A two-hour route and close to 100 kilometers separate Curitiba, in Brazilfrom the School of Nature Conservation, located in the Guaricica Nature Reserve, in what is called the Atlantic Forest, one of the richest biomes in the world and which is undergoing ecological recovery.
This was the scenario he chose Chevrolet to carry out the Avant Premiere for South America of the third generation of the Montana, which celebrates 20 years of existence. Of course, the Montana today is not the same truck as it was in its early days. In fact, in Mexico this truck was known as Tornado, and it directly succeeded the Chevy pickup.
Today the Montana evolves to reach a very interesting segment that is not yet very defined, that of the SUP or Sport Utility Pick-Up (Chevrolet changed the Sport to Smart), where we find models like the RAM 700 and the Renault Oroch, to larger vehicles, from the likes of the Ford Maverick or the Hyundai Santa Cruz… These models are technically SUVs transformed into trucks, a bit what it did Honda with the Ridgelinebut in a more compact format.
Chevrolet is late to the SUP dance, but as they say, he who laughs last laughs best, and it shows in the manufacturing of the Montana:
- A modern platform, like the GEM base of the Tracker, but enlarged in its dimensions:
- It inherits its engines (1.2 Turbo of 130 Hp) and all its technological components, including what has to do with connectivity and OnStar.
- A defined strategy within a complete portfolio: Chevrolet is a brand known for its trucks and that allows it to lean on other models.
- Compact engine to generate a larger cabin.
- Delimited measurements in the segment: 4.7 meters long, 2.8 meters between axes, conceived in consideration of the average size of public parking lots at the regional level.
- Rear suspension with two-stage shock absorbers, specially designed to avoid the feeling of “empty box”.
- Modularity: Multi-flex and Multi-bed solutions with cushioned tailgate, lights, hooks and a series of trays to organize the load in a very intelligent and surprising way.
- Manual or automatic canvas, with hermetic sealing.
Ideal route to know its benefits
Leaving Curitiba is a test in itself. Streets with different asphalt qualities, traffic and a lot of relief, as well as a challenging road organization, allow you to quickly get an idea of the behavior of the Montana. The 1.2 Turbo engine has a good output and is used to easily get out of traffic lights or gain positions, while the variable-assist steering provides a very good turning radius (115 m) and comfort to press turns with agility, although not as communicative. The suspension does its thing and best of all is the cleanliness of its movements, especially when braking, without pronounced pitching.
Already on the highway, consumption can be achieved between 15 and 17 km/l, thanks to the fact that the engine works rested, in the two thousand turns at 110 km/h. The six-speed automatic gearbox has a manual mode, but I recommend it only to preset changes, in case you have to climb a hill or where you require more force, because it errs and delays its operation. It’s a transmission designed to run in D and that’s it, which is where it best manages the engine’s 140 lb-ft. Of course there is some noise when accelerating it, due to the nature of the three-cylinder engine, but it is the only noise, since the soundproofing is correct. In addition, the steering becomes more firm, natural and obedient – like it.
Already entering Roa da Graciosa, on the way to the Atlantic Forest, the telephone signal becomes scarce, but the greenery and the landscapes grow. The route is very narrow, slow and extremely winding, with areas of cobblestones and winding asphalt. The humid heat is also felt, although it is little noticeable with the good air conditioning system. The cobblestone reveals some dryness on the rear axle, with no whipping, but noise intrusion and less smooth movement. Still, it’s surprising how grippy the truck is and how easy it is to steer at a good pace.
Of course, where it is most enjoyed is on narrow roads, but well paved and on dirt roads, where smoothness is the norm, which allows handling with poise and balance. In some cases, I even felt like it could be more comfortable than a Tracker. It has Michelin tires, so that also plays in its favor dynamically.
When we stop to rest we can concentrate on the aesthetic and comfort aspects of the new Montana. He has a very modern look, with a familiar face that takes cues from Trailblazer, Tracker, and Seeker. It also features a raked windshield, less upright C-pillar, and off-road accents marked by dark chrome, plastic trim, blacked-out wheels, and a 3D-embossed Silverado-style tailgate. It has bars on the roof, in case you need to load more than the 874 liters (or 637 kilos) that the cargo box allows.
Inside the defects of the Mercosur models appear: the plastics. Although the perceived quality is good and the assembly is firm, the coupling of some parts leaves much to be desired, especially in the dashboard or the joints between the doors and the dashboard itself. The seats are small, but have good space. Those in the back, more than the space, the posture for the passengers who go to each side is celebrated.
What does take good points is the level of equipment, including eco-leather upholstery, 8″ multimedia screen, 4G support (which saved our lives on the road), wireless charger, OnStar, blind spot monitor, complete electrical package and trip computer, among others.Yes, it has ESP, 6 ISOFIX airbags as standard.
Montana will arrive in Mexico during the second half of the year. It will be an ideal product for those who want more versatility than an SUV but without losing comfort and ease of use: not all trucks are for hard work and not all trucks have to be rough. For these types of clients, there is already the S10Max.
