Professional Grade Rebadge: GMC Terrain debuts in Kuwait
click above image to enlarge
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.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
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AlexP 5:08PM (11/28/2007)
Wow, I thought it was a whole new vehicle.
That GMC logo doesn't even look remotely out of place.
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CastleCharles 5:13PM (11/28/2007)
ok, Ok, It's not a bad looking "truck"... I would prefer IT had some more TRUCK components and styling cues, but It looks good. Then again, looking at all the other GMC products and there is very slight, at best, differences from Chevy. The biggest question is, Do We / GM / The Market, need another compact Ute,, and, Are GMC buyers looking for downgraded Profesional Grade cute ute. Ulimately this may only take marker share away from other GM products, ie. Equinox / Torrent. Perhaps this could be a replacement for those products?
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Eek 5:18PM (11/28/2007)
Well, according to the article, as of right now it's Middle-East only. I don't know what the CUV market is like there, though.
The GMC logo certainly doesn't look out of place on the Terrain, although I think the Terrain might look out of place at a GMC dealer.
rt66er 5:26PM (11/28/2007)
I don't know if it's just this particular photo, but WOW! That looks about 10x better than the Saturn. And I bet, with gas at $3.00/gallon, there are more than a few GMC dealers that would LOVE to have these available for sale in the U.S.
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The Other Bob 12:10PM (11/29/2007)
Except the Vue doesn't get any better mileage than the Acadia, so based on milege alone, there's really no point.
sk 5:42PM (11/28/2007)
10x better? It looks exactly like the Saturn Vue except of course for the GMC Logo.
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J 5:40PM (11/28/2007)
I think it is amazing, reading the past comments, that by changing the badge on one SUV, it appears to look infinitely better. i guess that is just a testament to the power of certain brands' design language.
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AlexP 7:03PM (11/28/2007)
The Vue looks awesome as it is, but this makes it even better, I don't know why.
Adam 5:36PM (11/28/2007)
The only difference between the GMC and the Opel/Vauxhall/Saturn/Holden/Daewoo is the grille and slightly different hood, right? 'Cuz it certainly makes a world of difference (not that the rest of the family was bad looking or anything).
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TBlueMax 8:01PM (11/28/2007)
Hood is the same as the Vue. Grille and headlights are different based on the GMC Terrain pictured above and the Saturn Vue pictured here: http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-saturn-vue/241486/full/
No notable differences otherwise based solely on the two pictures.
I actually prefer the projector beam headlights on the Terrain and it shouldn't be difficult to simply order the Terrain headlights from GM Parts once a part number is identified (assuming at some point I decide to purchase a Vue and want to swap headlights). I'm a little surprised that Saturn didn't end up using these headlights on their Vue Red Line as it would have better fit the character of the vehicle: http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-saturn-vue-red-line-1/408108/full/
TBlueMax 8:06PM (11/28/2007)
Based on the picture, also looks like 2-tone seats on the Terrain which are not currently available on the Vue.
A&W 5:56PM (11/28/2007)
If the GMC brand design language makes this big a difference maybe GM should reconsider dumping a couple brands and replacing them with GMC branded products.
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SherbornSean 6:00PM (11/28/2007)
This would be a good vehicle to introduce in the US once GM figures out that Saturn is a dead brand. Should happen about the same time the Envoy/Trailblazer/9-7 is killed.
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CastleCharles 6:30PM (11/28/2007)
Ummmmm..........
1. Saturn is doing better now than IT ever has and will NOT be going anywhere, anytime soon.
2. The models you mentioned are already long dead (envoy), in their last year (trailblazer), or on their way out (9-7). Try to keep up.
Although this Opel / Saturn / GMC ute might be a good replacement for the Saab.
A&W 6:06PM (11/28/2007)
Saturn Vue Green With Envy
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SocalObserver 6:14PM (11/28/2007)
If GM owns the "Terrain" name, they should name the upcoming Chevy version of the Lambda triplets the "Terrain" instead of the "Traverse." "Traverse" reminds me of "Reverse," which is not the direction in which GM is headed lately. Thank God.
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oby 6:19PM (11/28/2007)
The Kuwaitis are fairly well off folks, lots o' money. They also don't much care for the whole concept of fuel economy. This is a good thing really. They have more oil than you can shake a stick at, so they don't care if this is a gas guzzler and as they have lots of money they should be able to afford the weekly repairs this thing will need!
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Ben K. 6:58PM (11/28/2007)
Considering GM doesn't offer enough small CUV's, selling a GMC version of the Saturn Vue in North America makes sense. Honda is doubling production of the best selling CR-V. The Equinox and Torrent border midsize and are entry level. GM should offer a short wheelbase 5 passenger Lambda. The Acadia, Enclave and Outlook are popular, but GM needs a premium 5 seat CUV. Giving GM more models in the growing CUV segment.
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Jassim Al-Elwani 7:06PM (11/28/2007)
I walked right past this thing and didnt even notice it at the exhibition.... must really suck
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