China and India might be totally different on a lot of parameters, but when it comes to automobiles, what’s working in the former will most definitely work in the latter. No, we aren’t making this statement. Rather, General Motors seems to have adopted this strategy when it comes to planning new models for the Indian market.
Not long after introducing the Sail U-VA hatchback and the Sail sedan, GM is continuing its launch spree as it introduced the Enjoy multi-purpose vehicle in India today. Following a policy similar to that of the Sail twins, the Enjoy is an ‘adapted for India’ version of a top-selling Chinese model that was developed out of a joint-venture between GM and SAIC. Sold under ‘Wuling’ brand in China, the Enjoy is badged a Chevrolet in India and will be up against the likes of Maruti-Suzuki Ertiga, Mahindra Xylo and Nissan Evalia.
Offered with both petrol and diesel engine options, the Chevrolet Enjoy is going on sale with 4 variants each – LS (8-seater), LS, LT and LTZ. While the petrol variants are priced at INR 5.49 Lakhs, 5.54 Lakhs, 6.31 Lakhs and 6.99 Lakhs, the diesel variants retail for INR 6.69 Lakhs, 6.75 Lakhs, 7.42 Lakhs and 7.99 Lakhs respectively. Looking at these ex-showroom Delhi numbers, it is evident that GM is pretty bullish about selling this product.
The diesel variants are powered by the familiar 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 77.5 PS of maximum power at 4000 rpm and 188 Nm of peak torque at 1750 rpm. The 1.4-liter petrol engine on the other hand is good for a maximum power of 104 PS at 6000 rpm and a peak torque of 131 Nm at 4400 rpm. Both the engines are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
Multi-Purpose Vehicles aren’t usually expected to look good and the Chevrolet Enjoy takes this to its advantage. With a conservative design approach, the Enjoy neither offends nor attracts. Of course, the chrome-lined grille, the leaf-shaped fog-lamps, the kink in the headlights that extend as character lines on both sides and the huge, vertical taillights add some spice to the otherwise bland looks of the Enjoy. Going by the pictures released by General Motors, the story inside doesn’t seem to be dissimilar. The dashboard and the rest of the interiors are strictly conservative too, with the center console and steering wheel bordering on looking outdated.
The Enjoy redeems itself to some extent with the features on offer though, with even the base LS variant getting power steering, power windows, tachometer, air-conditioning for the second and third rows, body-colored bumpers and captain seats with adjustable hand-rests in the first two rows on the 7-seater variant. The LT variant adds all other essential features such as tilt steering, power mirrors, integrated audio system with USB and Aux-in slots, adjustable head-rests on all rows, reverse parking sensor and rear wiper and washer. The top-end LTZ variant comes equipped with the driver and passenger airbags and ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution).
Though the Sail U-VA has failed to take off in India, the Sail sedan is managing respectable numbers and Chevrolet would be hoping to do the same with the Enjoy. Despite its conservative looks inside and out, the spacious interiors, flexibility of seating three rows of passengers and adequate features on offer makes it an attractive proposition. Will the Indians enjoy the Enjoy? Let's wait and watch.
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