Chevy working on Aveo-based crossover

According to the blokes over at Autocar, Chevrolet's Korean arm is furiously working on turning the latest Aveo into a five-door, five-passenger crossover. This CUV version of Chevy's subcompact, which just recently began production in Seoul, South Korea with sales slated for early 2011, will reportedly sport a stretched version of the platform and will be offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive flavors.

Upscale interior bits and pieces are apparently being borrowed from the European Opel parts bin, which should mean good things for the Gamma II-based cute 'ute. Other higher-end specs include a next-gen digital display grafted into the dash that is apparently going to filter across the rest of the Chevrolet lineup.

In related news, the British magazine is also reporting that the four-door sedan version of the new Aveo is likely to be shown off at the next Detroit Auto Show in January. Will a crossover join in on the Aveo's time in the spotlight? We'll be there in DSLRs in tow either way.

Source: Autocar

Chevrolet to debut sporty Aveo in paris

Chevrolet has provided a sporty look to its new Aveo subcompact car to target young buyers. This car will be revealed at the Paris auto show later this month by the General Motors Co.

The five-door hatchback has a sporty design similar to the Aveo RS show car launched at the Detroit auto show earlier this year. It has swept back headlights, a rising shoulder line and rear door handles hidden in the C-pillar that give the car a sporty three-door look.

Wayne Brannon, the head of Chevrolet Europe said that the new Aveo will be ready to compete against the best in the small car segment also the Europe's largest segment." The new model is longer and wider than the current model, providing a spacious interior and cargo volume which is best in its class.

The interior has a motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster that features an analog tachometer combined with a digital speedometer and warning lights. Electronic stability control and ABS brakes will be standard on the car.

Aveo will be offered with a diesel engine for the first time in Europe featuring a fuel-saving stop-start technology. The 1.3-liter engine will be available in 75hp and 95hp versions. There are two gasoline engines, an 86-hp1.2-liter unit and a 100-hp unit.

Aveo is the No.2 best seller for Chevrolet in Europe after Matiz with sales of 28,312 in the first seven months, down from 43,630 the year before, according to market researcher JATO Dynamics.

The Aveo will debut in Paris alongside the Orlando seven-seat minivan and Cruze hatchback.