Could the 2023 Seeker help Chevrolet in PH crossover market?

Harry Potter fans are familiar with the term ‘seeker’ as it refers to arguably the most important position in the fictional game of Quidditch. Now, the word jumps from the literary to the automotive world as Chevrolet’s newest compact crossover nameplate. 

Chevrolet's latest crossover for China slots in between the Trailblazer and Equinox 

The model recently made its world debut in Shanghai, intended for release primarily in the Chinese market. Slotting in between the subcompact Trailblazer and the midsize Equinox, the Seeker is built on a variant of the VSS-F platform which underpins the Spark small hatchback as well as the Impala full-size sedan.

“The all-new Seeker features an upgraded powertrain, new design, and enhanced connectivity,” said Jack Uppal, SAIC-GM General Director for Chevrolet. “Its exciting styling, class-leading performance, comfortable interior, and intelligent technology will appeal to today’s younger vehicle buyers.”     

Sportiness is evident on the exterior design

In terms of appearance, the all-new Seeker brings the latest iteration of Chevrolet’s design language, emphasizing a low roofline and hefty proportions. An “X” motif is prominently incorporated on the fascia, splitting the LED headlamps and DRLs into distinct lighting units flanking the large grille. This theme is carried over to the rear, especially evident on the tail lamps and liftgate apron. 

In between these is the generous amount of body cladding that adorns the wheel arches and rocker panels. A set of 18-inch alloy wheels are standard. While the Seeker will predictably be available in several exterior colors, a new addition is the Contemporary Gold paint, alluding to the Golden Snitch as another Quidditch reference for Potterheads. 

An available power tailgate makes loading cargo easier

Inside, the Seeker is heavy on tech where the driver-centric cockpit is concerned. The front seats feature heating and ventilation in addition to power adjustment, while a dual-screen layout comprises a 10.25-inch display each for the instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment functions. 

Connectivity is anchored on an all-new Xiaoxue operating system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and over-the-air software updates. An available Tune Dynamic premium sound system is said to be the first such setup available on a SAIC-GM vehicle. 

The cockpit features dual 10.25-inch displays 

Power for the Seeker comes in the form of a 1.5-liter Ecotec turbocharged inline-4, rated at 177 horsepower and working in concert with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The range-topping RS variant is expected to come with an all-wheel drivetrain. Following its launch later this year in China, the Seeker is slated for other markets in the coming months, possibly being built by GM in South Korea by 2023.            

Away from its popular use in fiction, ‘seeker’ in its most literal sense refers to a person or object in search of something. Considering that the Philippine crossover segment is already having stiff competition with Japanese, Korean, and Chinese contenders, only time will tell if the 2023 Chevrolet Seeker is able to carve out a place for the automaker to stay in the fight.  

Watch out for new model releases at Philkotse.com.