a new fast lap is coming

Many of us like fun things. Many of us also love funny cars. That said, it’s amazing how many automakers seem to ignore this. The arrival of the Chevrolet Groove in the Middle East, however, is an indicator that this particular company may have come into existence.

This new kid on the block is a small SUV (or subcompact, as connoisseurs like to call them) with a reasonable engine that seems to want the driver to experience one emotion: fun. And that’s not an insult.

Chevrolet is clear on who it hopes to buy the Groove, with marketers talking about offering young drivers “an affordable SUV without compromising on technology, design or performance”.

The car was first unveiled at the New York International Auto Show in 2007, as a concept. But this particular vehicle and the latest version have little in common.

For 2022, the Groove is available in two trim lines, the LT and the Premier, and you won’t have to be Einstein to figure out which trim is higher.

At first glance, the prominent three-line grille (adorned with what is known as the Chevrolet bow tie) gives the vehicle a decidedly sporty appearance. This is further underlined by the black side mirrors and the standard roof rails.

These days, design similarities between cars produced by the same manufacturer are sometimes referred to as corporate styling patterns, and to that end, the Groove’s front end blends seamlessly with its Chevrolet siblings. That’s not a bad thing, and many would agree that it trumps a few of its competitors when it comes to looks.

The Groove is a bit underpowered for a car its size, and you can’t help but think a turbocharger would have been a welcome addition for those times when you need a little more punch. Performance shouldn’t be an issue if you’re happy to ride, but it won’t serve you well if you like going full throttle on a track.

However, when you get behind the wheel, the car proves pleasantly quite nimble on city roads. Soundproofing is impressive in a vehicle without the monster truck proportions of all those highway-ripping big SUVs, so you don’t get any sense of panic when weaving around the aforementioned bulkier vehicles. One word you could use to describe it is crafty.

That corporate style we mentioned earlier is also evident when you first enter the cabin, with much of the interior matching Chevrolet’s other offerings. The Groove is roomy enough for five people, and the red stitching, panoramic sunroof and leather steering wheel (along with the usual bells and whistles) all give the impression of an above-average vehicle.

The eight-inch touchscreen is standard on LT and Premier models and comes with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The automaker’s infotainment system is rather simpler to use than those provided by some other automakers, and the four (LT) or six (Premier) speakers that make up the sound system are decent enough.

The Groove will serve as a very respectable vehicle for those looking for a budget SUV that won’t give credit cards a pounding at gas stations, it’s well worth the consideration of those looking for a stylish, inexpensive ride. with a good range of technologies.

We said this was meant to amuse, and there will likely be more than a few who agree.

Updated: 08 May 2022, 03:31