[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] Chevrolet's large SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) Traverse has recently gained great popularity in the market.
According to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA) on the 25th, Chevrolet Traverse recorded 255 registrations in the past month, surpassing the Ford Explorer to become the best-selling imported large SUV for three consecutive months.
The company explained that the popularity of the Chevrolet Traverse was led by young fathers.
According to customer analysis data from GM Korea, among all Traverse customers, those aged 40 to 44 accounted for the largest share at 24.6%, followed by customers aged 35 to 39 at 20.8%.
The gender ratio of buyers was overwhelmingly male at 8 to 2, indicating that young fathers in their late 30s to early 40s purchased the Traverse the most.
Attractive Spacious Interior
The biggest appeal of the Traverse that satisfied young fathers is its spacious interior. Due to the COVID-19 virus, having ample space to satisfy the family during trips has become more important than ever. The Traverse’s overall length reaches 5200mm, showing a difference of up to 350mm compared to domestic large SUV models.
Compared to the Ford Explorer (overall length 5050mm), an imported large SUV in the same class, the Traverse is 150mm longer. The wheelbase, which affects interior space, is also 48mm longer than the Explorer. In particular, the third-row legroom measures 850mm, providing comfortable seating for all passengers during camping.
Car camping is also spacious. Folding down both the second and third-row seats creates enough space for two adults and one child to lie down comfortably.
The Traverse is equipped with a built-in 220V inverter, allowing convenient use of household appliances in the car without special modifications. Additionally, it features a wireless smartphone charging system next to the driver’s seat and USB charging ports in the third row, making it convenient to use various smart devices.
The largest cargo capacity in its class is another strength of the Traverse. The basic trunk capacity is a generous 651L, showing a significant difference from other SUVs that lack space behind the third row. When the third-row seats are folded, the capacity increases to 1,636L, and folding both the second and third rows expands the cargo space up to 2,780L. Furthermore, it offers 12 smart storage compartments throughout the vehicle, including hidden storage under the third-row floor, enhancing camping convenience.
314 Horsepower High Performance is Also an Advantage
High performance is another advantage of the Traverse. Unlike other large SUVs in the same class that mainly use 4-cylinder diesel engines, the Traverse comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering explosive power performance and smooth engine rotation feel.
In particular, the power output of 314 horsepower and maximum torque of 36.8 kg.m is the most powerful among competing large SUVs using the same V6 engine.
Although it is a car bought for the family, it means that young fathers can freely enjoy power exceeding 300 horsepower anytime, satisfying their high-performance dreams.
True to its American large SUV heritage, the Traverse comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system, allowing it to easily traverse unpaved roads and rugged mountain paths.
The Traverse is equipped with a Traction Mode Select dial that adjusts traction between the front and rear wheels according to various weather and road conditions such as snow and rain. Therefore, even if the road to the campsite is rough and bad weather with snow or rain occurs, it can be handled with ease.
The price of the Chevrolet Traverse, applying the reduced individual consumption tax, is 45.2 million KRW for the LT Leather, 49.0 million KRW for the LT Leather Premium, 50.98 million KRW for the RS, 53.24 million KRW for the Premier, and 55.22 million KRW for the Redline.
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