Chevrolet got the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) underway with the announcement of the Aveo replacement, the Sonic. The Sonic was first shown at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year, when it was unveiled as the Aveo RS, and is aimed at the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2.

The Sonic has been built inline with Chevrolet’s current global design, engineering and manufacturing practices, with the aim of achieving a best-in class-offering with in all areas – from exterior styling, interior design, ride and handling, to performance. Add to this list a well spec’d interior specification and levels of active and passive safety features, and the Aveo replacement looks very promising indeed.

The Sonic’s exterior styling, in hatch and sedan body styles, is sporty and youthful in nature, while the interior adds a dose of sporty sophistication, including the motorcycle inspired instrument cluster that we first saw on the current Spark.

Power plants for the new Chevrolet Sonic include 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol units, mated to a 5-spd manual transmission, or 5-spd automatic in the case of the 1.6.

The Sonic hatchback will be launched later this year, with the sedan to follow in early 2012.