Happenings

Four Chevrolets To Debut In France

BY Keegan Gan

Chevrolet's new range of cars are set to star in Paris.

Making their world premiere at the Paris Motor Show, four Chevrolet models are set on being star attractions at the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris on September 30.

Based on the show car concept first seen at the Paris show in 2008, the Chevrolet Orlando is a vehicle designed for modern families, combining seven-seat practicality and interior flexibility with a crossover style design. Chevrolet's new compact MPV features a bold appearance with its low roof line and crossover inspired silhouette, while retaining the distinctive and recognizable Chevrolet 'global face' depicted by the split grille and bow-tie badge. The Orlando's low swept roof line is complemented by the muscular, protruding wheel-arches, housing 16, 17 or 18 inch wheels.

The Orlando is based on Chevrolet's successful and award-winning Cruze sedan, already proven to offer excellent ride and handling. Under the hood there will be a choice of three of Chevrolet's latest fuel-efficient engines: a 1.8 liter gasoline with 141 hp and two 2.0 liter diesels with 131 hp or 163 hp. Full production of the Chevrolet Orlando starts in October with the car going on sale across Europe in early 2011, followed by additional markets around the globe.

The story of the Chevrolet Cruze goes from strong to stronger with the latest chapter heralding the launch of a new 5-door hatchback model, further evidence of Chevrolet's commitment to bring value for money in every segment in which it competes. With the introduction of the new Cruze hatchback, customers have an alternative body style to the traditional sedan and Chevrolet has raised the bar again with a vehicle that brings new levels of value against some of the more established competition.

Featuring an attractive sweeping coupe roof line and short overhangs at both the front and rear, the new Cruze hatchback has the same dynamic 'stance' as the sedan and will be instantly recognizable. It will benefit too from the same taut body 'feel' on the road, being built using the new body-frame integral system (BFI) which is complemented by the final tuning to chassis components resulting in high levels of stability and solidity. The new Chevrolet Cruze 5-door hatchback will go on sale across Europe mid 2011, followed by other global markets.

Entering the highly competitive global small car segment, striking design elements of the new Chevrolet Aveo include the aggressive looking front with its exposed twin-headlamps and dual port grille, compact taut body panels with a rising shoulder line and short rear overhangs, the 'hidden' rear door handles which now feature in the c-pillar and a 'body in, wheels out' profile which is now very much part of the new Chevrolet design language.

Reflecting the little Chevrolet’s sporty personality, the new Aveo has been engineered to provide involving handling, a characteristic which stems partly from its tight body frame integral (BFI) structure where high torsional rigidity has been achieved - among the stiffest in the small car segment. A comprehensive range of four cylinder petrol and diesel engines will be available in the new Chevrolet Aveo which includes two 1.2 liter versions (at 70 hp and at 86hp), a 1.4 liter unit (100 hp) and a 1.6 liter (115hp). For the first time, Aveo will also be offered with two versions of a 1.3 liter diesel engine (at 75 hp and at 95 hp) featuring Start/Stop technology.

The new Captiva SUV will be seen for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, featuring a new front end design, a range of enhancements to the interior and new engines and transmissions. The Captiva combines confident and dynamic new styling with an available active-on-demand all-wheel drive system that distributes power as needed. It retains the advantages of its adaptable, theatre-style seating in three rows which comfortably accommodates up to seven passengers. A number of features are immediately noticeable when viewing the new Captiva from the front, including its athletic stance: the sharply sculptured hood, Chevrolet’s signature dual-port grille with the Chevrolet 'bow-tie' seated proudly in the middle and the prism style headlamps and integrated LED turn signals on the outside rear view mirrors. Moving around to the front fenders, the side air vents now take on a more angular shape to emphasize the new Captiva's sportiness, while from the A pillars back, the Captiva retains its handsome profile, characterized by a sleek, rising shoulder line.

Many changes are also taking place under the Captiva's hood. In Europe, four new powerful engines will come standard with a new manual or automatic six-speed transmission for a powerful, smooth ride. The new engine line-up, which is comprised of two gasoline engines (2.4L and 3.0L) and two turbo-diesel variants (2.2L), incorporates a host of advanced technologies aimed at delivering an optimal balance of performance and fuel economy. The Captiva is scheduled for spring 2011.