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Sneak a peek at Chevrolet's next-generation Aveo

We have what looks to be the first shots of a production-ready 2012 Chevrolet Aveo (in sedan configuration) and it looks like the concept to car lot transition has been kind to the sub-compact.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
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Antuan Goodwin

production Chevrolet Aveo rendering
Although toned down from the RS concept, the production Aveo is still fairly aggressive. Kicking Tires/Chevrolet

I maintain a sort of goofy interest in all things Chevy Aveo, but it's mostly tongue-in-cheek irony. However, the sexy Chevrolet Aveo RS concept unveiled at the 2010 Detroit auto show made me do a double take. (Yeah, I'm having an issue with the juxtaposition of "sexy" and "Aveo," too.) Now, we have what looks to be the first shots of a production-ready 2012 Aveo (in sedan configuration) and it looks like the concept to car lot transition has been kind to the subcompact.

Pulling more that a little inspiration from its larger sibling the Chevy Cruze, the next-generation Aveo is a handsome little people hauler. On the inside, the homage continues with a sweeping, wrap-around dashboard and a glossy center stack capped by a modestly-sized monochrome display. The Aveo differentiates itself with a digital instrument cluster with an offset analog tachometer, a layout more common on motorcycles than in cheap commuter cars.

Aveo interior
The Aveo's analog/digital instrument cluster echoes that of a motorcycle. Kicking Tires/Chevrolet

Fit and finish has been an issue with Aveos, so hopefully this new 2012 model will back up its looks with an acceptable level of quality. It'll have to in order to compete with the likes of the Honda Fit and the upcoming Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2 subcompacts.