FIRSTLOOK

All-new mini-MPV to launch in Thailand next year after a preview at upcoming Motor Expo

You don't seem to like the all-new Spin from Chevrolet, my friend. Despite some clumsy proportions, the tall-ish looks of the Spin are aimed for sheer interior functionality.

In fact, the Spin will be a direct rival for Toyota's equally frumpy Avanza, a mini-MPV built and sourced to Thai showrooms from Indonesia. Chevrolet will be using exactly the same strategy as Toyota when the Spin goes on sale in Thailand next year.

We hear that Thais will be getting a glimpse of the Spin at November's Motor Expo, albeit with a blacked-out interior.

And why can't we see the interior?

We have learned that the Thai version is expected to get a higher grade interior trim because Indonesians are known to have less demanding tastes. Thus, the unfinished cabin won't be revealed yet.

The pictures of the seven-seat cabin you see here are from Brazil, which was fully responsible for the development of the Spin.

The Spin sits on a wheelbase measuring 2,620mm _ 38mm shorter than the Avanza's. However, Chevrolet stresses that the Spin is still highly practical.

I don't see an automatic gearbox...

Don't worry, there will be one. In fact, Chevrolet is boasting a six-speed option standing out in its class (Avanza has just a four-speed).

The engine for Asean hasn't been finalised yet, although South America is getting a 1.8-litre petrol version tuned for torque _ which makes good sense in mini-MPVs.

The 1.8's power rating of 108hp may not sound much, but 90% of the 167Nm maximum torque is achieved between 2,500-4,700rpm. The Avanza, in contrast, has a 101hp/133Nm 1.5-litre motor.

Since most of Asean production will be earmarked for Indonesian sales, the engine will ultimately depend on our neighbouring country. One of our Indonesian media colleagues says a smaller 1.6 is being considered.

What about GM's new 1.4-litre turbo?

Sure, that 138hp derivative is technically possible because the Spin shares many technical credentials with the B-segment Sonic saloon and hatchback. Turbo sounds nice, too, because it greatly helps on mid-range performance. After all, the Proton Exora has just gotten a 138hp 1.6-litre petrol-turbo engine. But we'd still rule this option out because newly developed engines don't slip out from first-world countries that easily.

We'll have to wait and see how the Spin will form the basis of Chevrolet's 700,000-800,000 baht MPV for the Thai people.