Our Cars: GMC Terrain Denali – Weeks 4-5
Definitely one to put on the short list (final report)
By Shahzad Sheikh
9-18th April 2013 – Read weeks 2-3 here
After nearly 2000km and three tankfuls, the GMC Terrain has gone back and proved to be a surprise hit with the Sheikh household. A high-riding compact SUV with tough rugged looks, decent interior space for the fam and their paraphernalia and cheekily potent performance ripping through the front boots, kept everyone happy during its tenure.
At AED133,000 it might seem a little on the costly side for a compact SUV without four-wheel drive, but the meaty 300bhp, roarty engine note and wannbe-hot hatch tendencies, plus the kit, makes it an enticing purchase. Judging by the number of Terrains I’ve suddenly started noticing on the roads, I guess many others have arrived at this conclusion before me.
Felt pretty robust and satisfying from behind the steering wheel too, and a big step up from GMC products of not that long ago. Fit and finish was pretty good, nothing broke, rattles, came loose and everything worked unerringly. Feels genuinely robust as well as considerably more sophisticated than you might think.
One of the questions we’re often asked about the long-term cars is running costs, in terms of maintenance etc. Sadly we never have the cars long enough to truly experience the customer service, and in most cases it’s even hard to get the associated costs.
When asked, responses can vary from wishy-washy to downright obstructive. No such issue with the Terrain it seems. Having attended the launch of Chevrolet Care programme which excels in very clear menu pricing for servicing, it turned out that GMC is similarly transparent and printed leaflets are available at the workshops.
The one I picked up for the Terrain reveals that the first service at 10,000km – which this car is just about due for at 9500km – costs a mere AED439. 20k and 100k servicing is AED779. 40k is AED949, 60k is AED1439 and 80k is AED1459. I can also tell you that wiper blades cost AED239, front brake pads are AED609 and rears are AED459.
All useful info when considering a new car purchase and budgeting ahead – other manufacturers would do well to learn from the lead.
Own a Terrain? Let us know how you go on with it below.
