Chevy Aveo RS Concept Car Shows Small Can Also Be Cool

Too often, small cars are viewed solely in terms of economy. There’s a truth to that, of course, since less mass requires less power – and fuel – to move down the road. But small can also be stylish, sporty…and dare we say, ‘fun.’

That’s the thought behind Chevrolet’s Aveo RS show car. Sure, the Aveo is an entry level model that by nature speaks to younger drivers and families with more modest means. But does that mean there couldn’t be a little fun in store while being thrifty?

Fun and sporty is what the Aveo RS show car is all about. It’s more spacious than the current production Aveo with a longer and wider body. Sprayed in electric Boracay Blue, its look is Euro-inspired with a decidedly more aggressive take than the standard Aveo, integrating global design cues like round taillamps, fender flares, and a dual element grille along with low brake cooling air intakes forward of the front wheels. Angular foglamps are integrated into the cooling inlets. The front end is further distinguished with an aggressive headlamp design with a brushed aluminum structural surround.

The aggressive styling theme continues along the sides with angular rocker panels and a lower body line that sweeps upward and toward the rear. An integrated rear spoiler flows from the roofline. Sportiness is reinforced with round exposed taillamps and center exhaust with dual chrome tips. The Aveo RS rides on 19-inch gun metal gray wheels wrapped with Michelin 225/40ZR19 tires, with Boracay Blue brake calipers peeking out from behind the five-spoke alloys.

Inside, driver and passengers are treated to a matte black interior with very cool Boracay Blue accent stitching on the seats, door panels, gearshift boot, shift knob, instrument panel, and floor mats. The blue theme carries through to the digital instrument pod and adjacent round tachometer, and even the audio display offers ice blue backlighting. Milled metal and aluminum accents are found throughout. Functionality is well looked after with multiple storage compartments and fold-flat rear seats.

Power is supplied by an efficient Ecotec1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine connected to a six-speed transmission. This is the same powerplant destined for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. Designers definitely had an eye on continuing the metal-and-blue theme beneath the hood. Here, a graphite silver engine cover with brushed aluminum insert is surrounded by a matte black surround that makes this truly stand out. The look is accented with vents in shadow chrome and coolant and power steering reservoir caps rimmed in ice blue. It’s not your average engine bay.

In fact, there’s little on the Aveo RS show car that’s average. According to its designers, the goal was to illustrate how progressive design can bring real personality to a small car, and they’ve done this in a big way. As the overall dimensions of many car models shrink in coming years to adjust to the realities of higher fuel efficiency, this kind of refreshing approach will go a long way toward keeping buyers excited about the cars they drive, regardless of class or size. As the Aveo RS demonstrates, it’s things large and small that make the difference.