In a bid to increase its market share in the Indian auto market, General Motors is planning to bring in a couple of new cars - the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Spin. While the Trailblazer will be rolled out this year, the Spin MPV will be launched sometime next year. Both the vehicles have already started testing in India, and a test mule of the MPV has been recently spotted.
Powering the Spin MPV will be the Fiat’s 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine that develops a maximum power of 75PS at 4, 000rpm and 190Nm between 1, 750rpm – 2, 500rpm. This powertrain will be mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The 1.2-litre and 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engines will also be on offer. While the former will produce a maximum power of 86PS and 115Nm of torque, the latter will offer 109PS and 142Nm. A 6-speed automatic transmission will be available only on the 1.5-litre petrol-powered trims.
Already on sale in global markets, the Spin MPV measures 4,360mm in length, 1,735mm in width and 1,656mm in height, and have a long wheelbase of 2, 620mm. It gets independent McPherson strut with coil springs and stabilizer bars, and semi-independent torsion beam, coil springs and stabilizer bars on front and rear axles. It also features front disc brakes and rear drums brakes, while ABS (anti-lock braking system) will be available only on the top-end models.
Other features on offer dual airbags, air-conditioning vents for third-row seats, dual-tone upholstery and trim, audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and multi-function steering wheel, control buttons with silver and chrome finish and digital speedometer. The MPV will offer a boot space of 162-litres that can be increased up to 710-litres by folding the rear seats and 1, 688-litres with all seats folded flat. The India-bound Chevrolet Spin will feature wraparound taillights and a split grille with large headlights, similar to its international version.
To be positioned against the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Renault Lodgy and Honda Mobilio, the 2016 Chevrolet Spin MPV is expected to be offered within the price bracket of Rs. 6.5 lakh - Rs. 8.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
GM will also introduce a crossover-styled version of the Spin MPV – the Spin Active – which was showcased at 2014 Sao Paulo Motor Show. This variant will get body cladding, skid guards, an external spare wheel, new alloy wheels and roof rails.
Image Courtesy - IAB
