GMC Granite rocks Detroit show

As proof of its new design philosophy and marketing thrust, GMC used the Detroit motor show to whip the covers off its smallest vehicle to date -- the Granite concept.

Billed as an "urban utility vehicle", it's based on the same platform as the Holden Cruze, and a production version (if and when it eventuates) could slot into GMC's line-up below the Terrain.

The squat-stanced Granite debuts chiselled styling, and is distinguished by a high waistline and a pseudo chop-top roof.

The concept rides on a massive 20-inch wheel/tyre package and has some overtly futuristic design elements -- such as the slit-like headlights and centrally integrated exhaust -- but these are likely to be toned down for a showroom version.

However, the most striking feature is the rear-hinged suicide doors, which are said to make for easier rear-seat ingress and egress.

The interior, meanwhile, is pure show-car fantasy, with a thoroughly unconventional dash layout and a tan/white/black colour scheme pervading throughout the cabin. The passenger seats can apparently flip and fold against the centre console, liberating enough space for a mountain bike to be stowed onboard.

"Granite was conceived as a new type of vehicle from GMC -- one that could stretch people's ideas of what a GMC can be," said GMC product marketing director Lisa Hutchinson.

"We call it an urban utility vehicle and our goal was redefining what the GMC name could mean to a new generation of customers looking for both bold design and functionality."

Propulsion for the Granite comes from a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine, and drive is channelled to the wheels by a six-speed transmission.

It's a true compact vehicle, as it measures only just over 4m from bumper to bumper, which means it's some 600mm shorter than the current runt of the GMC range (the Terrain).

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