Chevrolet Aveo gets new look in China
Sun, 25 May 2014The Chinese market is an increasingly vital one for global automakers, including General Motors. The Detroit-based industrial giant claims to offer "the broadest lineup of vehicles and brands among automakers in China," including vehicles sold under the Buick, Cadillac, Opel, Baojun, Jiefang, Wuling and, of course, Chevrolet brands.
In fact, GM is rolling out a new Aveo specifically for the Chinese market, and here it is. Designed with input from GM's Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center in Shanghai, the revised Aveo follows the Trax in adopting Chevy's "Power of Ingenuity – Youth" design language. It features the brand's horizontally split grille, with the updated Bowtie emblem from the latest Cruze. The revised front end also features new headlamps and chrome-trimmed fog lamps, with a sharper belt line leading to a subtly raised rear spoiler, butterfly taillamps and a wider-looking stance with 16-inch wheels wearing Bridgestone rubber at each corner.
An unspecified Ecotec DVVT engine carries over with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the model will go on sale across China starting next month. We're waiting for confirmation from Shanghai GM on just how closely the new model is related to the one it replaces, but in the meantime you can scope out the full details in the press release below and the images in the gallery above.
Shanghai GM Shows New Chevrolet Aveo Family Sedan
Goes on sale across China in June
2014-05-23
Shanghai – Shanghai GM recently provided a preview of the new Chevrolet Aveo family sedan, which goes on sale across China in June.
It is the second model developed in line with Chevrolet's "Power of Ingenuity • Youth" concept, following the Trax urban SUV. It is also the first model featuring Chevrolet's new signature design language – "Design with a Heartbeat."
The new Aveo was jointly created by GM's global design network, including the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in Shanghai. Designers factored in input from current Aveo owners and small car buyers. The result is a refreshed model with a clean yet sporty exterior.
The front end has an upper chrome grille and newly designed front fascia. It features Chevrolet's signature dual-port grille, which is higher and wider than in the present model, for a more striking visual impact. Headlamps are fully integrated into the upper grille, with dynamic accents that create a sharp and fascinating visual impact.
The distinctive grille features the same gold bowtie as the new-generation Cruze, demonstrating a seamless fusion of iconic Chevrolet design cues with the new global design language. The vehicle's fog lights with chrome accents as well as an upscale matte black base create a subtle floating effect that complements the rest of the front end styling.
Belt lines extend outward from the middle of the sedan, where they converge at the slightly raised rear spoiler, balancing aesthetics with aerodynamics. This gives the vehicle a wide-looking stance that is in line with the aesthetic preferences of Chinese car buyers.
In addition, the new Aveo has stylish metal accents and body-colored side mirrors with built-in turn signals that provide a premium look. Class-leading 16-inch Bridgestone tires and new eight-spoke wheels improve grip and stability.
In back, new horizontally sculpted lines converge with butterfly-shaped taillights that have a bowl design. This enhances the visual impact and sense of width. The design also has a concealed exhaust pipe design, which is rarely seen in small cars.
The new Aveo retains the nameplate's state-of-the-art DVVT engine and six-speed automatic transmission as well as enhanced safety features and spacious interior. Since its launch in 2011, the Aveo has been a popular choice in the small car segment.
General Motors traces its roots back to 1908. GM has 10 joint ventures, two wholly owned foreign enterprises and more than 58,000 employees in China. GM and its joint ventures offer the broadest lineup of vehicles and brands among automakers in China. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles are sold under the Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jiefang, Opel and Wuling brands. In 2013, GM sold nearly 3.2 million vehicles in China. More information on General Motors in China can be found at GM Media Online.
By Noah Joseph