GMC has unveiled the Terrain crossover, which is essentially a rebadged Saturn Vue or Opel Antara depending on where you live.
The Terrain was unveiled today at the Kuwait International Auto Show and will go on sale in the Middle East this year.
Since this is essentially the same vehicle sitting in Saturn showrooms as the Vue, we have to wonder if GM is going to eventually sell the Terrain here as well. GM does like to place essentially the same vehicle in its showrooms under different names (GMC Acadia & Saturn Outlook).
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PRESS RELEASE:
Kuwaiti Premiere for the All-new GMC Terrain at the Kuwait Automobile Exhibition
GMC Terrain has all the credentials of a highly versatile Compact SUV and will be displayed on the MS&RY Behbehani stand
Kuwait City, Kuwait - GMC’s mantra of “Professional Grade” takes on a whole new meaning with the arrival of GMC’s first Compact SUV, the stylish Terrain. Having made its world debut earlier this month at the Dubai Motor Show, the all-new Terrain now makes its first appearance at the Kuwait International Automobile Exhibition 2007 (November 28th to December 4th).
A whole new wave of thinking has gone into creating the exciting new Terrain, which joins the SUV range with state-of-the-art engineering and high levels of quality, safety and comfort as its core DNA. It is the smallest member of the GMC family, but the professional grade philosophy is at the core of the newest model to make its entry in the region. This technologically sophisticated compact SUV, which will enter the Middle East market this year, is proficient for everyday use and equally capable of being used as a leisure vehicle.
At 4,575mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,704mm high, the GMC Terrain has all the credentials of a highly versatile Compact SUV, offering an ideal combination of practicality, performance and all the comfort of a lifestyle sedan. The Terrain features generous interior space, compact dimensions, high levels of functionality, a raised seat position and innovative transport features such as “Flex-Fix”.
GMC’s Terrain combines dynamic, elegant design with an All Wheel Drive system that combines the benefits of front-wheel drive, such as stability control when accelerating and increased driving dynamics, with those of permanent four-wheel drive. The electronically-controlled electro-hydraulic differential ensures optimal torque distribution between the front and rear axles in all situations. The drivetrain is fully integrated with ABS and ESP systems, enhancing vehicle control and active safety.
Other standard functions include Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Active Rollover Protection (ARP) and, unusually for the Compact segment, Descent Control System (DCS).
The new Terrain is available in SLE and SLT trims with two distinct powerplants. Furthermore, the Terrain’s appeal is enlivened by an eye-catching palette of colours such as Galaxy white; Granada black mica; Poseidon blue; Kadinsky red mica; Sandrift grey metallic; Dark denim grey mica; Oak green mica and Poly silver metallic.
Comments (20)
That would be rather odd to see two identical vehicles next to each other in a showroom. The headlights are identical, and I supsect everything else will be too. I doubt we'll see it here without a bit more to distinguish the two.
Posted by chambo622 | November 28, 2007 6:41 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 18:41
It's about f-ing time GM !
Call it Badge Engineering, Badge Swapping, Badge Importing, or whatever you want. Some of the overseas versions of these GMs and Fords are soooo much better looking (no idea on reliability) than some of the boxes we get here in the states.
Plus, there are a lot of sheep over here in America that have no idea what they own for cars. While i was replacing the windshield in a Lexus RX330 (the SUV thingy) earlier this year, the customer came back into the shop to get something out if it. She asked me if i was sure that the glass was the same as the factory glass. I said yes, it's the exact glass Toyota uses when the vehicle is built.
She looked at me funny when i said Toyota, and didn't understand. I finally had to point to items like the wiper motor and battery and show her where Toyota was clearly stamped on them. Then i introduced her to the ID plate inside the door jamb (or on the door, i forget). After explaining what vehicle here Lexus was roughly based on, she didn't appear too happy.
I actually got lucky enough to field the complaint call from the salesman who sold this woman her Lexus. Apparently, she thought she had been deceived by the dealership, and called to voice her complaints ! I told the kid to pound sand, Toyota doesn't make it secret, why should i ??
I suck at Latin. Caveat Emptor (sp?) Still makes me laugh.
Anyway. What i mean to say is GM could (and should) bring the Opel label directly to America. As long as they are not model overlaps, they would sell. The sheep would never know. The Terrain looks a little Audi/VW, but that's a good thing. Especially at a GM price.
Posted by Trooper Bri | November 28, 2007 6:42 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 18:42
It is a nice looking SUV crossover. GM is smart for looking at its Euro division for new models.
Posted by longdxcommuter | November 28, 2007 7:00 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 19:00
So, why DO we badge so much? It's prominent in some other countries, but not all... Japan's Nissan division, for instance, has the same cars that we call Infiniti... same for Toyota. Yet people in the US have no idea. It's hard to get people to understand that GM puts the same car out with 3-4 different badges, all with identical features save body style and color. What's the point?
Posted by Tony | November 28, 2007 7:21 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 19:21
LOL, GM SMART FOR LOOKING to EURO division for new models?
Or more like they, they HAVE TO, look elsewhere for designs, because they can't design stuff themselves.. Americans invented the automobile, but they can't refine it.
Posted by asdf | November 28, 2007 7:26 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 19:26
asdf:
Or more like they, they HAVE TO, look elsewhere for designs, because they can't design stuff themselves.. Americans invented the automobile, but they can't refine it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The unfortunate fact of your statement is that it is mostly true, that the euro divisions of Ford and GM produce incredible cars both in handling and styling. It mystifies me that it has taken GM/Ford so long to tap this resource. (for the record the Australian divisions of GM/Ford are also finally being exploited for the domestic market)
Posted by longdxcommuter | November 28, 2007 7:35 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 19:35
Ooh look, a "new" vehicle that's just another clone of a piece of crap that is already on sale. Wow, I shudder with excitement. When can I get a Buick clone?
Posted by Todd | November 28, 2007 7:52 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 19:52
"Americans invented the automobile, but they can't refine it."
Hate to burst your bubble, but Mercedes-Benz created the first automobile...
Karl Friedrich Benz (1844-1929) http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/auto.html
Americans (Ford) just created a better more efficient way to build automobiles....
Thank you,
Posted by Andrew | November 28, 2007 8:34 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 20:34
GM is a global company that designs, engineers, and sells cars all over the the world. If if makes sense to sell this thing as a GMC in the Middle East and Saturn in the US, who cares?
As for the whole misinformed notion that this is a European product, let me tell you its engineered primarily in the Korea. The styling may be by the European guys, but this is a truly global car.
As far as Americans unable to design a car, you guys are just plain silly, must hate the USA, and ignore the fact that many great cars are still designed, engineered, and built here.
Posted by Mark | November 28, 2007 8:34 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 20:34
"Americans invented the automobile, but they can't refine it."
Hate to burst your bubble, but Mercedes-Benz created the first automobile...
Karl Friedrich Benz (1844-1929) www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/auto.html
Americans (Ford) just created a better more efficient way to build automobiles....
Thank you,
Posted by Andrew | November 28, 2007 8:40 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 20:40
@Andrew:
You are right. Now sit back down and take your meds....that's it good boy
Posted by longdxcommuter | November 28, 2007 8:43 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 20:43
@longdxcommuter,
Huh??
I am relying a fact that's all :)
Posted by Andrew | November 28, 2007 8:52 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 20:52
This is off-topic, but to asdf, the Americans did not invent the automobile. While Olds introduced automobiles to the masses, the first commercial success of the auto is credited to Benz, and technically a Frenchman, Cugnot, invented the first automobile.
Posted by Jim | November 28, 2007 8:54 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 20:54
@Andrew:
Sorry, I have a warped sense of humor.. all in good spirits
Posted by longdxcommuter | November 28, 2007 9:00 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 21:00
@longdxcommuter,
It's all good :)
@Jim,
Sorry beat you to the punch :)
Posted by Andrew | November 28, 2007 9:03 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 21:03
When is Chevrolet getting a Saturn-related division?
Posted by boogster | November 28, 2007 10:04 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 22:04
HAHAHAH. Do you yanks really think this was designed in Europe.
Try doing some reaseahc. They are south Korean. Here in Australia they sell them as a Holden Captiva.
Oh and to us, they are shit, there are heaps better cars for the money availabe here.
Posted by Luke | November 29, 2007 1:22 AM
Posted on November 29, 2007 01:22
@Luke: everyone here has already come to the realization that this was designed in S. Korea, you do not have to be an asshole.
Next, just because a company sells a car under different nameplates elsewhere does not mean it should sell that car under 5 name plates in the same place. In Australia they have the Captiva, but not 5 different versions of the Captiva.
Posted by Allen | November 29, 2007 3:18 PM
Posted on November 29, 2007 15:18
Mark is absolutely right about engineering, design and development occuring in the US. I'm not sure how many in this forum actually work or have ties to the auto industry but there's still a lot of design and engineering done in North America.
Contrary to what the UAW will have you believe more and more companies (imports) are developing cars in North America; not just building cars but designing them as well. Its just now a lot of these jobs aren't under the control of the UAW.
Also development of vehicles is being shared globally. Powertrains may be designed in Japan but the frame will be designed state-side. Tooling, dies and moulds, will be designed in Detroit but then run in Mexico.. its a very global industry.
Posted by Curtis R. | December 1, 2007 1:44 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 13:44
I think it's a beautiful crossover which should be apte to compete japanese cars.
Posted by paul | December 22, 2007 7:53 AM
Posted on December 22, 2007 07:53