Indian Autos blog

The Chevrolet Aveo that we see on our Indian streets is actually a facelifted version of the first generation Aveo introduced way back in 2002. The facelift happened in 2005 and finally the second generation (Sonic Twins) took over in 2010.

The Aveo wasn’t much of a seller on the Indian market because it never had any USP of its own, neither was it a jack of all trades. The Aveo missed the essential diesel engine and one hiccup after another spelled doom for this model.

While most Americans love their SUVs and pickup trucks, they are a bit dinosaur-ish now. With fuel prices skyrocketing, it is time to adopt smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. So Chevrolet has introduced our very own Beat in the US markets for a price tag of $12,995 (around 6.6 lakhs INR).

The Chevrolet Beat is re-named as Spark for the US markets. There are a number of changes that have been done to introduce it in the US markets. These include:

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We have been constantly discussing the possibility of a compact SUV from Chevrolet in India to fight the likes of EcoSport and Duster. We have also discussed the possibility of re-badging the Opel Mokka for the Indian market.

However, something peculiar has popped up in the international automotive scene. Chevrolet has filed for patents of a compact SUV.

Car And Driver has rendered the bowtie-donning variant of the Opel Mokka that is expected to hit the Brazilian market this year or the next.

For Brazil C&D has claimed drive is derived from a 1.6-liter 115PS engine alongside the 1.4-liter turbo petrol producing 140PS for powerful SUV lovers. FWD and four-wheel-drive configurations will be available in the international market.

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GM India has hinted of a makeover for the Chevrolet Spark in India this year. Mr Lowell Paddock, President and Managing Director of GM India replied to our question on the Spark’s future at the launch of the Chevrolet Tavera Neo3.

This is the Chevrolet Spark Lite, the South African model that sports a different face

Will the Spark receive a makeover or is it going to be replaced?

I think you should pay attention to our announcements in the second half of the year for more about Spark.

At the Delhi Auto Expo, Mr Vikas Jain, GM India’s Sales director, without diving into the details, told us that the Spark needs “a look change”.

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GM India launched the Chevrolet Tavera Neo3 today giving it the license to occupy showrooms of the megacities as well, thanks to the new BSIV compliant engine. The new 2.0L engine now delivers more power (107PS) and with a VGT, it’s expected to be more refined as well. It is paired to a 5-speed transmission. However the gas mileage has decreased to 12.2 kmpl, certified by the ARAI.

This two-liter engine is not the mill used on the Captiva or the Cruze. It has been developed with ICML, the makers of Rhino and Sonalika branded tractors.

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Newly appointed President and Managing Director of General Motors India has sent Indian Autos Blog readers a quick video message from the launch of the Chevrolet Tavera Neo3.

can’t see the video above? Head over to the Youtube video page to see it there.

The Neo3 was launched today in Delhi that makes the Tavera compatible with BS4 emission standards. This is done using a 2-liter CRDI engine sourced from ICML, the manufacturers of Rhino MUV and Sonalika tractors. GM India has also promised to introduce an MPV with a more aerodynamic and modern design in the latter part of 2012.

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General Motors officials today at the launch of the Tavera Neo3 said the the launch of the refreshed Captiva sporting the 2.2-liter diesel engine will be conducted in the next two-three weeks.

The Captiva was presented at the Auto Expo where some details on the car’s specification were shared. It is powered by a new 2.2-liter 184bhp diesel engine preparing it for war against the next generation Santa Fe and the Pajero Sport.