Chevrolet to Introduce New International Compact in Paris

Now that the Opel Astra is on sale in North America as the Saturn Astra, many people have asked what’s happening with the Chevrolet Cobalt and its re-badged twin, the Pontiac G5. The answer will actually be shown in the form of a sneak preview this autumn at the Paris auto show.

As an international brand for Europe and Asia, Chevrolet offers its customers a much different product portfolio than in North America. The vehicles it sells are strictly Daewoo or GMDAT (GM Daewoo Auto Technology) products, as GM essentially replaced the Korean brand’s badging with Chevrolet’s bowtie when it dissolved the Daewoo nameplate. This new car will replace the Nubira and Lacetti, vehicles which are known here in the US as the Suzuki Forenza sedan and wagon, plus the Reno.

The new Chevrolet will be based on the next-generation Delta small car architecture, which will be shared in common with the next-generation Opel Astra, the Chevrolet Volt, as well as the forthcoming Saab 9-1. The new small Chevy will be developed and sold as an international product, meaning that what’s sold in Europe and Asia will also be sold here, as the replacement to the Cobalt.

The yet-to-be-named compact Chevrolet will be offered in the same configurations as the Forenza/Reno – sedan, wagon, five-door hatchback – but will also spawn other variants including a folding hardtop convertible and possibly a small crossover.

A full product lineup in what is internationally the most popular segment size will help Chevrolet build its standing as a brand across the globe.