Next Barina to go on show in Paris

The car billed to become Holden's next Barina, the Chevrolet Aveo, has been confirmed as one of four new models to grace the Chevrolet stand at this month's Paris Motor Show.

Joining Cruze hatch, Orlando people mover and one as yet unnamed other model, the Aveo will adhere closely to the design first seen in the Chevrolet Aveo RS concept car seen earlier this year at both the Detroit and Geneva international motor shows.

The small five-door hatch employs a 'body in, wheels out' profile with styling cues familiar to its concept forebear, including exposed twin-headlamps, dual port grille, rising shoulder line and short rear overhang, as well as the stylish 'hidden' rear door handles.

Reminiscent of its recently released Spark, the Aveo is designed to appeal to younger customers, says Chevrolet, who will also in time release a sporty sedan variant, possibly as early as mid-next year.

"It's just such an exciting time to be at Chevrolet," exclaimed president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe, Wayne Brannon. "In Aveo we have a car which is ready to compete against the best in the small-car segment."

Aveo is wider and longer than the current Australian-spec Barina and boasts more interior space and cargo volume, placing it among the best in its class. The interior is said to feature a few 'surprises', in particular a motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster which features an analogue tachometer combined with a digital speedometer.

Blue backlighting is featured throughout, while the dashboard envelopes the front of the cabin using a wraparound technique. The dash can be colour-coded and flows into both front doors.

The interior is said to utilise high quality materials and has been designed to provide ample storage. The centre stack features an up-to-date infotainment system with USB, auxiliary input (3.5mm socket) and Bluetooth connectivity.

Reflecting its sporting looks, the Aveo is also said to offer a dynamic drive, and has been engineered to provide communicative handling, a characteristic that stems partly from a newly developed, more rigid bodyshell dubbed BFI (body frame integral).

Electronic power steering, stability control and anti-lock brakes will all be included as standard, while under the bonnet, a choice of four petrol and two diesel engines will be offered, as follows:

• 1.2-litre petrol (51kW)
• 1.2-litre petrol (63kW)
• 1.4-litre petrol (73kW)
• 1.6-litre petrol (84kW)
• 1.3-litre diesel (55kW)
• 1.3-litre diesel (69kW)

Both diesel variants will include Start/Stop technology and common rail fuel injection while petrol models employ variable valve timing and dual continuously variable cam phasing.

A six-speed automatic transmission will be offered optionally on 1.4 and 1.6 petrol models while five- and six-speed manual transmissions are offered elsewhere, depending on engine choice.

Aveo is slated to go on sale in Northern American early next year with final specifications of other markets, including Australia, to be tailored in due course.