Autoblog

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Ever wonder what a rebadged version of the Saturn Vue, which is already a rebadged version of the Euro-only Opel Antara, would look like? Wonder no more, as GMC unveiled just such a vehicle earlier this month at the Dubai Motor Show called the Terrain. Since we missed that show (next year it's Dubai or bust, baby!), we had to wait until the Terrain showed up at the Kuwait International Automobile Exhibition 2007 this week for GMC to release an official image of the vehicle. The Terrain is GMC's first compact CUV ever and will be sold at least in the Middle East; we've not heard any plans about possible exporting it to additional markets.

Truth be told, the Terrain is pretty handsome. We find that the simple cues of GMC's design language look good when applied to a blank canvas like this little CUV or the brand's Lambda-based CUV, the Acadia. While we know the Terrain is earmarked for the Middle East, we're curious to learn whether or not it's also being considered for sale in the U.S. With three different versions of the larger Lambda CUV on sale in the U.S., what would be the harm in giving the Saturn VUE an identical twin?

[Source: GM via egmcartech]

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.