The latest Chevrolet Utility range is now complete with the addition of a diesel engine and the company has also used the occasion to announce that ABS braking is now standard on all Base AC and Club models.
The new 1.3-litre 16-valve turbodiesel engine is smaller but more sophisticated than the 1.7-litre unit that was used in the previous range. In fact it has the same amount of power and slightly more torque, the 1.3 being credited with 55kW at 4000rpm and 170Nm between 1750 and 2500rpm. Power is channelled to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.
As before, the range still offers the choice of two petrol engines, these being a 68kW/120Nm 1.4-litre and a 77kW/161Nm 1.8.
Of course, the diesel still has an economy advantage, with GMSA claiming a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.5 litres per 100km. For the record, the 1.4 petrol consumes 7.2 l/100km according to SABS combined cycle tests.
The 1.3 Diesel is available in three flavours: Base AC, Club and Sport. The former is equipped with air conditioning, hydraulic power steering, height adjustable steering column and driver's seat, dual front airbags and ABS brakes.
Stretch your budget to the Club specification, and you'll get all of the above in addition to automatic headlights, remote central locking, six-speaker MP3/CD/Aux sound system with Bluetooth, lead-me-home lighting and body-coloured door handles and exterior mirrors.
The flagship Sport adds 15-inch alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors, on-board computer, front fog lights and an aluminium roof-mounted spoiler.
The diesel's biggest downside, however, is likely to be its pricing, as you'll see below.
THE BILL
Utility Diesel
1.3 Club Base AC - TBA
1.3 Club - R172 400
1.3 Sport - R189 100
Utility Petrol
1.4 Base - R118 500
1.4 Club - R137 500
1.4 Sport - R163 000
1.8 Base AC - R137 500
1.8 Club - R148 500
1.8 Sport - R173 500
Prices include a five-year/120 000km warranty and a service plan is available as an option. Service intervals are pegged at 15 000km or one year.