Daewoo link for Holden's compact SUV

HOLDEN has committed to using GM Daewoo-sourced underpinnings for its compact SUV due in 2005.

To be based on an all-wheel drive version of the J200 (Lacetti/Nubira) platform, the Holden will feature V6 power and completely separate styling to the version being developed for sale as a Daewoo.

The compact SUV is long awaited by Holden, which has had to watch that market sector boom in recent times without being able to get involved.

Holden boss Peter Hanenberger confirmed exclusively to GoAuto the decision to go with the Daewoo. Conversion of the new Chevrolet Equinox to right-hand drive had also been considered, but dismissed at least in part because it was a significant engineering challenge.

Ironically, the Holden version of the SUV could be re-badged as a Chevrolet in right-hand drive markets where the bow-tie brand is sold, such as Japan and Indonesia.

"We will definitely share this design with other partners within GM, definitely," Mr Hanenberger said.

"But we will not have a parallel product, a look-a-like, between Holden and their partners, and Daewoo with their alliance partners. When they come to Australia they will be totally separate." Holden design director Mike Simcoe is overseeing the styling development of both the Holden and Daewoo vehicles, and jetted out to GM Daewoo's South Korean headquarters last Tuesday for his second visit this year.

"Mainly my role is to overview it from a design perspective - and make sure that what Daewoo is doing is credible," Mr Simcoe said.

"The products we get will be appropriate in the timeframe.

"They will fit nicely into our portfolio, both from an appearance and performance standpoint.

"It (the Holden version) will support a V6 without any problems and to fit our brand V6 power would be appropriate I suppose." Mr Simcoe said the Holden compact SUV would share no styling relationship with the Oto/Scope concept cars displayed by GM Daewoo at the Seoul and Geneva motor shows recently.