Conventional wisdom (and spy photos) told us that the next Chevrolet Aveo hatchback would draw heavily upon the styling of the Aveo RS concept, and now we know that to be fact. The production-ready Aveo five-door you see here will debut at the Paris auto show later this month in European-market trim.
Compared to the RS concept, the front fascia has been toned down, the slim side mirrors have been replaced with more practical/legal units, and the 19-inch wheels are gone, replaced by smaller rollers that nevertheless nicely fill the wheel wells. Carrying over, however, are subtly flared wheel arches, aggressively angled lighting elements with black surrounds, “hidden” rear door handles, and a roof spoiler. Chevy says it was going for a “sporty hot-hatch” design, and while the Aveo’s no Mazdaspeed 3 in the looks department, the new model at least looks hotter than its way-dorky predecessor.
Longer and wider than the current version—the forthcoming Spark will take up the tiniest-car torch for Chevrolet in late 2011—the new Aveo should boast commensurately increased interior space. Expect improved interior materials and design, too, as the production car will retain the concept car’s funky, motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster and have a wraparound dash that can be color-coded to the car’s exterior. Available technology includes Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
European buyers will be able to choose from four gasoline-engine options—a 1.2-liter in 70- or 86-hp strengths, a 1.4-liter making 100 hp, or a 115-hp 1.6-liter—as well as a 1.3-liter diesel four making 75 or 95 hp. Depending on the engine, a five- or six-speed manual transmission will be the base gearbox; an optional six-speed automatic transmission will be available with the 1.4- and 1.6-liter engines. The usual caveat: Expect only the largest gas-fired stuff to make it to the U.S.
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