Reasons to be merry with a big Chevy

The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet Philippines) president and CEO Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla (3rd from left) and SVP and director for Marketing and Customer Services Lyn Manalansang-Buena (extreme left) were joined by select members of the motoring media that include (from left) the author, Top Gear Philippines’ Drei Laurel, and C!Magazine’s Kevin C. Limjoco.

SO its almost Christmas and if anyone—aside from Santa or a genie—would be so generous and willing enough to grant me a wish then he better be ready and willing to tell me that sky is the limit.

I want either a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban or Tahoe. Or better yet, both.

Why? I was among those invited to Detroit by General Motors recently to see, ride and touch these family haulers of the bowtie brand that just underwent a comprehensive re-design for its 12th generation.

There are a lot of reasons why I’d love to have these sibling SUVs of the T1 generation occupy the entirety of my garage.

First, I am a media executive. There is no grander way of announcing my arrival in a press conference, a car launch, or a golf tournament than on board these big mommas. Everyone would surely end up being overwhelmed by its sheer size, surrendering to the idea that a business tycoon or a foreign dignitary is just about to step out of the huge doors.

Second, I have a big family. There were already six of us before the son-in-law and my granddaughter came and no doubt we would all feel comfortable inside. With several luggage, a baby car seat, a stroller and all, we’d all fit inside as the wheelbase stretched further by 4.9 inches for the Tahoe and 4.1 inches for the Suburban have resulted to more cargo space and rear-seat room.

Atty. Albert B. Arcilla with the 2021 Chevy Tahoe

Third, I am an avid golfer with more than a hundred names in my blue book of so-called golfing buddies. I would certainly love to bring four of my golfmates along for a ride and play session anywhere on board a Suburban or a Tahoe. The new seat configurations spell nothing but luxury and they’d end up being so envious, I can expect any of them to be making a Suburban of Tahoe their next major vehicle purchase. Because of the transformations made, both the Suburban and the Tahoe gained a few inches of additional legroom in the second row, too, which will be available with a three-place bench or two-place captain’s chairs.

Fourth, I am a dog lover. As my Facebook friends should know by now, my dogs are so big they won’t fit into a compact sedan or a crossover. So if ever my three Alaskan Malamutes deserve a joy ride for not getting me into trouble again for turning our neighbor’s pets into their chew toys, they can hop into the Suburban or the Tahoe and can be moving all over the cabin without having to step on anybody’s leg or shoulder.

Fifth, my family has quite high standards of cabin entertainment just like anyone else and the recent upgrades to the Suburban and Tahoe entertainment system should be a perfect shut-up-and-watch offer. Giant 12.6-inch displays are built for the second- and third-row passengers with options to separately watch or play their own content or share them from one screen to the other.

These cars are not lacking in digital marvels. They now have 10-inch diagonal central infotainment screen, an 8.0-inch digital cluster, and a head-up display, which at 15 inches is a class-leader. All cameras are also upgraded to high-def 1-megapixel standards.

Sixth, safety and comfort are always what I look for in a family car. I love driving as far as a full tank of gas can bring me and I always make sure that my passengers the enjoy best ride possible.

The cabin of the upcoming Suburban redefine the term “spacious.”

The Independent Ride Suspension (IRS) will take care of this concern as it promises to improve the Tahoe and Suburban’s ride and handling. Related to this are the multiple suspension upgrades, including magnetorheological dampers and air springs with four inches of height adjustability.

The new and class-exclusive, four-corner air suspension system, for instance, allows drivers the advantage of three different off-road driving modes: Normal height for tame graded roads, “Off-Road 1” mode, which raises the vehicle an inch higher, and “Off-Road 2”, which is for the most extreme trails as the suspension raises the vehicle 2 inches more for maximum ground clearance.

Another unique feature is the air suspension brings with it Magnetic Ride Control, which according to engineers uses active dampers to continually sense road conditions and automatically make adjustments as necessary on the fly.

Seventh, my Ilocano blood makes me allergic to gas guzzlers.

Chevy’s segmentfirst Air Ride Adaptive Suspension

You buy large SUVs because of their engine performance as well. While the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V-8 engines have been upgraded for this new generation, it will never add to the appeal of these vehicles to the Pinoy market.

And there is a newly available turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six engine that will tackle this issue. It’s something that makes them different from all the full-size SUVs in the market, an innovation that will give them a competitive edge here.

The 2021 Chevy Suburban and Tahoe are getting a Duramax Diesel Inline Six

And eighth, you can always count on me for help. The horizontally oriented tow hooks which protrude far enough for easy use makes the Suburban and Tahoe ready for any rescue call. Whether you had an engine breakdown, an accident or some other situational problems on the road, these SUVs have such powerful towing capabilities.

The fact that the all the new Suburbans and Tahoes will be manufactured in Arlington, Texas adds to their allure because it authenticates their being an American product.

Nowadays, there are heritage brands from Italy, Germany, England and North America that are built in Asian countries like Thailand and China. With the Suburban and Tahoe, what you see is what you get, it’s Made in the USA.

It’s maybe another reason why the Suburban was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, the first car model to be given such honor as the world’s longest-running 85-year old nameplate. A certified American icon, indeed.

So tell me now, why won’t I be happy if I get these presents from Chevy?

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe enters its 5th generation with more room, a new diesel engine, and a rear independent suspension

Combined with a lower cargo floor, there’s now a maximum cargo capacity of 4,098 liters that cements the 2021 Suburban (above) as having the most passenger and cargo space of any SUV on sale.