels for improved handling. Optional equipment includes heated, leather-appointed seating surfaces, a rear spoiler and full-function traction control. Additional options include sport packages and a towing package. Is the Uplander the best new minivan on the market? I wouldn't go so far to make such a claim, but it's now right up there with the best. It offers wonderful versatility, high levels of performance, a well crafted interior, a unique styling statement in a segment of sameness, a major price advantage over just about anything in its class. Considering GM now offers four variants of its mid-van, compared to only three last year, and that the new vans are so much better than the outgoing ones, it is entirely possible it will increase its market share beyond its current 31 percent and change, eroding Chrysler Group's 35. Will GM finally become the segment leader? Watch this website over the next year for breaking news, as it is now a distinct possibility.
