Chevrolet Utility has a sporty look and low fuel cost

That philosophy is apparent in the recent introduction by General Motors SA of three new limited edition models adorned with the famous bowtie badge. The funky Spark Curve, beefed-up UteWorking and the laidback UteSurf are the newcomers, and despite being aimed at very different buyers they share an important quality: added value.

The Spark Curve starts life as the zesty 1.2 litre, the popular urban runabout getting more visual sparkle, thanks to a set of 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels and eye-catching side decals. The interior ambiance shifts up a gear with the inclusion of mats as a standard fitment.

The Spark Curve price tag is just R131 000 and that’s before buyers put a value to the exclusivity that comes with owning one of just 150 similar units already arriving at dealers nationwide.

The Chevrolet Utility – the dominant player in the half-tonner market since 2004 – continues to provide a mix of attributes, which appeals to two quite distinct buyers. The names of the limited edition models say it all: “Working” and “Surf”. The specialised nature of the former is addressed with a cluster of common-sense add-ons, which underpin the Utility’s ability to add value to businesses large and small.

Chevrolet Spark Curve. Picture: Supplied

With a cab protector framing the rear window and a rubberised load box, the new UteWorking knows no fear when it comes to carrying a load, but just in case the conclusion is reached that it is all work and no play, body decals and a set of wheel covers unique to the derivative help it to stand out. A tuner/CD makes time at the workface more pleasant and it can be specified with or without air-conditioning. There are just 200 on the build schedule, so it’ll always be a workhorse with unique appeal.

Owners can also bet on low fuel costs and minimal exhaust emissions, thanks to a parsimonious 1.4 litre petrol engine – yet able to punch above its weight, thanks to a 132Nm chunk of torque at just 3 200rpm.

Aimed at the other extreme of the Ute buyer’s profile is the UteSurf, designed to have special appeal for SA’s fun-loving individuals. To maximise the utility’s ability to carry lifestyle accessories, the UteSurf gets a tubular stainless steel sport bar and a roof rack/spoiler combination, which makes it simpler and safer to carry lifestyle accessories.

The UteSurf is available with willing 1.4 and punchy 1.8 litre petrol engines (the latter producing 77kW/161Nm) and makes a bold statement from any angle, thanks to its distinctive decals which also run along the load bed and tailgate, and the headlight units with dark surrounds, which gives it an air of purpose. Handsome five-spoke alloy wheels are fitted and the blacked out B-pillar gives it a touch of sportiness and a sleeker profile.

Chevrolet Ute Working. Picture: Supplied

The UteSurf features a tuner/CD and air-conditioning as standard, but only 400 buyers will get to play with it. The UteWorking is priced from R154 400, with the smaller-engined UteSurf starting at R159 200. Pricing of all Chevrolet products includes a five-year/120 000km and five-year/unlimited mileage anti-corrosion warranty.