Chevrolet of America has taken the wraps off of its version of the Aveo, which will be called the Sonic there and in the process it has unveiled the four-door version.
The five-door hatchback Aveo was already revealed at the Paris Motor Show late last year and the four-door sedan completes the range as a more practical alternative, albeit somewhat more conservative in appearance.
Chevrolet of America is bold in its claims that its new baby will "blend the practicality of a small car with the passion for driving that Chevrolet vehicles like the Corvette are known for."
Big words indeed but they can at least claim that the chassis was tuned by Corvette engineers (even if they only had a basic MacPherson strut front and rear torsion beam to work with) and above that the American version is endowed with some decent fire power.
This Cruze-based engine line-up the offers the choice between a 101kW/167Nm 1.8-litre and a 103kW/200Nm 1.4-litre turbo. Transmission options comprise five- and six-speed manuals and a six-speed automatic.
The European Aveo instead offers 52kW and 64kW 1.2-litre and 75kW 1.4-litre petrols (the latter two being the most likely starters for the South African market) and 56kW and 71kW 1.3-litre turbodiesels.
Not just about style and performance, the Aveo/Sonic is big on practicality too, GM claiming that both versions offer more rear-seat room than a Ford Fiesta and that the sedan has the biggest boot in its class.
Top models can be specced to the hilt with niceties like heated front seats and keyless entry and start while all models set a high safety standard with 10 airbags.