It's a B-Car Baby Boom for 2012

By Michael White

Michael White

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1,500 views Oct 19, 2010

2012 Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback

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If there was one good thing that came out of the gas price spike of 2008 and subsequent fuel economy regulations, it's that it encouraged more automakers to offer B-segment (subcompact) models or to improve their existing offerings in the segment. The 2011 model year brought the U.S. debuts of the 2011 Ford Fiesta and 2011 Mazda2. In 2012 we'll get redesigns of all the other models in the segment except the Honda Fit, which got a redo for 2009. Here's a rundown of what's coming:

Chevrolet Aveo

After seven years as a bargain-basement beater, Chevrolet will move the Aveo upscale (and may change its name). The new Aveo shown at the Paris auto show has aggressive pug-nosed styling and a Cruze-like interior. Instead of a speedometer the new Aveo has a digital instrument cluster reminiscent of a sportbike. The only conventional gauge is a tach. GM announced a myriad of powertrains for the global Aveo, but a 1.6-liter gasoline four mated to a six-speed automatic or manual is the most likely option for America. A sporty RS model with the Cruze's 1.4-liter turbo could appear at some point. You'll have a choice of hatchback or sedan. Perhaps the new Aveo's most unique feature is that GM will build it in Michigan with UAW workers. GM expects the factory to be online by summer 2011 with vehicles rolling out to customers by fall.

Hyundai Accent/Kia Rio

While some B-cars are relatively new to the US market, the Hyundai Accent (originally known as Excel) has been duking it out for entry-level customers for more than two decades. The Accent got twinned with the Kia Rio for 2005. Already in production in Russia and China, the new new Accent looks like a Sonata with Ford Fiesta proportions. The only body style in production for now is a sedan, but spy photographers have also caught a five-door hatchback. Hyundai is not talking about U.S. specifications for the Accent but the versions out now offer 1.4- and 1.6-liter engines and four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmissions. A six-speed automatic may be necessary to keep up with the competition. Expect to see the U.S.-bound Accent debut at the Chicago Auto Show and go on sale by summer.

Spy photos of the upcoming Kia Rio show that it shares the Accent's body structure but with unique sheetmetal and trim to give it the new Kia family look. Expect most of what goes for the Hyundai Accent to apply to it as well.