Chevrolet Prepared to Unveil Three Minicar Concepts Next Week in New York

[Northstar]

Chevrolet Prepared to Unveil Three Minicar Concepts Next Week in New York

The Chevrolet Trax is one of three Chevrolet minicar global concepts that General Motors will unveil at the New York International Auto Show on April 4. Designed to appeal to young car buyers in urban markets, these concepts will prove that art needn’t take a back seat just because the canvas is small. The highly creative concepts drive the energy, diversity and excitement of urban life into cars that deliver good-looking fun, fuel economy and value.

After the April 4 unveiling, democracy lovers will get the chance to pick their favorite by visiting www.vote4chevrolet.com and cast their vote for the concept they prefer. The results will help Chevy determine U.S. market interest in the minicar segment, and which design resonates best with potential buyers.

All three concepts were designed at GM’ s Design Studio in Incheon, South Korea, one of GM’s 11 Global Design Studios. Built on GM’s global mini architecture, they demonstrate the flexibility, creativity and innovative focus of design in GM’s Asia Pacific region.

“These concepts highlight the strength and diversity of GM’s Global Design capabilities, as well as the ability of our Global Product Development team to anticipate and quickly meet the evolving needs of our diverse markets around the world,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, GM Global Design.

The four-door Trax is powered by a 1-liter gasoline engine. The upper part of the exterior is bathed in Blaze Orange, while lower corner panels sport a Burnt Orange matte finish. The paint combination provides a look that reinforces the notion this Chevrolet is all business despite its small size.

[aaaantoine]

That's a great looking car for its size.

So... Is this considered sub-sub-compact?

[ocnblu]

What a cheeky little monkey. Cute.

[loki]

looks like a taller mini, size wise.

the front has a masked hero sort of design to it, imho

[ToniCipriani]

looks like a taller mini, size wise.

the front has a masked hero sort of design to it, imho

Mini Traveller killer?

[roadwarrior]

I dunno, guys...I just can't find anything to like about this car. It looks like the mother was an FJ Cruiser, and the father was half Mini, half Honda Element.

[AAS]

I like the idea behind these concepts... can't wait to see all three and vote on them.

[turbo200]

this is the only interesting debut at NY so far. they look really well executed. now which platform is this, and when can we start talking production?

[Flybrian]

this is the only interesting debut at NY so far. they look really well executed. now which platform is this, and when can we start talking production?

From an article I somewhat remember posting, Gamma and turn-of-the-decade.

[z28luvr01]

I won't say it's anything close to beautiful, but it's a lot better looking than most cars in this size class, which generally eschews form for function.

Good for GM for finally preparing to have a presence in this segment. Seems like by the end of the decade GM's "green" quotient will be multiple times what it is now.

[Cadillacfan]

It's refreshing to see a US car company introduce a new minicar let alone three. Seems like the Gamma platform is going to be GM's new shining star. I can't wait. This will grab some serious points with the Asian/European auto community and environmentalists who blame GM for all the problems in the world.

[carstar]

A while ago we mentioned what brands that competes with sicon. While it's not logical that any of gm's brand should be a direct competor, the chevrolet minicar concept could go one on one with the small XA since it's appears to be a sub-compact with a high roof.

I totally love the idea that were given three concepts and vote on the concept that we like.

[american_revolution_2005]

This looks nice. Would this be an Aveo replacement because the Aveo is too boring.

[enzl]

Whatever these cars look like, this is exactly what GM should be doing to showcase that they are something other than a rental car/truck company.

Kudos to GM on using an eco-conscious city like NY as an intro site. The Trax looks like a solution to the 3rd world road quality issues, and, while certainly not traditionally handsome, its got a 'look' that stands out from the frumpy, typical minicar.

[Guest YellowJacket894]

Ha. That is pretty cool. It's retro and modern at the same time. Neat.

Let's see the other two and watch Scion $h! the bed.

[bcjohnso99]

It's refreshing to see a US car company introduce a new minicar let alone three.

Good for GM but yet another example of design shops in other countries doing the best work. Not to say that Americans can't do it, but you have to admit that the flow of designs and cars seems greater into the US than out of it.

It's time for GM NA to step up and design a killer global car.

[DetroitNut90]

Meh...not terrible, but nothing I's spend my money on. It could work with some revisions to the grille, IMO.

[CSpec]

Interesting I guess, but of little relevance to US consumers.

[91z4me]

I kinda like it. Weird but not like the Toyota Yaris. I can't wait to see the others. They would be right up the college student's alley.

[dimitri0917]

thats very ugly... I'm a GM guy, but when I think about styling, I always pretend like it's from Ford or DCX... If this was from them, I would hate it, and from GM, I hate it.

[AxelTheRed]

That thing is ugly as sin, and I'll bet if it were badged as a Honda or Scion, this entire forum would be tearing it a new one.

[Northstar]

When I first saw it, I thought of this:

I don't think the front end is terrible, and I actually think girls would find it cute, but the rest is blah.

[Viperfan07]

Aw I wanna hold it. I like it. It has a cute but confident appearance kinda like the superhero's sidekick.

[enzl]

That thing is ugly as sin, and I'll bet if it were badged as a Honda or Scion, this entire forum would be tearing it a new one.

Most minicars are homely...as the resident 'import humper' I think I may be uniquely qualified to defend the previous thread posts....

I think the prevailing opinions have more to do with 3 minicar concept debuts' in NY rather than the actual quality of the actual vehicles...it means GM is finally listening, or at least coping with reality rather than ignoring the obvious, be it their competition or the need to 'greenwash' their image.

[AxelTheRed]

I don't think the front end is terrible, and I actually think girls would find it cute, but the rest is blah.

Ok, I'll give it that. This thing would definitely be a major chick magnet.

[ZL-1]

Could these concepts be a preview of Chevy getting a version of the NG Opel Agila? It wouldn't seem to fit Saturn, but it could fit Chevy very well as an entry below the Aveo.

[zeek]

i like it. make it on a good sturdy light platform and let gm performance build a blower or sucker for it and it could compete with the mini! i really like the styling and if it can corner and has an engine that can be bosted and have a nice high rev engine it would make for a cool auto-x car!

[thegriffon]

looks like a taller mini, size wise.

the front has a masked hero sort of design to it, imho

Smaller.

From an article I somewhat remember posting, Gamma and turn-of-the-decade.

Nope.

To refresh your memories:

Global mini car—A0-segment—GM Daewoo—Chevrolet Spark/Matiz, future offshoots

Global small car (nee Gamma)—B/C-segment—GM Daewoo—Corsa, Aveo, Meriva

Global Compact Car (nee Delta)—C/D-segment—GM Europe—Astra, Cobalt etc.

Global Midsize car (nee Epsilon)—D–F-segments—GM Europe—Epica, Aura, LaCrosse, Malibu etc.

The Mini is in the A-segment, next above the A0-segment.

A0 segment vehicles are the smallest 4-seat vehicles requiring a driver's licence. Their size and displacement is restricted in some markets (e.g. Japan, Korea) in exchange for parking and tax perks. Japanese minicars are restricted to 3.4 m length, Korean to 3.5 m length. Export versions are sometimes longer and wider, but 5-seat hatchbacks above 3.6 m in length, such as the Mini and former Echo, are in the full A-segment. The newest 4-seat European minicars (Renault Twingo and Fiat 500) are bigger than typical Asian models and are pushing close to 5-seat A-segment models in size.

Aside from GM Daewoo's new Matiz, major 5-door A0-segment models are the Daihatsu Trevis, Suzuki Alto, Fiat Panda, Honda Life, Subaru R2, Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 107/Citroen C1, Changan Benni, Mitsubishi i, Kia Picanto and Hyundai Atos. Daihatsu and Suzuki specialize in these vehicles, Suzuki supplying versions to Mazda and Nissan. Honda's models are all supplied by Yochiyo Industries, with practically no exports. Japenese mini cars come in a wide variety of flavors, not only hatchbacks, but also MPVs, high-roof vans, pickups, SUVs and sports cars (all less than 3.4 m long and with engines smaller than 660 cc).

[regfootball]

What a cheeky little monkey. Cute.

agreed. That's one monkey I'd like to take for a ride.

[thegriffon]

The Agila is a much bigger 5-seat A-segment MPV.

[vrazzhledazzle]

I love the idea. Fuel economy should be great & if they look good and are priced right there is no reason for the Smart to come to the US.

Not crazy about this design, but I'll stay optimistic for the other two.

[thegriffon]

i like it. make it on a good sturdy light platform and let gm performance build a blower or sucker for it and it could compete with the mini! i really like the styling and if it can corner and has an engine that can be bosted and have a nice high rev engine it would make for a cool auto-x car!

You mean like the 1.0 L turbo from the Volt Concept?

[Camino LS6]

I hate this entire class of cars, this one included.

[GMTruckGuy74]

This face:

Reminds me of this face:

[haypops]

I like the idea behind these concepts...

reminds me of the Solistice/Curve/Nomad concept triplets of a few years ago.

[91z4me]

When I first saw it, I thought of this:

I don't think the front end is terrible, and I actually think girls would find it cute, but the rest is blah.

I can see that. And I actually like that concept a little better.

I was also a BIG fan of the Dodge M80 concept. Perhaps GM can put out a super small pickup derivative as well. Something like the Astravan but smaller and with no rear top. It would be a VERY innovative concept.

You mean like the 1.0 L turbo from the Volt Concept?

I think you meant to use: :AH-HA_wink:

[91z4me]

Aside from GM Daewoo's new Matiz, major 5-door A0-segment models are the Daihatsu Trevis, Suzuki Alto, Fiat Panda, Honda Life, Subaru R2, Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 107/Citroen C1, Changan Benni, Mitsubishi i, Kia Picanto and Hyundai Atos. Daihatsu and Suzuki specialize in these vehicles, Suzuki supplying versions to Mazda and Nissan. Honda's models are all supplied by Yochiyo Industries, with practically no exports. Japenese mini cars come in a wide variety of flavors, not only hatchbacks, but also MPVs, high-roof vans, pickups, SUVs and sports cars (all less than 3.4 m long and with engines smaller than 660 cc).

I was curious so I looked up some of these just to see what they looked like.

Subaru R2

Subaru R1

Honda Life

Toyota Aygo

Interestingly enough the Toyota seems to be the looker of the group.

thegriffon if you have some pics of the pickups and sports cars or even just model names please post them as I am pretty curious about these.

[FAPTurbo]

Meh.

[Oracle of Delphi]

When you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig!

[Sixty8panther]

Honestly without any amount of bias at ALL that this is

the best looking city car ever, or possibly the 2nd best

looking city car if you include the original 1959 Mini.

Very cool, awsome styling. Cute but not stupid.

[91z4me]

Honestly without any amount of bias at ALL that this is

the best looking city car ever, or possibly the 2nd best

looking city car if you include the original 1959 Mini.

Very cool, awsome styling. Cute but not stupid.

Would it move up to #1 if it were BOF and RWD? How about if it had a really tiny V8? :AH-HA_wink:

[Z-06]

Tiny V8 with AFM.

[Flybrian]

Does someone want a Trax SS?!?!

[loki]

Tiny V8 with AFM.

yours and 91z4me: funny

i really wonder what kinda power you could get from a ~2L v8, IBC for packaging reasons obviously, if it's to fit in this car and would it have to be throttle body, cause that intake runners would be TINY!??

[balthazar]

Ford offered a 2.2L flathead V-8 (136 CI) in the late '30s- I've seen one on a stand- it looked more like a model than a 'real' motor.

[PurdueGuy]

I think it looks great, but they should pick one color for the body panels, or not do the jagged random two-tone like the Element *used* to do... it just looks cheap (though slightly better when half the panels aren't just unpainted panels...)

[thegriffon]

I was curious so I looked up some of these just to see what they looked like.

Subaru R2

Subaru R1

Honda Life

Toyota Aygo

Interestingly enough the Toyota seems to be the looker of the group.

thegriffon if you have some pics of the pickups and sports cars or even just model names please post them as I am pretty curious about these.

The R1 is a 2+2, not a full 4-seater, and is substantially smaller than the standard Japanese Keijidosha.

The Chinese name for the Changan Benni is Ben Ben

Sports cars

the 1993 Suzuki Cara and the Daihatsu Copen of 2002

Hatchbacks

Keijidosha (3395 mm long, 1475 mm wide, 660 cc)

Daihatsu:

Sonica, ESSE, Mira, Mira Gino, Mira Avy, Move. Slightly different export versions with larger engines are the Trevis, Charade, Perodua (Daihatsu's Malaysian subsidiary) Kelisa and the old Kancil.

Suzuki:

Alto, Lapin (hare), Cervo, Kei, MR Wagon, WagonR (some of these are sold as Mazdas and Nissans). A bigger Alto to accommodate larger engines is exported.

Mitsubishi:

Minica, eK-Wagon, i

Subaru:

R2, Pleo, Stella

Honda (actually Yachiyo Industry Co.):

Life, That's, Zest

European, just over 3.4 m long and 1630 mm wide:

1st-gen Renault Twingo

Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 107, Citroen C1 triplets.

Korean-regulation minicars (3495 mm long, 1495 mm wide):

Daewoo Matiz

Hyundai Atos

Kia Visto

Then there are the infamous Chery QQ and the new QQ3, slightly longer than the original Matiz.

The export version of the Visto, the wider Kia Picanto, soon to be joined by a Hyundai sibling.

Between 3.5 and 3.6 m long, and wider than 1.5 m:

The 5-door Changan Benni (or Ben Ben), Hafei Lubao and Fiat Panda.

The 3-door Fiat 500, Adam Revo (Pakistani), the new Renault Twingo and the late VW Lupo.

Taller MPVs, over 3.5 m long and 1.6 m wide:

Opel Agila/Suzuki Wagon R+

Suzuki Solio/Chevrolet MW (Japanese market)

Changhe Ideal and Ideal II (China)

Vans (1.7–1.9 m high)

Keijidosha

Daihatsu Tanto and Atrai

Honda Vamos and Vamos Hobio

Suzuki Every Wagon

Mitsubishi TownBox

Subaru Sambar Dias

and the commercial versions:

Daihatsu HiJet, Mitsubishi Minicab, Suzuki Every and Subaru Sambar Van

European models are restricted to the even smaller Piaggio Porter and variants, but there is also the larger Korean Daewoo Damas II, and the Chinese ChangAn Star, Wuling 6360 and Zongshen vans,and the tiny Changhe 6320

The pickups are usually based on these vans, many of which are also built in high-roof versions:

Keijidosha

Subaru Sambar Truck

Honda Acty

Daihatsu HiJet Truck

Suzuki Carry

Mitsubishi Minicab Truck

The Korean Daewoo Labo (short and long-bed), and inummerable Chinese trucks in with regular and crew cabs, chassis-cab, dumpsters etc. from ChangAn, Wuling, Changhe etc. ChangAn and Wuling trucks are imported to the US for off-road (private facility) use, but most are larger A- and B-segment models. Many of these vans and pickups are still rwd.

SUVs and crossovers:

Keijidosha

Daihatsu Terios Kid

Mitsubishi Pajero Mini

Suzuki Jimny (not to be confused with the longer, wider 4-cylinder Sierra version).

Larger crossovers include the Malaysian Perodua Kenari and various 4x4 versions of the Fiat Panda

A0-segment full SUVs are now restricted to the Indonesian-built Suzuki Katana, essentially an older version of the Jimny.

Edited March 29, 2007 by thegriffon

[Simon C]

Griffon, nice post with all the examples.

I hate to say it, but they all look fine. They're all so small, it's hard to look at then as "cars", but that's what it's going to come down to. Gas will be $3.00 a gallon this summer and it's only going to go UP.

The only thing about these cars is going up against the 18 wheelers. If we're making cars smaller doesn't it make sense to start making the big rigs smaller? I know the arguments are cost of shipping smaller amounts of "widgets" will make the cost of it go up, but just imagine 2 or 3 of those trucks around you in one of these small cars.

[Dragon]

That thing is ugly as sin, and I'll bet if it were badged as a Honda or Scion, this entire forum would be tearing it a new one.

I was full expected to come in here and find it having a new one having already being torn.

Its definitely starting to grow on me, but I still question it. Still looks like a really scaled down SUV, a look I don't know would go over well in Europe, where I can only assume this thing is aimed.

[91z4me]

The Suzuki Cara and Daihatsu Copen look pretty cool. The Suzuki has a little flair to it, except for the headlights.

Are the new Chinese owned MGs supposed to be in this size group as well or will they be larger?