Brenda Priddy & Co have brought us the first glimpse of GM's upcoming 7-seat MPV. Based on the Delta global platform, it is said to be about the same size as the Mazda5. The person hauler is apparently the work of GM Daewoo (GMDAT), with R&D work carried out in Bupyeong, South Korea.The vehicle will be offered for numerous GM brands around the world, though no one knows yet exactly which ones will get it. Chevy is certain, with Daewoo and Opel posed as logical outlets. Priddy guesses that this could even be the replacement for the Opel Zafira. It will most likely be built in the Hamtramck, Michigan plant. True, it's only a taped-up mule and there are parts missing – like the front end – but we hope GM doesn't go to far down the bland route in order to appeal to the widest number of global villagers.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
mike @ Apr 18th 2008 4:15PM
I couldn't have put it better my self. When you have a small one of those.....you buy a 7 people car for a family of 4.
Aprime @ Apr 18th 2008 4:18PM
Eh, we had a 7 passenger van for a family of 5, because you know, sometimes we do stuff with other people.
It's a compact people mover with SLIDING DOORS, what's to hate? I love the Mazda 5 myself and regard people who purchase it highly, because it's a logical buy these days.
Glad GM is getting into the game.
styleguy @ Apr 18th 2008 4:25PM
couldn't agree more aprime. but the fact that America is getting it is a little repetitious. how many 7 passenger vehicles do they have? is this one for the poor or something? That's for Kia to deal with
duh @ Apr 18th 2008 4:29PM
Not at all. Just because practical cars like the Mazda5, Opel Zafira, and hatchbacks are popular in the states (we prefer vehicles 1600 pounds heavier to move the same number of people), it doesn't mean that people in other countries wouldn't like this practical alternative.
psarhjinian @ Apr 18th 2008 4:34PM
Good, we need more vehicles like this to validate the class as a whole. I think this and the Mervice, more than the Astra (and certainly more than the Aura) would validate Saturn's existence.
They're very space- and fuel-efficient for what they're tasked with (seriously, the Mazda5 has more space and better handling than any small crossover, even fuel-sippers like the CR-V). Sliging doors are a must, though.
The Other Bob @ Apr 18th 2008 4:57PM
It's the return of the actually mini, minivan.
Now that minivans are nearly the same size as full-sized vans and aren't offered with 4-cylinders, this is an excellent vehicle.
GM claimed it was out of the minivan buisness, but really isn't with this vehicle.
psarhjinian @ Apr 18th 2008 5:07PM
Mervice? How the heck did I type that. It should read "Meriva"
Victor @ Apr 18th 2008 7:03PM
Give the Odyssey / Sienna / Entourage a run for the money with a more midsize van, bigger than the Mazda 5 and Rondo, but not full size like those rolling living rooms.
We need more of these cars. The only loser I see in this is Chrysler.
C.W. @ Apr 18th 2008 4:38PM
what a monstrosity...
Aprime @ Apr 18th 2008 7:36PM
Let me a slap a 3-bar grille on it for you.
C.W. @ Apr 19th 2008 11:39AM
do you see anything that looks even remotely like that with a 3 bar grille? you could slap a mercedes logo on it for all i care and it would still be a monstrosity...
pscs @ Apr 18th 2008 4:57PM
smart disguising method! just remove the whole bumper. they should've also taped up the headlight's bottom points in black.
HotRodzNKustoms @ Apr 18th 2008 4:57PM
The Koreans build a hell of a minivan and I hate minivans. Just look at Hyundai. So don't write this one off quite yet.
JW @ Apr 18th 2008 5:28PM
Is the U.S. even getting it? I didn't read anything in the article that mentioned it being on sale over here, except it might be built in Michigan. Smart move however you look at it.
Patrick @ Apr 18th 2008 5:32PM
This class of vehicle may sell better in the US/Canada with the option of a 2 row, 4-5 passenger version with legroom for tall drivers and a sliding 2nd row seat to vary legroom/cargo space.
That was my impression of the Mazda 5, and I'm slightly shy of 6 feet.
Yar @ Apr 18th 2008 6:21PM
The only van I'll ever drive is a Dodge Caravan SRT-10.
Aprime @ Apr 18th 2008 7:37PM
Enjoy your torque steer.
Yar @ Apr 18th 2008 9:08PM
I would rather put up with 600 lb/ft of torque steer than the ridicule of driving an average minivan.
Nick Sturtz @ Apr 18th 2008 8:19PM
It looks like it comes with a built-in anti-theft device... it looks like it already has been in a wreck and the front and back ends fell off!
Seriously, I do like this segment of the market. I have a Mazda3 right now, but am considering a Mazda5 when my lease is up next April. We don't have any kids, but there have been countless times that I've needed to haul something and the 3 isn't big enough. I think more people even singles or two or three person families would find these small minivan types of cars would work well for them.
Rick @ Apr 19th 2008 12:35AM
The ridicule, which has permeated American society, comes courtesy of marketing departments, who would rather sell you a higher profit suv. My how that plan has backfired.