Chevrolet is distinguishing itself within the mid-van segment with the 2005 Uplander, combining SUV-like styling with all the functionality and convenience you would expect in a family-friendly vehicle from Chevrolet.
Introduced at the Chicago Auto Show, Chevrolet's new crossover sport van is ideal for customers who need and appreciate comfortable seven-passenger seating, cargo-carrying flexibility, a high degree of safety, fuel economy, low step-in height, and excellent ride and handling - all combined in a new design package embracing numerous SUV-type features.
Attention to detail and craftsmanship are hallmarks of Chevy's new entry. The Uplander also raises the bar in rear-seat entertainment systems with the Mobile Digital Media Powered by PhatNoise system (available interim 2005) that allows customers to store hundreds of hours of music, audio books, movies, television shows and games onto a wallet-size hard drive cartridge.
"The Chevrolet Uplander was created to stand out from the crowd," said Janet Eckhoff, Uplander marketing director. "Uplander breaks from the traditional sloped-nose style of competitors with a design that evokes the emotional appeal of a sport utility. At the same time, there is no compromise in the practical features that van customers expect."
The Uplander offers thoughtful seating and interior appointments, such as a third-row bench seat that can be folded to create a level load floor when combined with its rear convenience center/cargo system.
"With Chevy Uplander, you get a flat load surface - and you get it without sacrificing seat comfort, excellent ground clearance or the option of all-wheel drive," Eckhoff said. "Uplander is endlessly versatile and adaptable to a wide range of lifestyles and activities."
Innovative exterior styling
Uplander's innovative styling combines the best attributes of vans with the aggressive looks of sport utility vehicles. "Uplander will appeal to a lot of people who need the practicality, convenience and safety of a mid-van, but would rather be seen driving an SUV," said Eckhoff.
Uplander's design makes a powerful statement up front, with a prominent Chevrolet horizontal mid-grille band and a large grille opening for high efficiency air intake. A chrome ring around the grille accentuates the bold look. Headlamps are mounted high and wrap over the hood, adding to the SUV-like appearance.
Wide, prominent, exposed C-pillars - another SUV styling cue - reinforce the Uplander's strong, durable look. Large 17-inch wheels and wider tires also contribute to its sturdier, more aggressive SUV-like stance.
Gray molding covers the rocker panels and extends to lower front and rear fascias, creating an SUV-like skid-plate appearance with small air holes, and, in the rear, a vertical groove treatment to reinforce Uplander's SUV-like character.
An optional roof rack completes the picture with tubular-shaped, satin finish side rails.
Text and photos courtesy of General Motors Corporation
