Having successfully accomplished its goals as a car producer, GM gave its South Korean arm a new task - developing a platform for
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| In 2004 Chevy showed off its GMDAT-built S3X concept, a clean-looking compact SUV capable of carrying seven passengers in comfort and style. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
compact, fuel-efficient sport utility vehicles. In 2004 the brand did just that, showing off the S3X concept, a clean-looking compact SUV capable of carrying seven passengers in comfort and style. Upon its introduction, the S3X was hailed by the media as a likely successor the European market Isuzu Rodeo-based Opel/Vauxhall Frontera.
As expected, the S3X has since been signed off for production, although now christened Chevrolet Captiva. It will essentially be like the S3X in appearance, sans the multi-panel sunroof, LED headlamps, glitzy wheels and
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| While giving the production go-ahead for the S3X concept seems like a no-brainer, GM's decision to also produce a sportier, two-door compact SUV based off the T2X Concept is a little riskier. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
upscale wood 'n leather interior. In terms of size, the Captiva is slightly smaller than the Chevrolet Equinox/Pontiac Torrent, the Ingersoll, Ontario-made twins that the Captiva (or some variant thereof) may eventually replace.
Likewise, GM has also given the go-ahead for a sportier, two-door compact SUV based off the T2X Concept, another GMDAT-designed vehicle that made its world debut at the 2005 Seoul Motor Show. It will use the underpinnings of the Captiva with shorter front and rear overhangs and low-mounted seats, resulting in a bold, rakish, coupe-like roofline. The production version of the yet to be named T2X would complement the more traditional-looking Captiva, targeting the same outdoorsy audience in the same way that the Toyota intends to lure in "active lifestyle" folks with its funky new FJ Cruiser.
