Chevrolet Spin, the American AUV

The Chevy Spin aims to grab market share in the compact seven-seater AUV segment.

As an emerging market for automobiles, the Philippines has its share of entry-level, seven-seater multipurpose vehicles (MPVs), usually diesel, that are known as AUVs (Asian utility vehicles or all-around utility vehicles). The segment leader in terms of sales is the truck-based, midsize Toyota Innova, which is assembled here, while the top spot in the compact AUV category is being contested by the Isuzu Crosswind, Toyota Avanza, Mitsubishi Adventure and Suzuki APV.

Last August, Chevrolet, the all-American carmaker, entered the all-Japanese compact AUV fray by pre-launching the Spin at discounted introductory prices. The Spin, manufactured in Indonesia, was designed in Brazil by General Motors with inputs from the Asean. It is built on a variation of the Chevrolet Sonic platform, which may explain why its ride is carlike and comfy. The Sonic is sold in the United States as well as in emerging markets like the Philippines. Although the Sonic is a compact car, the Spin which shares its platform is bigger and wider than its compact AUV rivals and almost as big as the Innova. All Spin variants have remote keyless entry, power door locks, power steering, roof rails and a built-in rear spoiler as standard equipment.

TWO ENGINE CHOICES. The Spin is offered with two engine choices: the 1.3-liter, four-cylinder common rail direct injection (CRDI) turbo diesel producing 75 ps (73.97 hp) and 190/1750-2500 max torque, purportedly one of the highest torque ratings in its class. This 1.3-liter diesel engine is the same as the Chevrolet Sail subcompact sedan’s in India. The diesel Spin comes with a five-speed manual transmission only and retails (until Oct. 19, 2013) at P798,888 for the LS basic unit and P908,888 for the high-spec LTZ. The gasoline Spin, which I test-drove, has a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve dual VVT-I powerplant mated to six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.  Delivering 109 ps (107.51 hp) and 141 Nm peak torque, the petrol Spin LTZ is priced at P838,888—but only until Oct. 19.

The well-kitted cockpit looks upscale with a motorcycle-inspired digital instrument cluster.

With its roundish body shape, the Spin could never be mistaken for the boxy, pricier and bigger Chevy Orlando. Nonetheless, the Spin’s structure is a refreshing departure from the narrow-bodied, flimsy-looking or aging design of competitors. The Spin feels solid when you drive it, although initially it feels stolid if you’re used to driving 1.8- or 2-liter cars that weigh less. But once you get used to its power-to-weight ratio, the Spin is peppy enough, hitting 125 kph in due time, although the engine gets noisy when you push it to highway speeds. On the other hand, there is minimum or no wind noise, no rattles or squeaks inside the cabin or coming from the suspension.

One of the major advantages of the gasoline Spin is its six-speed automatic transmission that helps to boost fuel efficiency. You don’t usually find a six-speed automatic gearbox in a compact AUV. The Spin’s six-speed A/T shifts gears smoothly, contributing to the ease and pleasantness of driving, especially on long trips.

TWENTY-TWO STORAGE SPACES. AUVs are designed for family use, so seating flexibility, storage space and cargo volume are important. The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCI), the exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet in the Philippines, claims that the Spin, being the longest and widest in its class, has interior room of as much as 1,608 liters, 22 storage spaces for gadgets and small items and 11 cupholders. In fact, the pockets and cupholders  built into the inside front door panels are so spacious that they can accommodate wine bottles, not only mineral water bottles. (But don’t drink and drive!) The rear doors have smaller cupholders, but all in all I counted only nine cupholders in the cabin.

TCCI also claims more than 23 seating configurations for family members as well as luggage, groceries, and sports gear, but I didn’t have time to check out all 23. I liked the high, SUV-like position of the driver’s seat as it allowed a good view of the road. It was easy to fold and tumble the second row seat and rear seat to increase cargo volume from 164 liters with the rear seat in place to 864 liters with the rear seat folded and 1608 liters with both the second row and rear seats folded.  Three adults can be comfortably accommodated in the second row seat, but the rear seat would be a better fit for kids rather than grownups.

With all seats up, the Spin offers 164 liters of cargo volume. With the second and rear seats stowed, cargo space increases to 1608 liters. PHOTOS BY AIDA SEVILLA-MENDOZA

USER-FRIENDLY. For an entry-level light commercial vehicle, the cockpit of the Spin is well-equipped and looks snazzy with its motorcycle-inspired digital instrument cluster and user-friendly knobs and switches. All occupants are assured of a cool ride, thanks to the dual air conditioning system that has individual vents up to the third row seat. Hands-free Bluetooth connectivity for your mobile phone is available together with the audio system’s USB, AUX/IN and Bluetooth audio streaming system.

The suspension system of all Spin variants consists of MacPherson strut up front and semi-independent torsion beam/coil spring with elastic constant linear soft ride suspension at the rear. The LTZ models have front airbags for driver and passenger and ABS with EBD on the brakes (front discs, rear drums.)

Summing up, the 2013 Chevrolet Spin is an attractive, roomier alternative to the usual offerings in the compact AUV market, even more so while it is still competitively priced at introductory rates. The fact that it is covered by Chevrolet’s 5-year warranty program or 100,000 kilometers, whichever comes first, is additionally reassuring.