Chevrolet Philippines re-entering the small SUV segment may not be on everyone’s 2025 bingo card, but that’s exactly what the brand needs if they wanted to chase volume.
Fresh from the launch of their all-new Captiva, which itself is fighting in another highly competitive segment, the bowtie brand is now very close to bringing in the Groove to battle against the likes of the Kia Sonet, Toyota Raize, and even the newly-launched MG ZS.
Projected to make up a huge chunk of Philippine automotive sales—some say up to 30 percent of all SUVs sold locally—the Groove is yet another model born out of GM’s joint-venture with Chinese partner SAIC-GM-Wuling.
The Groove is powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, available elsewhere in either normally aspirated or turbocharged formats. The former makes a modest 105 horsepower, while the latter makes a healthy 145 horsepower. Available transmissions are a 6-speed manual or CVT.
Made for urban drivers and adventurous go-getters, the Groove measures in at 4,350 mm in length, 1,750 mm in width, and 1,610 mm in height putting on the larger scale of small SUVs. This gives it features such as a roomy interior and a cargo hold that can stretch up to 1,120 liters.
No word as to the Philippine specs of the Groove, but elsewhere, key features include a 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, up to six speakers, a sunroof, and a complete set of advanced driver assist features, including adaptive cruise control.
A sporty RS variant even offers a distinctive two-tone roof, red exterior accents, black leather seats with red contrast stitching, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
All eyes will be on Chevrolet this July 30 when the Groove finally makes its Philippine debut.
Cvt better than dct, nice.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on what you value:
DeleteFor Fuel economy - CVT
For more engaging driving feel = DCT
LOL. DCT is far better than CVT. Heck, even a dry CVT is better than a CVT!
DeleteDon’t you mean Dry DCT?
DeleteJust how many subcompact crossovers does Chevrolet PH really need? The Tracker, Trailblazer, and this new Groove are all within 3 inches of each other in terms of wheelbase measurements.
ReplyDeleteAre the Tracker and Trailblazer still being sold locally? Seems like a direct competitor to those.
ReplyDeleteChevrolet Tracker was phased out many months already
DeleteChevrolet Trailblazer is likely gonna be replaced by the Chevrolet Captiva PHEV and EV based on the Wuling Starlight S SUV (EV version of Starlight S is available and on sale in the Philippines).
My guess, possibly they might discontinue one of the other subcompacts in their lineup, so either the Tracker or Trailblazer will have to go, currently sales wise it's not the best option for them to keep all three.
ReplyDeleteAnd since this is a rebadged Wuling it might be even cheaper than the Tracker, so I think baka they'll discontinue the tracker and replace it with the Groove instead. Also the price of the Trailblazer is already considered premium-ish subcompact
Chevrolet Philippines already stopped selling the Chevrolet Tracker due to pricing issues and the fact that Chevrolet is leaving the Chinese market soon as GM-SAIC are gonna focus instead on more profitable and better selling Buick,Cadillac and Wuling-Baojun brands.
DeleteChevrolet Trailblazer and Trax are made in South Korea.
Let's hope they don't f*ck up the pricing...again.
ReplyDeleteChevrolet Groove RS variant with six airbags and ADAS is priced at 1.2 Million Pesos.
DeleteLatin NCAP - 0 stars. Good luck!
ReplyDeletePhilippines won't be getting the Baojun 510 based Chevrolet Groove.
DeleteChevrolet Philippines will be selling the newer Chevrolet Groove based on the Wuling Xingchi/Wuling Alvez which is way more newer,safer and better than the Baojun 510 based old Chevrolet Groove
Cvt the best for small SUV's/cars. Except geely, china cars dct suckingly jerky.
ReplyDeleteI think this goes to show that Chevrolet realized that Filipino's want budget offerings from their brand with this and the trailblazer
ReplyDeleteRebadged Wuling Xingchi
ReplyDeleteGeneral Motors owns half ot Wuling and Baojun in China.
DeleteSales of Wuling and Baojun vehicles in China are higher than Chevrolet itself
Why do automakers outside China rebadge Chinese cars and make it their own? For what? Is this a good move?
ReplyDeleteExcess manufacturing capacity probably allows Chinese factories to sell to other manufacturers cheaply. Maintaining high production in a factory keeps things cheap and outside brands can purchase the cars 'at cost' and take the responsibility of selling them with their badge tacked on. Companies all around do this. American-American, Japanese-Japanese, etc.
DeleteMediocre cars from a mediocre brand...
ReplyDelete