23.9.2004
Show car trio sets the scene for Chevrolet's future in Europe
Chevrolet is presenting three highlights at the Paris Motor Show (September 25 to October 10): the three-door Kalos and the exciting show cars S3X and M3X. These cars are pointing the way to a strong future for the brand in Europe.
The Paris Motor Show sees the world premiere of the sporty three-door Kalos which will be in European showrooms from February 2005. The design of the new Chevrolet Kalos is even more dynamic than that of its five-door sibling. The three-door car will be available with a choice of three economical four-cylinder engines, ranging from the 1.2-liter gasoline unit with 53 kW/72 hp and the 1.4-litre 61 kW/83hp unit, to the even livelier 1.4-liter 16-valve version with 69 kW/94 hp.
Currently accounting for around 42 percent of the company's sales in Europe, the Kalos, which was first introduced two years ago, has become the most important model for GM Daewoo (in Western Europe) and Chevrolet (in Central and Eastern Europe). In the first six months of this year, some 40,000 European customers ordered the compact five-door car.
Just as the Kalos heralded the establishment of GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. (GM DAT) in South Korea only two years ago, so the Chevrolet S3X show car rings in a new era for Chevrolet in Europe, with new products designed, engineered and manufactured in South Korea . Featuring environmentally friendly hybrid technology, the S3X gives a glimpse into potential future propulsion systems . When the production version is launched in 2006, it will be the first diesel-powered Chevrolet in Europe. It will be the first vehicle in the line-up to be developed entirely by GM DAT. The S3X also offers a preview of possible styling cues for future Chevrolet models.
Chevrolet's M3X show car offers a glimpse at the next generation of the popular Matiz mini-car, which will be on the market in Europe in spring 2005. One particularly striking feature of the study is its round LED front headlamp design, which is matched at the rear by the round tail lights. The overall style of the M3X conveys a very dynamic effect, due to a combination of the short body overhangs, the steeply rising shoulder line and the converging feature lines in the engine hood. A roof spoiler underlines the sporty look of the car, as do the twin, centrally positioned exhaust pipes and the large 16-inch alloy wheels with their double-spoke design. There are side indicators below the front headlamps and, for added safety, in the side mirrors.
The large, glass panorama roof highlights an exceptionally light interior. The roof can be pushed half way back to provide plenty of fresh air. It also allows a clear view into the spacious cabin, which, in this study, is dominated by blue fabric and metal applications on the gear lever, steering wheel and air vents.