2012 Doomsday Predictions

We should all heed Bill Murray’s advice: “Don’t drive angry!” But according to many car review sites the 2012 Chevrolet Aveo has an angry-looking front end. You will have to judge for yourself, but many also agree that it is an improvement, inside and out. Chicago Chevy Aveo buyers will be impressed, if not surprised.

General Motors previewed the Aveo subcompact in January at the Detroit Auto Show. Some say this indicates Chevy’s direction: to create cars that are visually attractive that customers will want to buy. The outer shell is a reflection of the Aveo RS Concept while inside, a two-tone interior borrows from the Cruze. Used car and truck Chicago dealers may see some interest in the new Aveo from their customers.

The four-door version retains the front-end design with what have been described as “angry-looking” headlights, accentuated fenders and large grille previously seen on the five-door hatchback. I don’t know that agree with the angry description. Without someone putting that word in my head I think I might rather have described the 2012 Aveo as “pensive” or possibly “harsh”, but “angry” is such a strong word. Also absent from the Aveo is the blue tinting of the headlights. The interior is a bit flashier with more decorative trim. That’s a rather vague description, but it’s all we have for the moment.

Chicago Chevy Aveo customers will be more than content with the changes. Although still far from a luxury interior, the two-tone dash with integrated control panel is a huge improvement from previous models. A digital information center also scores points for the 2012 Aveo. Other than that, not much is forthcoming on what we might find under the hood, in the dash or anywhere else on this so-far-secretive model.

The Aveo line is lower than the Cruze, one of its big brothers, but is higher than the Spark. The Aveo sedan is likely to come with the same engine found in the current 2011 hatchback. Will there be trim packages offered? What options can we expect on the new Aveo? Will the price tag make us smile even as the front end glares? Will Bill Murray ever see February 3rd?

With so many unanswered questions about the 2012 Aveo, we can still be optimistic that Chevy is on the right track with the improvements in this model and that is can be competitive with other brands. Customers who shop a new car and used truck Chicago dealer should consider the Aveo. Shifting from the five-door hatchback to the four-door version may attract a new crowd, as the feel is sportier and the look is sleeker and more modern. Besides, for many of us the term “hatchback” still conjures visions of a 1970s and 80s bubble cars like the Pacer. By the way, my first car was a hatchback, but a sporty one if I do say so.

I certainly plan to give a second look to the 2012 Aveo when it appears in the showroom. Hopefully others will not judge the new Aveo by previous models and will consider this one a contender. Regardless, it’s a new day for the Chevy Aveo, if not for Bill Murray.

John Ward is a freelance writer and car buff. His article features information on Chicago Chevy Aveo dealers for used truck Chicago buyers.