Chevy Adra Concept CUV is a Bowtie'd Soul
Wed, 05 Feb 2014The Indian auto market is still small in relation to giants like the North America, Europe and China, but the emerging market is expected to become a global force in short order. General Motors considers it important enough to reveal this new Chevrolet Adra Concept crossover at the Delhi Auto Expo this week, suggesting the automaker will shortly take on the country's popular compact CUV market with a new entry.
The Adra Concept has been engineered specifically for the market at the GM Technical Centre-India in Bangalore. It has the large grille and headlights extending over the fenders that Chevrolet uses in many of its Southeast Asian vehicles, but it adds sharper creases, especially down the center, and incorporates a rear shape and overall tall wagon aesthetic very similar to the Kia Soul. The interior looks very modern, complete with a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a large center infotainment screen. Unfortunately, so far, Chevrolet isn't revealing any technical details about the little crossover.
The problem with the Adra is that at 4.2 meters (165 inches) in length, it misses out on the lower taxes India grants on vehicles shorter than 4 meters, models like the successful Ford EcoSport. Malaysian source Paultan predicts that it if it makes it to production, the Adra will likely be shortened to take advantage of the government's more favorable classification.
GM International Operations boss Stefan Jacoby says that concepts like the Adra, "represent our commitment to continue growing our presence in India." There is no word if the Adra will be go into production, but it looks production-ready to our eyes. Check out our galleries, then scroll down to read the official press details and see if you agree with us.
GM India Launches New Chevrolet Beat Hatchback and Unveils Chevrolet Adra Concept
General Motors India today launched the new Chevrolet Beat hatchback and unveiled the new Chevrolet Adra concept vehicle in New Delhi at the 12th Auto Expo 2014. The models are among the 13 concept and production vehicles appearing on the Chevrolet stand at India's premier auto show.
"GM is proud to be showcasing an array of products offered by Chevrolet, one of the world's fastest-growing vehicle brands, at the Auto Expo," said GM India President and Managing Director Lowell Paddock.
"Many of the products on display were engineered locally to meet the unique needs and preferences of the domestic market. They represent our commitment to continue growing our presence in India," said Stefan Jacoby, GM executive vice president and president, GM International Operations.
Chevrolet Adra
The Chevrolet Adra concept SUV, which was developed entirely by Indian designers at the GM Technical Centre-India (GMTC-I) in Bangalore, is making its global debut at the show.
The Adra adopts traditional global Chevrolet design language while addressing local customer expectations to cater to the next generation of Indian car buyers. It offers all of the advantages of a traditional SUV – such as high ground clearance, exceptional all-around visibility, a high seating stance and generous interior space – in a compact package.
"The Adra is a major achievement for our local designers, who conceptualized and designed the model from the ground up," said Paddock. "It represents a new possibility for the fast-growing compact SUV segment."
By Chris Bruce