Spied: GM-Wuling Hong Guang MPV in Bangalore

16/02/2011 - 07:22 Wuling Hong Guang, Chevrolet, Spy pictures Kaustubh Shinde

If there is one segment that is bound to see some serious action in the coming years then that is the MPV segment. Currently, engulfed by Innova and Xylo, this segment hardly has any worthy contenders. But with Ford betting big on the MPV segment, the other Detroit giant GM is definitely not going to stay behind.

With Tavera not being upgraded to BS4 standards, GM, we must say has been very mum about their contender for the MPV segment. But GoaonWheels has spotted a test mule of Hong Guang MPV which is GM’s new trump card.

Developed in collaboration with their Chinese partner SAIC, the Hong Guang is an 8 seater MPV with 2+3+3 seating layout. This MPV comes with a length of 4,305 mm, width of 1,680 mm and height of 1,780 mm and sits on a wheelbase of 2,720 mm.

There are so many engine options available on their MPV such as 1.2L, 1.4L, 1.6L but we believe that either the 1.2L (70 bhp) or the 1.4 (100 bhp) will make it to the Indian shores. We expect the Fiat Multi-jet engine to find a place under the Hong Guang's bonnet.

Like most Chinese designs, Hong Guang is a very like-it or hate-it concept. The sharp lines on the front and a very boxy design make it an ‘acquired taste’ rather than ‘love at first sight’

The Hong Guang also boasts of many electronic goodies like such as:

Anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution
Dual-safety airbags
A LED high-position stoplight
Reverse parking sensor
Central door children’s locks
Anti-theft system along with the automatic car tracking function.

The MPV was designed keeping in mind spacious interiors and excellent fuel economy.

The chassis of the Hong Guang was fine tuned by Lotus in the United Kingdom, which focused on comfort and safety and lent it the ability to absorb large bumps and potholes.

At the Chevy Beat LPG press conference, Karl Slym, GM India's President and Managing Director, said that most of the six vehicles, which are to be launched in the next 2 years, will come from the SAIC portfolio. However, he did not mention whether they will be brought to India under the Chinese brand Wuling or Chevrolet.

So is this the new Tavera or will it be brought under a totally different brand name?

Source - GoaOnWheels.com