General Motors is definitely focused on becoming a serious contender in the small car market segment. The production model of the new 2011 Chevrolet Aveo is one of four models that will premiere at the Paris Motor Show next month in addition to the Orlando MPV and Cruze hatchback.
Reminiscent of the recently introduced Spark in Europe, the new Aveo is designed to appeal to younger customers with its sporty hot-hatch look. A four-door sedan variant will launch in Europe alongside the hatch next summer. Both hatch and sedan are practical small cars providing ample interior space.
Wayne Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe says: “It’s just such an exciting time to be at Chevrolet; in Aveo we have a car which is ready to compete against the best in the small-car segment.”
The gasoline engine choices includes two 1.2 liter versions (at 70 hp and at 86hp), a 1.4 liter unit (100 hp) and a 1.6 liter (115hp). For the first time, Aveo will be offered with two versions of a 1.3 liter diesel engine for the European market (at 75 hp and at 95 hp) featuring Start/Stop technology.
Chevrolet’s first 6-speed automatic transmission on a small car will be featured on the Aveo 1.4 and 1.6 as an option in most European markets; manual transmissions are of 5 or 6 speed depending on engine choice.
General Motors will be expanding Chevrolet of Europe’s lineup by adding a five-door Cruze model. With the introduction of the new Cruze hatchback, customers have an alternative body style to the traditional sedan, but don’t expect GM to offer the more functional Cruze in the United States. “Americans don’t like hatchbacks,” remember?
Cargo capacity for the Cruze hatchback is close to 400 liters and will feature 60/40 split rear seating.
The new Chevrolet Cruze 5-door hatchback will go on sale across Europe mid 2011 with prices announced nearer the launch date.
The Chevrolet Orlando is based on the show car concept first seen at Paris in 2008. The Chevrolet Orlando family car has the 7-seating capacity with crossover style design. The Orlando’s styling has low swept roof line with the muscular, protruding wheel-arches, housing that can hold 16, 17 or 18 inch wheels.
In the interior, the Orlando features the latest design cues form the Chevrolet Corvette, such as dual cockpit and ambient blue backllighting to the center console. The Orlando has seven seats, but it can be quite cramped when fully loaded due to its crossover design. However, GM has found enough room to provide family-friendly interior amenities, including a hidden storage area behind the front fascia of the audio system.
As for the powertrains, there will be a choice of three of Chevrolet’s latest fuel efficient engines: a 1.8 liter gasoline engine with power output of 141 hp and two diesel engines, the Chevrolet’s 2.0 liter diesel engines with power output of 131 hp or 163 hp.
Unfortunately, the Chevrolet Orlando won’t be available in the United States anytime soon. General Motors plans to have the Chevrolet Orlando available in Canada and Europe only. Production of the Chevrolet Orlando starts in October, and it will go on sale across Europe and Canada in early 2011.
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