Chevrolet Aveo - The General Gets Going

GM readies a new model blitz to replace its ageing Corsa line-up while adding a new found thrust for the performance seekers with its Optra SRV

Vikram Gour

Being the world's largest automobile manufacturer is no small feat, but GM’s Indian arm has seen its share of ups and downs in the country. The Tavera and the Optra from the Chevrolet stable have seen an upturn in GM India’s fortunes and the company is now bullish on growth and expects to have a 10 percent market share in India by the year 2010.

Buoyed by their last year’s encouraging performance, GMI has announced that they will be stepping up production and launching five new vehicles in the first half of this year. The General’s onslaught has begun with the unveiling of three new models for India. These are the Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, Chevrolet Aveo and Optra SRV. These vehicles, which you see on these pages, are to hit our roads starting this month. Which of these cars will be launched first is not yet clear, but we’ll find out soon enough! According to Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director, GMI, ‘All three cars are international products with the latest technology. They have been re-engineered based on extensive testing across the country to meet the specific needs of our customers, local driving conditions and regulations.’

The General needed to get going in India and the new Aveos (U-VA hatch (see above) and the saloon (see right) would take over from the present Corsa range quite well. GM’s plans to put a true hot hatch into the frame though is the most impressive aspect of its model thrust, this being the stylish Optra SRV (see below right) packed full with dynamic performance.

The Aveo U-VA has been designed by Italdesign’s Giorgio Giugiaro. This five-door hatchback looks somewhat similar to the Hyundai Getz but according to company officials, the Aveo- U-VA has class-leading performance, courtesy a VGIS (Variable Geometry Intake System) powertrain. Although this has not been formally announced, we expect the engine to be a 1400cc unit.

The Aveo sedan has an interesting front, which is supposedly designed keeping in mind pedestrian safety in the event of an accident. Viewed from the side, the Aveo looks similar to the new Ford Fiesta, against which it will be positioned. I managed to get a peek into the car’s interiors – there seems to be decent space in there and quality seemed up to mark. The car will be offered with a choice of either 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines, while those who want diesel power will have to wait.

The Chevrolet Optra SRV is a hatchback version of the Optra sedan. Coupled with tweaks to the 1.6-litre VGIS engine, this will be one hot hatch and will be more expensive than all other hatchbacks in India. The front end has been restyled and doesn’t resemble the Optra which we know. The SRV has a leaner, sleeker look with all new raked back headlamps.

With a trio of new products waiting in the wings, the General is pulling out all stops and getting ready to take on competitors in a big way. Also expect the Matiz / Spark in 2007. Watch out, GM finally means business.

Source: Car India February 2006.