There is no shortage of new cars for Chevrolet at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show, and joining the Orlando MPV and Cruze hatchback show car will be the eagerly awaited Chevrolet Aveo. The Aveo RS show car was displayed at the Detroit and Geneva motor shows earlier in 2010, and with the final production-ready model, Chevrolet has a car that has carried over strong links to the earlier concept.
Entering the highly competitive global small car segment, design elements of the new Chevrolet Aveo include the aggressive looking front with its exposed twin-headlamps and dual port grille, a rising shoulder line with short rear overhang, the ‘hidden’ rear door handles located in the c-pillar and a ‘body in, wheels out’ stance, which is very much part of the new Chevrolet design language.
The new Aveo is longer and wider than the current model, giving it more passenger and cargo space. The interior design follows the trend set by the Spark, with a motorcycle-inspired instrument binnacle, which features an analogue tachometer combined with a digital speedometer and warning lights. Blue backlighting features on the centre console, while the whole of the front cabin is enveloped in a wrap-round fascia. The new Aveo promises quality materials used in the interior, as well as multiple storage spaces in the centre stack and the modern audio system with USB, Aux-In and Bluetooth functionality.
Like the Spark, the Aveo has been engineered to provide competent handling, a characteristic which stems partly from its tight body frame integral (BFI) structure where high torsional rigidity has been achieved – among the stiffest in the small car segment. The new Aveo’s chassis has been tuned to satisfy European tastes with a ride and handling ratio that combines comfort with responsiveness. Electronic power steering (EPS), Electronic stability control (ESC) and ABS brakes will be standard.
A choice of petrol and diesel engines will be available in the new Chevrolet Aveo. These include two 1.2-litre petrol engines (at 52 kW and at 64 kW), a 1.4-litre unit (74 kW) and a 1.6-litre (85 kW) engine. For the first time, Aveo will be offered with two versions of a 1.3-litre diesel engine (at 55 kW and at 70 kW) featuring Start/Stop technology.
A 6-speed automatic transmission will be an available option on the Aveo 1.4- and 1.6-litre models in most markets, while manual transmissions are either 5- or 6-speed depending on engine choice.
