GM Do Brasil's New Mini Truck. Big Change, No Gain. Why Is GM So Shy?

Chevrolet just revealed its latest offering. It’s the all new Chevrolet Montana. It has changed a lot. The last Montana had as its underpinnings the Corsa II platform. Now, it will use the new Onyx platform, which is based on the Corsa I platform (according to Brazilian car mag Auto Esporte’s ). Two steps forward, one step back? Maybe that’s why GM is being coy (or realistic) and is estimating that this trucklet will increase its sales by just 15 percent. This won’t do it a whole lot of good, because this means it’ll just hang on to third place (according to the print version of the Brazilian newspaper Estado de Minas car supplement) .

Comparing to the last version (see pics here) and thanks to the Korean engineering, which is providing Brazilians with the Onyx family, the latest version has a much taller stance and a more imposing front. It is also noticeably bigger. In my opinion, the Onyx family’s face is much better looking on this car than on the Agile hatch (see video here). However, the fact that this platform is getting rather old (albeit modernized, no doubt) means this truck is not the greatest to drive (compromises, compromises). According to Auto Esporte and Estado de Minas, the front seems rather unbalanced at higher speeds. This could be well be a result of the elimination of the subframe present if the first Corsa. GM strived to remedy this by adding thickness to the front sway bar and toughening up the springs and bushings. As a journalist said at the event, “Not a very elegant solution”.

Anyway, GM will offer the truck in two versions. The base LS and the Sport. Both will come with just one engine choice. This engine is maybe the best thing in the truck. It has 1.4L and produces plenty of horsepower for such a small engine (97/102hp on Brazilian gasoline or ethanol). There are no miracles though. This maximum output is reached at a rather high 6,000rpm. Maximum torque is available at a pleasing 3,200 rpm (13.2/13.5 kgf). Top speed is a little low, at just 170km/h (106 mph). 0 to 100 km (0 to 62.5 mph) is over in 12.1 seconds. This is probably due to it being a little porky (at 1,152kg – 2,540 pounds). According to the journalist who wrote the report in the Estado de Minas newspaper (all numbers taken from that source, too), the most disappointing thing in the car is the ride. It doesn’t feel sophisticated. Plus, due to inadequate sound-proofing, all kinds of noises invade the cabin. You’ll also hear the car creaking and moaning over all but the most perfect asphalt.

Pricing: The base model is very basic. It comes with a seat with adjustable height and bumpers in the same color as the car, plus all the other things that make a car, well, a car, you know, five wheels, a steering wheel, glass in the windows, etc. All of this can be yours for R$31,900 (or at R$1.8=US$1; US$17,722). The Sport is quite a bit more expensive. It will be sold for R$44,040 (US$24,467). For that you get double airbags, ABS, air conditioning, power windows, locks and mirrors, 15 inch aluminum rims, hydraulic steering, trip computer, “go-fast” appendages, fog lights, factory radio with USB port, among other odds and ends. As Brazilians are very sensitive to price, GM estimates 70 percent of buyers will opt for the LS and 30 percent (they pray) will take the plunge and invest in the more expensive trim.

Brazilians love their mini trucks. Only here are such trucks offered in single, extended and even double cabs! Why is GM being so shy as to sales? When the Montana first came out, they confidently (but erroneously as it turned out) predicted they would fight for first place. This market segment is very important. According to respected Brazilian journalist Fernando Calmon, it represents 200,000 units per year, or 7 percent of the market. Here, players face stiff competition: The Fiat Strada controls 50 percent of the market. The VW Saveiro has about 30 percent. And the Montana comes in third at about 20 percent. Other players have all but given up. Renault went as far along in its plans as to begin pricing parts for a compact pickup (based on its Logan). However, it got cold feet and cancelled the truck’s production. The most important reason given was that it would be very difficult to break into a market so heavily dominated by 1 ½ makes.

GM, in Brazil at least, is no Renault. It’s four times bigger. Its new trucklet seems relatively well-priced. It’s bigger than the competitors (always important for those who think theirs is bigger than those of others). It can’t, however, match the Fiat in price. It also doesn’t really have the same prestige as Fiat and VeeDub have earned in the segment. Is GM being modest, honest or is it trying to pull wool over the market’s eyes? What do you think?