GM fired off the opening salvo at the North American International Auto Show by displaying the all-new Chevrolet Sonic (our Aveo). In addition to the hatchback version already extensively teased to the public, Chevy showed off the sedan version and a racing concept.
The sedan is a handsome-looking piece of metal, looking solidly rendered and not just derived like an afterthought from the hatch. It should give the Honda City a strong run for its money, based on looks alone. As previously shown, the hatchback has hidden rear door handles–a styling touch that allows it to look like a three-door. The racing version, called Z-spec, is an angry hatchback done up in black and orange. Pacho Blanco and Atoy Llave will not be needing any Viagra after viewing the photo.
U.S. specs include powerful engines, the same as the Cruze’s: 1.8-liter inline-four (135 bhp / 167 Nm) or the intriguing 1.4-liter turbo four (138 bhp / 200 Nm). As in the Cruze, transmission choices are five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The car rides on MacPherson struts up front and a torsion-beam axle in the rear. The Sonic/Aveo will ride on an Opel platform, which should bode well for the handling, if the Cruze is any indication.
The interior features a motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster, combining an analog tachometer with an asymmetrical LCD readout and digital speedometer. Safety features on the US-market car include 10 air bags as standard, ABS brakes with EBD, and GM’s OnStar with crash response, a satellite-linked communications service that can call for assistance if the car signals that it has crashed.
Chevy promises best-in-class luggage capacity (the US doesn’t know of the Honda City) and “better rear-seat roominess than Ford Fiesta.” We’d like to have a smaller engine option for when the Aveo makes its way to the Philippines, but otherwise, the car looks like a winner.
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