Indian Autos blog

GM India’s entry level babies – Beat and Spark are doing great in the Indian market constantly clocking 2,500+ units every month. However, if you want a bit of space at the back, certainly you need something bigger. The next ‘big’ car in the portfolio is the Aveo U-VA which is not doing so well. Its outdated technology combined with really dull looks means it is a bit of a  [ Read More ]

The Aveo sedan, dubbed as Chevrolet Sonic for the North American market, has been revealed in the form of images and details. The Spark-inspired cockpit and spacious rear seat are features we expected to see on the 6-8 lakh rupee sedan. During the launch of the Beat in January 2010, GM India told IAB that the new Aveo (we know now as Sonic), in its sedan form, will arrive in  [ Read More ]

Ed Welburn, global design chief of General Motors, explains the design language on the new Chevrolets that debuted in Paris this past week. He talks about the concept of the Orlando, Cruze hatchback and the Aveo.

India will get the new Aveo twins next year with Multi-jet diesel engines. The sedan is expected to arrive first followed by the hatch and some of the Chinese vans. General Motors could also possibly introduce LPG and CNG kits on these models.

The Orlando is a well-appointed mini van and its chances in India are slim.

Have you read our conversation with Ed Welburn this year?

The Chevrolet Aveo production model will be shown at the Paris Motor Show this month. Prior to that, Chevrolet wants to ensure everyone has seen the vehicle digitally and hence this video featuring stills that were released a while back.

The new Aveos (sedan and hatchback) are going to be manufactured here in India and fitted with 1.2-liter petrol and 1.3-liter diesel engines.

What the video does is zooms into every aspect of the car so that you get a solid idea on what it’s about.

An interpretation of new Aveo which according to reports will be the replacement in 2011

GM India is planning to phase out the underperforming Chevrolet Aveo from the Indian market. GM will bring the next generation Aveo into the market next year (T type car of the 300 series platform) and it will most likely replace the current Aveo.

GM India has confirmed the existing Aveo will not receive any further upgrades or new powertrains this year. The company just introduced a CNG variant of the Aveo during the Auto expo. It seems the electric powertrains, which according to the company is suitable for application on small cars, won’t be transplanted into the Aveo.

President and Managing Director of Indiia, Mr.Karl Slym told IAB that next year, GM will bring this hatchback to India under a different name. Like the path followed with the Chevrolet Beat, which essentially is a Spark replacement in Europe, the Chevrolet Aveo replacement which is the T-Series offering of the 300 platform you see here will be sold alongside in India.

We don’t know anything about the engine options. Possibly the 1.2-liter engine offered on the Beat could be tuned for slightly more power/torque and placed under the bonnet of the entry-level model. Interior spy shots of the next generation Aveo revealed the presence of automatic transmission and steering column mounted instrument cluster.

The rear door handle, like on the Chevrolet Beat, is hidden away in the C-Pillar. Ed Welburn, Global design chief of GM disclosed to us that the new range of models would share components to reduce input costs. We have to wait and see which these components are.

The next generation Chevrolet Aveo was caught testing in China wearing none of that protective clothing. For our new readers, we have already posted a spy shot and artist rendering of the next generation Aveo before.

Product specifications have not leaked past the walls of GM China HQ. An assortment of petrol and diesel engines is a safe bet.

Who knows? After the tie-up between REVA and GM India, there could even be a electric version of this vehicle. It’s all a possibility.

No one from the Indian wing of GM have spoken of the next generation Aveo and going by the silence, this car is not coming to India in the near future. We’ve already begun our investigation, so expect something on the Aveo soon here on IAB.

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GM has launched a new styling package for the Chevrolet Aveo in the UK. This pack is applicable only for the 3-door model, but as we have seen in the past, only a matter of time before the 5-door gets the same creaming.

The styling pack consists of front and rear spoilers, side skirts, floor mats, chrome exhaust tailpipe and skid plates and chrome-effect door handles and interior air vents. Metallic paint is also included.

Cool or uncool?