Chevrolet released pictures and details of the produciton version of the new Aveo hatchback which will go on sale in 2011. In many aspects, the Aveo remains loyal to the RS concept version which according to Chevrolet was a wake up call for the world of hot-hatches! This 5-door hatchback will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show this month along with the other brand-new models Orlando MPV and Cruze hatchback.
The new Chevy Aveo looks much much better than the previous gen, which was awful to be honest! It features aggressive looking front with its exposed twin-headlamps and dual port grille, compact taut body panels with a rising shoulder line and short rear overhangs, the ‘hidden’ rear door handles which now feature in the c-pillar and a ‘body in, wheels out’ profile which is now very much part of the new Chevrolet design language.
The car has a rather boxy shape, but that means it’s spacious and practical inside, and it has to have such qualities in order to survive in the European market where it faces tough and merciless competition.
Up-market blue backlighting features on the centre console while the whole of the front cabin is enveloped in a wrap-round fascia. This can be colour-coded and flows from the dash into both the driver’s and front passenger’s doors. Aveo customers will appreciate the quality materials used in the interior as well as multiple storage spaces in the center stack and the modern audio system with USB, aux-in and Bluetooth functionality.
As for the engines, it comes with choice of a 1.2 litre version (at 86 hp) and a 1.4 litre unit (100 hp) petrol units while for the first time, a 1.3 litre diesel engine (at 75 hp and at 95 hp) featuring Start/Stop technology is also available. The car will come as standard with Electronic stability control (ESC) and ABS brakes. Manual transmissions are of 5 or 6 speed depending on engine choice.
Wayne Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe says: “It’s just such an exciting time to be at Chevrolet; not only do we have new entries into the MPV and compact classes, in Aveo we have a car which is ready to compete against the best in the small car segment, which is also Europe’s largest segment.”
