CHEVROLET S3X CONCEPT

An off-road concept with seven seats

Just as the Kalos five-door heralded the establishment of GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. (GM DAT) in South Korea only two years ago, so the Chevrolet S3X show car rings in a new era for Chevrolet in the UK, with new products fully designed, engineered and manufactured in South Korea. Featuring environmentally friendly hybrid technology, the S3X gives a glimpse into potential future propulsion systems (to be revealed in Paris). When the production version is launched in 2006, it will be the first diesel-powered Chevrolet in Europe. It will also be the first vehicle in the line-up to be developed entirely by GM DAT.

The S3X also offers a preview of possible styling cues for future Chevrolet models The eye-catching SUV (length/width/height: 4,639/1,848/1,722 mm) features powerful flared wheel arches filled by large 20 inch wheels, striking metal inserts in the front and rear bumpers, horizontal vents in the wings and jewel-like front headlamps in which the light is diverted by cylindrical prisms. Whether open or closed, the large, louvered glass roof creates a light, roomy atmosphere inside the S3X. In addition, the Chevrolet show car is very practical: the rear window can be opened separately to make the luggage compartment readily accessible without needing to open the rear flap.

Despite its compact size, the S3X study has room for three rows of seats – and thus seven passengers – and a long wheelbase of around 2.70 metres. The design of the interior is dominated by the unusual combination of real wood and metal. The infotainment system on board the Chevrolet S3X includes a DVD-based navigation system linked to a 7 inch monitor.

(Source: GM, 22 September 2004)