- Dynamic hot hatch designed to appeal to young enthusiasts
- Personalization is built into the design
- Roominess and upscale amenities not usually found in subcompacts
- 1.4L I-4 Ecotec turbo delivers exceptional fuel economy with performance when needed
DETROIT – The Chevrolet Aveo RS show car is destined to be one of the show stoppers at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. It features a European-inspired hot hatch look designed to appeal to young enthusiasts, and hints at the next-generation Aveo.
Longer, wider and more spacious than the current production Aveo, the Aveo RS showcases the car’s upscale-looking design cues both inside and out, and presents the many personalization options potentially available on the next-generation car.
“We hope the Aveo RS show car will demonstrate that we are as serious about redefining the Aveo and its place in the small-car segment as we were about reinventing the Malibu,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager.
First impressions
The Aveo RS show car, finished in electric Boracay Blue, wears global Chevrolet design cues such as the dual element grille, round tail lamps and fender flares, but designers turned up the attitude on the show car with low openings and a lower mouth trimmed in a combination of brushed and polished aluminium. Front fog lamps are integrated into an exaggerated brake-cooling inlet that flows into the front fender flares, creating an aggressive-looking face.
Exposed headlamps, with their brushed aluminium structural surround, are inspired by the designers’ affection for motorcycles. The sleek side profile is characterized by uninterrupted body side lines, a high beltline and low roofline.
The side mirrors with amber-coloured turn signal indicators carry the same shape as the car and seemingly disappear into the profile. At first glance, the car actually looks like a three-door hatch because the rear door handles are discreetly located in the “C”-pillar area.
“The Aveo RS show car demonstrates how progressive design can inject personality into a small car,” said Michael Simcoe, executive director, North American Exterior Design. “We want customers to see it and have an emotional reaction to it.”
No performance-minded car earns its street cred without large wheels and tyres. The Aveo RS show car’s wheels are 19-inch, five-spoke with a gun metal metallic finish Chevrolet logo. The wheel openings reveal large Boracay Blue brake callipers.
The rear of the show car continues the sport theme, with an integrated spoiler that flows from the roof, a centre-mounted exhaust and chrome exhaust tips. The exposed motorcycle-inspired rear tail lamps feature tinted aluminium housings and a discreet Bowtie logo.
Spacious and stylish interior
With its matte black interior highlighted by gloss black, metallic and blue accents, the Aveo RS show car reflects as much attention to detail as the exterior. The Boracay Blue theme continues inside, with accent stitching across the dual cockpit instrument panel, front and rear door insert, steering wheel rim, gear shift boot, parking brake, leather seat bolster and even the floor mats.
The integrated centre stack holds the gearshift, HVAC controls and the sound system, including a USB port. Ice-blue backlighting on the audio display, telltale indicator screen and knobs augments the blue stitching.
The motorcycle inspiration also carries inside, with a round, analogue tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout also trimmed in milled metal with round cut-outs; and round, aluminium-trimmed side vents.
The interior is as functional as it is stylish, with storage compartments in the centre stack and doors. The rear seats fold flat for carrying larger items.
Efficient performer
The Aveo RS show car is powered by a highly efficient 103 kW 1.4L I-4 Ecotec turbocharged engine.
A six-speed manual transmission is designed to ensure the car will provide a spirited driving experience.
For the show car, designers created a special engine cover in graphite silver with a brushed aluminium insert. The coolant and power steering fluid fill caps are rimmed in ice blue, and the honeycomb vents flanking the centre of the cover are matte-finished in shadow chrome and designed to match the wheel colour.
The next generation Chevrolet Aveo will be available in South Africa in the near future.
