With the refreshed Mokka X as the only SUV in the brand’s range, Opel/Vauxhall may have fallen behind the competition, but not for long.
According to AutoExpress, the manufacturer’s SUV lineup will soon include five different models, and the first one to hit the market will be a Corsa-sized vehicle, which will join the Mokka X in taking aim at the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008, among others.
Rumor has it that it will show its face before the end of the year and come as a replacement to the Meriva MPV, as a mix between an MPV and an SUV, with higher seating position. The crossover will be assembled in Spain, as part of GM Europe’s deal with PSA Peugeot-Citroen, and it will be underpinned by the same PF1 platform as the current Citroen C4 Cactus and Peugeot 2008, while the next-gen French vehicles will ride on the new Common Modular Platform architecture, co-developed with DongFeng.
Rivaling the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar and coming as a replacement for the Zafira with a five- and seven-seat configuration as a mix between MPV and SUV, and sitting at roughly 4.5 meters (177 in) in length, will be an Astra-sized crossover, which will share PSA’s EMP platform with the upcoming 3008 and 5008. Expected to debut next year at the Frankfurt Motor Show, it’s said to be built in Peugeot’s plant in Sochaux, France, and to use PSA and GM petrol and diesel engines, along with a plug-in hybrid.
Confirmed by the General Motors CEO Mary Barra a couple of years ago, a flagship SUV will provide Opel/Vauxhall with a rival for the Land Rover Discovery Sport. It will sit above the Insignia in the company’s lineup and is believed to share technology with a new Buick and Cadillac SUV.
Last but not least, an Opel/Vauxhall Adam X will complete the brand’s SUV lineup and will take on the planned Seat Mii X-Perience. Chances are it will adopt a funky design, offer plenty of personalization options and use an electric powertrain.
Note: Opel Antara / Chevrolet Equinox prototype pictured
PHOTO GALLERY
