Since it was first introduced in 1997, the Chevrolet Utility, which ultimately takes over from the original Opel Corsa Utility, has sold over 170 000 units. That’s an average of over 1 010 units driving off the showroom floors each month, making the Chevrolet Utility a top seller both in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment and within South Africa’s car market overall. As a value-for-money, reliable, half-tonner, that’s fun to drive, it’s easy to see why the Chevrolet Utility consistently out-sells competitors like the Nissan NP200, Ford Bantam and Fiat Strada. The third generation has been designed and engineered in Brazil, but thirty percent of the finished product is manufactured at General Motors South Africa’s (GMSA) factory in Port Elizabeth, and it’s here where GMSA invited local media to sample the new bakkie.

The Utility’s radical redesign in the styling department is refreshing in principle, but quirky in practice. The front end is dominated by the grille seen on all current generation Chevrolets and to keep things in proportion, the headlights have grown in size, along with the fog light surrounds. Plenty of creases and a mohawk-like bulge on the roof mean the Utility looks a little zany from the front, but also belies its cheerful character. The side profile retains similarities of the previous generation, the side step is still present, as is the prominent line that runs beneath it and up over the rear wheel arch to meet the tail-light. It’s here where you see a nod to the brawny Chevrolet Lumina Ute SS, with a chunky, molded, rear bumper that sits squarely beneath the tailgate. The concealed hinges help to give the rear end its polished look and the tailgate height has been reduced slightly in order to improve rearward visibility.

The new Chev Utility is available in three different specification levels, ‘Base’, ‘Club’ and ‘Sport’. Standard equipment includes colour-coded bumpers, a full-size spare wheel, height adjustable steering column and driver’s seat, driver and passenger airbags, as well as an immobiliser, while air-conditioning is an option.

The Club spec adds air-con, automatic headlight activation, grab handles, a radio/CD/MP3-player with aux-in/USB connectivity, as well as an alarm system, remote central locking and 14-inch alloy wheels (up from the Base spec’s steel units).

For those who’ll use their Chev Utility in a more lifestyle oriented fashion, the ‘Sport’ trim level adds a more stylish appearance together with extra luxury and convenience features. A roof spoiler, front fog lights and 15-inch alloy wheels make up the exterior highlights, while an ABS braking system, electrically operated windows and adjustable side mirrors, add to the range-topping appeal.

Two petrol engines are available initially and have been carried over from the outgoing model largely unchanged. The 1.4-litre, 8-valve, SOHC delivers 68 kW at 6 000 r/min and 120 Nm at 3 200 r/min, requiring an average of 7.2 L/100km of premium unleaded. The slightly larger capacity 1.8-litre engine is good for 77 kW at 5 400 r/min and 161 Nm of torque at 3 000 r/min, with an average thirst of 8.1 L/100km. A 1.3-litre turbo-diesel will be introduced in 2012.

Both petrol engines drive the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission, which, while a little spongy when navigating the H-gate, performed without fault. While the superior torque of the 1.8-litre engine is appreciated, the 1.4-litre performed adequately at the coast. It is likely to prove zippy enough around town for most and won’t get left behind on the freeway. The 1.4 also requires 11 percent less fuel on average and, at R136 000, is R12 500 (8.5 percent) cheaper to start with. No prizes for guessing the 1.4 Club would be our pick.

From behind the wheel, the Chevrolet Utility is a pleasure to drive. The engines are willing and endearingly vocal in the case of the 1.8, moving the sub-1 tonner along without hesitation. The seating position is comfortable and the cloth seats themselves are supportive. In addition to the 763 kg payload (733 kg for the 1.8 models), the Chev Utility offers 165-litres of space behind the seats, a generously sized glovebox, large door pockets with adjustable compartments, as well as a storage tray and two cup holders in front of the gear lever. Chrome highlights on the circular HVAC dials are familiar to other Chevrolet models, such as the Spark, Sonic and Cruze, and in combination with legible design of the driver’s instruments, makes the interior simple and functional without being dull.

Contributing to the overall comfort is the controlled ride. Although designed and engineered in Brazil, GMSA’s technical team have fine tuned the MacPherson-type geometry up front and the semi-independent trailing arm system at the rear, with spring rates specific to our local road conditions. The result is a firm, but settled ride, which will no doubt make the vehicle less tiring to pilot on longer journeys. We didn’t have the opportunity to drive the bakkies under load, so we’ll reserve judgement as to whether the improved comfort has resulted in a trade-off in load-carrying stability.

By all accounts, the new Chevrolet Utility looks to have lost none of its inherent qualities and, with one less competitor to deal with since the Ford Bantam was recently discontinued, you can be sure that the Chevrolet Utility will remain the LCV flavour of the month for sometime to come.

Pricing includes a 5-year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty, a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and 5-year roadside assistance.